What is a tank welder and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a tank welder. For example, did you know that they make an average of $17.22 an hour? That's $35,819 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 2% and produce 6,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreTank WelderUS Average
Salary
2.8

Avg. Salary $35,819

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.8

Growth Rate 2%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.61%

Asian 2.66%

Black or African American 10.47%

Hispanic or Latino 21.30%

Unknown 3.98%

White 59.98%

Gender

female 4.19%

male 95.81%

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

Tank Welder career paths

Key steps to become a tank welder

  1. Explore tank welder education requirements

    Most common tank welder degrees

    High School Diploma

    44.5 %

    Diploma

    17.5 %

    Certificate

    13.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific tank welder skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Tig Welding11.53%
    Carbon Steel10.22%
    Ground Storage Tanks9.31%
    Cranes8.99%
    Arc Welding8.28%
  3. Complete relevant tank welder training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New tank 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 tank welder based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real tank welder resumes.
  4. Research tank welder duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and run production parts through the brake.
    • Fit and weld storage tanks, stacks using see, fcaw, & Gmaw processes
    • Weld tanks using GMAW process ensuring no leaks in weldments.
    • Rig and install boiler sections and associate pumps and equipment.
  5. Prepare your tank welder resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your tank 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 tank 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 Tank Welder Resume templates

    Build a professional Tank 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 Tank Welder resume.
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    Tank Welder Resume
    Tank Welder Resume
  6. Apply for tank welder jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a tank 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 Tank Welder Job

B

Bbosa Emmanuel

Tank Welder

Introduction:
Meet the tank welder, the skilled craftsman responsible for building and repairing the massive containers that store and transport liquids and gases. From fuel tanks to chemical containers, these welders play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of various industries. In this article, we'll delve into the world of tank welding, exploring the challenges, skills, and importance of this vital profession.

The Art of Tank Welding:
Tank welding requires a unique combination of technical expertise, physical stamina, and attention to detail. Welders must be proficient in various welding techniques, including shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). They must also understand the properties of different metals and alloys, as well as the specific requirements of each tank.

Challenges of the Job:
Tank welders face numerous challenges on a daily basis. They work with heavy, cumbersome equipment, often in cramped and hazardous environments. The welding process itself can be physically demanding, requiring long periods of concentration and manual dexterity. Additionally, tank welders must adhere to strict safety protocols, as the materials they work with can be highly flammable or toxic.

Skills and Qualifications:
To become a tank welder, one must possess a strong foundation in welding techniques, metallurgy, and safety procedures. Many tank welders start their careers as apprentices or entry-level welders, honing their skills through hands-on experience and formal training. Certification programs, such as the American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder program, can also provide a competitive edge in the industry.

Importance of Tank Welding:
Tank welders play a vital role in various industries, including:

- Oil and gas
- Chemical processing
- Transportation
- Energy generation

Their work ensures the safe and efficient storage and transportation of liquids and gases, which is crucial for powering our homes, businesses, and vehicles.

Conclusion:
Tank welders are the unsung heroes of the factory floor, working tirelessly behind the scenes to build and repair the containers that keep our industries running. Their skill, dedication, and attention to detail are essential to ensuring the safety and efficiency of various industries. As we look to the future, the demand for skilled tank welders will only continu

Average tank welder salary

The average Tank Welder salary in the United States is $35,819 per year or $17 per hour. Tank welder salaries range between $25,000 and $50,000 per year.

Average Tank Welder Salary
$35,819 Yearly
$17.22 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do tank welders rate their job?

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Tank 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.


profile
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


profile
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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