9 Different Types Of Welding Jobs (Explained)

Welding jobs are in high demand nowadays. From construction sites to industries, there is a need for welders everywhere. Whether it’s a steel manufacturing company or spaceship builders, no matter what, they will need a welder for sure.

That’s why there are a plethora of different types of welding jobs. Some are for manufacturing while some jobs are for outdoor work. And here in this article, I’ll explain different types of welding jobs and salaries. 

Moreover, I’ll cover which type of welding experience you should have to get those jobs. There are many types of welding like MIG, TIG, Laser welding, and Ultrasonic welding. You must choose what type of welding matches your skill and look for those particular jobs.

But first, let’s know about different welding jobs. Let’s get started.

Types of welding jobs

Many people often wonder thinking how many types of welding jobs are there. There is no certain answer to this question actually. There are a lot of varieties of welding jobs.

Even if we just talk about industrial welding, it can vary with what of type industry is it, Like automobile welding job is different from ship welding or construction welding.

So, here I’m going to mention the most basic categories of welding jobs. There are still many subcategories under these.

Industrial welding:

You may have already guessed what industrial welding jobs are. Yes, these jobs are for the industry level. Since the number of industries is growing each day, the demand for this job is increasing too.

We can divide these jobs into two parts,

Manufacturing welding:

Under this category, manufacturing-related jobs are considered. Automobiles, machines, and equipment manufacturers are looking for and recruiting welders of various types. The quality of a product depends on how well the welding was done. So, companies like to hire the best welders for sure.

Maintenance welding:

Not only for manufacturing, rather maintenance is another important part of industrial welding jobs. Often various machines and parts need to be repaired. To fix old parts or to join a new one, welding is the best solution. That’s why it’s a huge sector of welding jobs.

Constructional welding

Whether it’s personal or industrial, a lot of construction is taking place nowadays. There, to join steel structures or piping, welders are needed.

Sheet metal welding

Sheet metal welding is another type of welding job. This job includes joining metal sheets together to form various shapes. These are so much available in the automobile industry.

Nuclear welding

As the number of nuclear power plants is increasing day by day, specialized welders are needed who have experience in nuclear plant welding.

As a nuclear welder, you will have to repair or make reactors, vessels, etc at the plant. The most amazing thing is that you will need an FBI clearance for applying for this job. Also, regular drug and alcohol tests and psychology tests will be necessary. The salary of this job is higher than regular welders’ jobs.

Pipe welding

Pipe welding jobs include joining pipes in mining sites or in industries. These are widely seen in the ship and oil industries. The salary for this job can vary from 40,000 to 1,00,000 USD annually.

You must have a certification to have this job. Not only that, the company that is recruiting you will provide proper training before handing over any projects.

Underwater welding

Underwater welding is one of the toughest jobs. For constructing bridges, submarines, or underwater constructions, this welding is needed. This can be done in two ways. By dry welding or by wet welding. Both of these are very risky and need proper training to perform.

Read More: Why Is Underwater Welding Dangerous?

Rig welding

Rig welding is considered to be the toughest type of welding. This job includes joining metal pipes for an oil mine. To transport oil and other viscous fluid, these pipes are used. It needs to ensure that there is no leakage in those pipes. That’s why rig welding is done.

Rig welders must have the ability to work under extreme conditions. Moreover, they often have to work continuously for a very long time. As a result, the salary of rig welders is about double of normal welding.

Different positions for a welding job

Now you know about different types of welders’ jobs. But that’s not the whole story. Rather, there are various positions for welding jobs too. Do you know what these are?

Well, let’s have a look,

Welders:

This is the main person who performs the welding. To be an expert welder, one must have sufficient knowledge about different types of welding methods. He should have the skill to work under different working conditions and for a long time.

Operator:

An operator is one who operates the welding machine and makes sure it’s working properly. He must have proper knowledge about how the welding is done and how the machine works.

Cutter:

A cutter cuts the metal parts in required shapes before the welder attaches them together. Proper measurement and knowledge about different cutting tools are necessary for this job.

Inspector:

An inspector’s responsibility is to supervise the job and check whether there is a possibility of error. If he finds anything wrong, he instructs others to fix it accordingly.

Welding engineer:

As a welding engineer, you have to analyze different situations and decide what type of welding is preferred. Not only that, the performance and durability test, and steps while damages are also the concern of a welding engineer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

There are different types of welding jobs out there in the market. To grab one, all you need to do is to develop your skill and approach professionally.

Though most welding jobs have a satisfactory salary range, rig welders get the most. That’s because this job includes high risk. A simple mistake can cause catastrophe.

So, to become a rig welder or to do any type of welding job, you must complete the training course from any certified institution. Then select your expertise and apply for the job.