Welder Job Description

Welder job description and profile

The job of a welder is to weld metals and different equipments in a wide range of fields. Usually used in industrial works, welders are a very important part in fabrication and construction sector. Since they deal with high risk materials such as gas and fire, they need to employ stringent safety measures while working.

Welder duties and responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities of skilled and unskilled welders differ as per their expertise levels. In general, the duties and responsibilities of a welder are:

• Welding metals in whichever way the client or employer requires
• Ensuring high safety measures while working such as donning protective gear for the face and body
• Senior welders will have to supervise welding operations of junior welders
• Operating heavy equipments such as industrial saws
• Being aware of the different methods of welding and choosing the best suited one for the job at hand
• Examining the equipment after welding and repairing defects
• Planning welding operations before beginning
• Read blueprints and weld according to the plan
• May have to train junior and entry level welders

Welder skills and specifications

The skills and specifications required for the job of a welder are:

• A thorough knowledge about welding methods
• A thorough knowledge about safety precautions while working
• Ability to read blueprints and understand instructions. This specification applies to skilled welders
• Ability to analyze work at hand and decide welding procedure
• Good decision making skills
• Ability to work in heat and smoke
• Must be physically healthy
• Must be able to finish work within given time
• Computer knowledge is necessary for advanced computer managed welding machines

Welder education and qualification

A high school diploma, along with a vocational course in welding, is sufficient to get a job.

Welder salary

For welders who are paid on hourly basis, the pay range is $11 to $24. Salaried welders earn between $25,000 and $62,000 per annum depending on skill.