If you’re considering becoming a welder, you might have already begun to understand that this can be an extremely lucrative career choice, not to mention incredibly interesting.
This guide will give you all the essential information you need to know about becoming a welder and succeeding in this position.
Even if you’re already working as a welder, it never hurts to brush up on the basics of your profession, especially if you’re looking to advance within your company or change careers altogether.
So you’re interested in becoming a welder? You’re not alone
A career as a welder can give you the freedom to choose how and where you work and the chance to be involved in an ever-growing array of projects, from bridges to skyscrapers to ships.
But what does it take to become a welder? What kind of salary can you expect, and what do welders do?
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What Welders Do?
Welders use heat to join two pieces of metal together. The most common type of welding is arc welding, which uses an electric arc to create heat.
Other types of welding include gas welding, spot welding, and resistance welding.
Welders must have a strong understanding of how different metals react to heat to create a strong joint.
They also need to know the various techniques that can be used for each type of welding.
Learning these skills through hands-on training and experience is essential to become a welder.
It takes time to become certified as a welder; however, you can start by getting some experience in the field through work or apprenticeships.
Job Description
A welder is responsible for joining two or more pieces of metal together using heat and pressure.
The most common type of welding is steel welding, but welders may also work with aluminum, brass, and other metals.
Welders use various tools to create their welds, including arc welders, gas welders, and plasma cutters.
Some welders specialize in one type of welding, while others can perform multiple types.
Skills Needed to Become a Welder?
To become a welder, you will need good hand-eye coordination, work in tight spaces, and have the physical strength to lift heavy objects.
You will also need to be able to follow instructions carefully and have an understanding of basic math and science.
With these skills, you can safely and effectively operate welding equipment.
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Education and Training Requirements
To become a welder, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Many welders also complete formal training programs at technical schools or community colleges.
These programs typically last anywhere from six months to two years.
Some welders may also choose to become certified through the American Welding Society (AWS).
Certification is not required for all welding jobs, but it can help demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers.
AWS offers three levels of certification that take between one and four years to achieve.
The first level of certification is called AWS D1, which takes about a year of work experience in addition to five exams in subjects like metallurgy, material science, welding symbols, arc-welding processes, etc.
The second level of certification is called AWS D2. This takes between one and three years to achieve, with requirements including five exams on topics like oxyacetylene cutting techniques and gas metal arc welding processes.
Finally, there are two levels of master certifications: AWS DM1 requires three exams on topics like advanced electrode coatings applications, while AWS DM2 requires ten exams on topics like project management in pipe fabrication plants.
Salary and Job Outlook for Welders
A welder’s salary depends on many factors, including experience, geographical location, and type of welding.
The median annual salary for welders was $37,870 in May 2017, with the top 10 percent earning more than $85,830.
The job outlook for welders is positive. The demand for welders is expected to grow as the economy continues to improve.
Some welders may aspire to become welding engineers or supervisors. Others may open their welding businesses.
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Conclusion
If you’re interested in becoming a welder, you first need to decide what type of welding you want to do.
The most common types are stick welding, MIG welding, and TIG welding. Once you’ve chosen the type of welder you want to be, you’ll need to get some training.
Many welders learn on the job, but welding schools can also give you the skills you need.
