The main purpose of welding in construction is to join materials together by applying heat. A welder is a technician who joins metal and other materials together or fixes and fills holes in metal construction using heat, gas, and sophisticated equipment. It’s important to comprehend typical welding tasks before you begin a career as a welder. In this article, we go over what a welder does, how to become one, and how much they can make.
Table of Contents
What is a Welder?
A welder is a skilled tradesperson who uses high heat and gas to join metal pieces together or fill and fix holes in metal structures.
Some welders even work underwater to repair oil rig foundations, ship hulls, and other subaquatic structures. Welders work on all kinds of industrial, manufacturing, and construction applications. Welders are in high demand worldwide because of the nearly universal need for their abilities.
What Does a Welder Do?
Construction, manufacturing, and industrial projects are the most common settings for welders to work. Depending on their level of training, their industry of employment, and their specific duties, here are some of the duties that encompass what a welder does:
General Duties
There are some general duties and responsibilities that all welders must perform regardless of skill level or scope of work. Here are some of these duties:
• Constructing projects for clients
• Polishing and smoothing out metals before welding
• Combining metal parts in overhead, vertical, or flat positions
• Laying out, aligning, positioning, and securing metal components
• Fixing seams or filling holes in metals
• Studying blueprints, sketches, material safety information, and engineering drawings to determine proportions for designs
• Maintaining welding machinery and equipment
• Inspecting structures or materials before welding
• Inspecting metalwork for defects and non-compliance with specifications
• Monitoring metals to avoid overheating of such metals
• Controlling and monitoring the materials and flame
• Conjoining pieces of infrastructure to create new items
• Removing excess weld, spatter, or slag from welded metal
• Applying protective coatings to metals
Skilled-based Duty of a Welder
Working on assembly lines and doing repetitive welding tasks are the responsibilities of an unskilled welder. Robots may occasionally be used in the construction of specialized equipment to carry out spot welding or join panels. The properties of a metal, different kinds of wires, gases, and the settings required to complete a stable and robust weld are typically things they know little about.
A skilled welder typically has knowledge of the different metal types’ welding requirements. They typically complete a formal education or apprenticeship program that qualifies them in a variety of advanced welding techniques. They carry out welding tasks in a variety of applications. For instance, they are essential to the construction of skyscrapers, high-rise structures, and other structures made of metal. They also work on specialized topics like race cars.
Welder Work Environment
Welding is a physically demanding and demanding job that frequently requires overtime. Welders work in a variety of environments depending on their company, location, area of expertise, and industry. A welder, for instance, may work in airtight spaces, underwater, in cramped quarters, or in an unusual building. While the majority of workers have a standard 40-hour workweek, welders who work on offshore rigs and construction sites may be stationed there for several weeks or months at a time.
Additionally, during periods of high production, some welders work overnight shifts. Your workplace could expose you to a variety of risks related to your jobs, such as gasses, flash burns, dangerous equipment, and the risk of falling from high places. As a result, most businesses offer safety footwear, eyewear, headgear, protective clothing, and clothing for the workplace.
Skills Needed to Be a Welder
Great Observation Skills and Attention to Detail
As a welder, you must pay close attention to every detail because you must follow specifications. You can produce metalwork according to specifications and avoid mistakes by regularly considering the implications of your actions.
Understanding Safety Protocols
It’s crucial to be aware of the necessary safety precautions, such as donning respirators, helmets, and other protective gear. You can work in a secure and effective environment as a result.
Manual Dexterity
As a welder, you must have good manual dexterity because it helps you finish jobs neatly. To ensure that you can carry out your responsibilities effectively, it’s also important to develop related abilities like motor coordination.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Because welding typically involves teams, it’s important to uphold productive working relationships with your coworkers. To accomplish business objectives, you must do this by effectively communicating with them, getting their feedback, and putting their suggestions into practice.
Time Management and Organization Skills
Welders typically work in a hectic setting where many projects must be finished quickly. Setting priorities and creating a schedule for your workday will help you complete tasks more quickly.
Analytical, Decision-making, and Problem-solving Ability
Being a welder requires you to find trustworthy and creative solutions to construction issues. Issues must be recognized, and examined, for which solutions must be found, and swiftly put into action.
Understanding of Technical Plans, Blueprints, and Drawings
During the construction process, welders typically use technical plans and blueprints. You must be skilled at deciphering these documents if you want to comprehend the needs of your clients.
Physical Strength and Stamina
Standing, crouching, kneeling, and bending are just a few of the strenuous physical activities involved in welding. You must be in shape to work as a welder because these activities typically last for a long time.
Math Skills
Both measuring and calculating angles are math-related tasks needed for the job of a welder. Therefore, having strong math skills guarantees that you can meet client needs and produce superior results.
The National Average Salary of a Welder
Although most employers hire welders full-time, some find temporary or contract work. As a result, the pay for a welder varies according to the sector, nature, scale, and location of the employer. The salaries of some welders may also vary depending on their education and work history. Regardless, the typical annual wage is $57,369.
How Many Hours Do Welders Work?
The majority of welders are full-time employees. On time-sensitive projects like some construction jobs, overtime is frequently required. In that situation, welders might work longer than the typical 40-hour workweek each week. Since many manufacturing facilities are open 24 hours a day, they frequently have two or three 8 to 12-hour shifts per day. This implies that some welders also work on the weekends and in the evenings.
Summary
Welders perform a variety of duties at work. To be successful in this field, they need both technical and physical abilities. Although tasks and schedules can differ from industry to industry or employer to employer, the fundamental duties stay very similar. Welders can thus use their skills in a variety of industries thanks to their versatility.
