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What is a structural welder and how to become one
Structural welders weld metal on various structures and tools. They perform repairs on metal pieces to prevent structural fatigue. They work for private and government businesses and are supervised by the job or company foreman. Besides that, they inspect planned and existing projects and tools for flaws. Also, they perform regular maintenance on metal projects to ensure safety and strength. Furthermore, they troubleshoot and repair structural issues on welded projects and structures. Additionally, they comply with all safety standards.
To become a structural welder, you need a high school diploma or its equivalent. Other qualifications are the ability to read blueprints and schematics, measuring ability, manual dexterity, maths skills, and physical ability. Welding equipment, safety equipment, metals, and handheld tools are tools you must be able to use. Employers may provide on-the-job training. These professionals make an average gross salary of $46,689 annually. This varies between $31,000 and $70,000.
Avg. Salary $42,868
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 2%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.59%
Asian 2.63%
Black or African American 10.14%
Hispanic or Latino 22.10%
Unknown 3.97%
White 59.56%
Genderfemale 5.06%
male 94.94%
Age - 40American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 40Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Structural Welder career paths
Key steps to become a structural welder
Explore structural welder education requirements
Start to develop specific structural welder skills
Skills 
Percentages SMAW 9.49% FCAW 8.17% MIG 8.10% Arc Welding 7.54% GMAW 6.10% Complete relevant structural welder training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New structural 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 structural welder based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real structural welder resumes.Gain additional structural welder certifications
More About CertificationsStructural welder certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific structural welder certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for structural welders include Certified Welder and OSHA Safety Certificate .
Research structural welder duties and responsibilities
- Manage and run production parts through the brake.
- Fabricate and assemble small parts and components with the GMAW, SMAW, FCAW and aluminum weld process.
- Bound structural as well as nonstructural parts by means of welding according to drawings using MIG and TIG welding of steel.
- Weld, and fabricate pressure vessels using GMAW process.
Prepare your structural welder resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your structural 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 structural 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 Structural Welder Resume templates
Build a professional Structural 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 Structural Welder resume.
Apply for structural welder jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a structural welder job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Structural Welder Job
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Average structural welder salary
The average Structural Welder salary in the United States is $42,868 per year or $21 per hour. Structural welder salaries range between $31,000 and $58,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do structural welders rate their job?
Structural Welder reviews
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.
I don't like getting burned, but as long as I wear proper protection, it is very preventable.
It's challenging it keeps focused
Not to be appreciated, when we work hard, l love my work ND l wana learn more
The skill level required to properly join metal together. Pride in your work and skill
Being Hot. The concentration level can be very tiring. Can be hard on the eyes.
Updated January 8, 2025
