What is a journeyman welder and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

A journeyman welder is responsible for welding different types of metals to create larger, industrial pipes. He/She reads and interprets blueprints, specifications, drawings, or schematics to identify the required welding process. He/She welds, fabricates and repairs metal and other weldable material by applying relevant welding techniques. Likewise, he/she welds metal parts, designs and builds fixtures, and operates welding equipment and tools. Additionally, he/she inspects completed welds to ensure they meet specifications.

Primarily, the educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or its equivalent. Employers may require formal training or apprenticeship in the area of specialty. To work as a journeyman welder, you need at least three years of related experience and necessary technical skills. You must be able to work under established procedures for a specific job. This position earns you an hourly rate of $20.13 or an annual salary of $41,870. This varies from $32,000 to $54,000.

ScoreJourneyman WelderUS Average
Salary
3.4

Avg. Salary $44,147

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.8

Growth Rate 2%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.80%

Asian 3.12%

Black or African American 9.69%

Hispanic or Latino 19.16%

Unknown 4.15%

White 62.08%

Gender

female 3.64%

male 96.36%

Age - 40
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 40
Stress Level
5.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
7.7

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.9

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Journeyman Welder career paths

Key steps to become a journeyman welder

  1. Explore journeyman welder education requirements

    Most common journeyman welder degrees

    High School Diploma

    36.7 %

    Associate

    23.4 %

    Diploma

    17.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific journeyman welder skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    MIG17.12%
    Brazing12.41%
    Jigs11.50%
    Flux Core9.95%
    Overhead Positions9.48%
  3. Complete relevant journeyman welder training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New journeyman welders learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a journeyman welder based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real journeyman welder resumes.
  4. Research journeyman welder duties and responsibilities

    • Skil in air arc metal cutting, oxyacetylene torch cutting, plasma arc metal cutting, GMAW, SMAW, FCAW.
    • Apply welding methods with the use of SMAW, FCAW and GMAW.
    • Pre-Fab free-hand TIG weld 1/16th inch stainless steel Schott tubes.
    • Weld on carbon steel, stainless, aluminum, brass, flux-core, cast iron and galvanize.
  5. Prepare your journeyman welder resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your journeyman welder resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a journeyman welder resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Journeyman Welder Resume templates

    Build a professional Journeyman Welder resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Journeyman Welder resume.
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    Journeyman Welder Resume
  6. Apply for journeyman welder jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a journeyman welder job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Journeyman Welder Job

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Average journeyman welder salary

The average Journeyman Welder salary in the United States is $44,147 per year or $21 per hour. Journeyman welder salaries range between $31,000 and $61,000 per year.

Average Journeyman Welder Salary
$44,147 Yearly
$21.22 hourly

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How do journeyman welders rate their job?

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Journeyman Welder reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2020
Pros

Good job for a person like me. Just put my hood down and weld without much instruction. I am quiet and welding fits good with my personality.

Cons

I don't like getting burned, but as long as I wear proper protection, it is very preventable.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Pros

It's challenging it keeps focused

Cons

Not to be appreciated, when we work hard, l love my work ND l wana learn more


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A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Pros

The skill level required to properly join metal together. Pride in your work and skill

Cons

Being Hot. The concentration level can be very tiring. Can be hard on the eyes.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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