A career in welding involves the joining of materials (typically metals) using skilled fusion techniques. And while many people tend to think of the manufacturing industry when they think of careers in welding, the fact remains that many job opportunities exist for welders in other fields—including the construction field. From commercial to industrial and even new-home construction, hard-working individuals with welding skills and experience can excel in these rewarding positions.
Required Knowledge for Welding Construction Jobs
Construction welders need the following skills:
- Understanding of welding processes and safety procedures
- Ability to utilize the proper equipment
- Ability to read blueprints or plans
- Problem-solving ability
- Any related math, geometry skills
- Have any licenses needed to operate the required equipment
Educational Requirements
Most companies hiring a construction welder will require a high school diploma and that you pass a drug test. They will look for:
- Completion of a welding training program that includes the following welding skills:
- Safety
- Structural Welding
- Applied Mathematics
- GMAW, GTAW, SMAW, and flux core welding
- Ability to weld materials
- Blueprint reading skills
- Cutting and Welding with Oxyacetylene
- Related experience
There are also construction welding apprenticeships available. In these programs, an apprentice will get between 6,000 and 8,000 hours of training plus 160 hours of classroom instruction. For more information review this information from the National Center for Construction Education and Research.
Certification
The American Welding Society offers a Certified Welder credential. To earn the credential, you will need to be able to prove competency in multiple positions and processes.
Salaries
| Job Title | Median Salary in the U.S. |
|---|---|
| Plumber, Pipefitter or Steamfitter | $48,000 |
| Structural Metal Worker | $40,000 |
| Welder, Cutter, Solderer and Brazer | $47,000 |
| Welder, Cutter, Solderer and Brazer Aide | $29,000 |
| Welding Inspector | $50,000 |
Types of Construction Welding Jobs
Structural Welders
Simply put, modern construction would not be possible without help from professional structural welders. These welders work closely with architects and structural engineers to ensure that the building “bones” are properly erected. For those who enjoy jobs involving not just the technical knowledge of welding, but close attention to detail and working alongside others, a job as a structural welder can be quite enjoyable. A typical day as a structural welder may include working with specialized machines and fire to cut construction materials to the proper size, hoist them into position, and execute welds.
The fundamental job requirements are job preparation of equipment and materials, welding and then post-welding such as treating the piece that was welded (e.g.; cleaning, polishing, buffing, etc.)
Tank Welders
In both residential and commercial construction, the welding of tanks and other fabricated metal products is often needed to achieve a final product. In situations where tank welding is needed (such as in connecting city utilities to a new subdivision or office plaza), a tank welder will be brought in to complete the job. The primary responsibilities of a tank welder are to use hand-welding or sometimes flame-cutting equipment to close off seams in fabricated tanks or repair existing holes. This is a great position for critical thinkers who have excellent knowledge of welding production processes.
Pipe and Tube Welders
In any construction with working plumbing, a team of pipe welders (also known as tube welders) will be needed to construct and connect plumbing and other systems throughout a building. These tasks often involve closer and more precise attention to detail, depending on the length and configuration of piping that needs to be welded. Because a pipe’s contents can sometimes be flammable or sensitive to pressure changes, pipe welders must also be well aware of safety protocols to avoid injuries. For most projects, pipe welders work in a group setting to complete a job more efficiently, so this is a position well suited for team players.
Combo Welders
Combo welders are necessarily the best of best; they possess the skills and training necessary to complete any number of welding projects and may have separate certifications for each. Typically, combo welders start off in another area of expertise and branch out with additional training and education until they’re able to become certified as combination welders. This is a great long-term career goal for those who need a little variety in their day-to-day work and those who want to be a little more choosy about the jobs they take. However, it is a designation that can take many years of practice and training to achieve.
Typical tasks performed by a combo welder include constructing, modifying, or repairing metal parts, ability to lay out materials, can secure materials during welding, finishes the welding work such as removing slag, adjusting, and maintaining any welding equipment, assist others on the job.
These are some of the most in-demand welding jobs in the construction industry. Those looking for work outside of manufacturing would be well served to explore residential, commercial, and even industrial construction opportunities in their area.