What is a tig welder and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
introduction image

A TIG welder uses the Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding method to join metal pieces together. These welders use an electric arc to heat metal and add filler material to form a bond. TIG welding is known for high-quality, precise welds and is commonly used in industries like aerospace, automotive, and art fabrication. The job requires knowledge of different types of metal, as well as safety protocols for handling hot metal and electrical equipment.

ScoreTIG WelderUS Average
Salary
3.0

Avg. Salary $38,192

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.8

Growth Rate 2%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.69%

Asian 2.87%

Black or African American 9.74%

Hispanic or Latino 18.34%

Unknown 4.06%

White 63.30%

Gender

female 7.70%

male 92.30%

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

What are the pros and cons of being a TIG Welder?

Pros

  • Potential for high earnings and job stability due to demand for TIG welders

  • Ability to work with a variety of metals and materials

  • Chance to work on unique and interesting projects

  • Possibility of self-employment or freelance work

  • Continuous learning and advancement opportunities

Cons

  • Risk of injury from burns, electric shock, and exposure to hazardous substances

  • Work can be physically demanding and tiring

  • Limited job opportunities in certain geographic areas

  • Can be stressful when working on important projects

  • Limited advancement opportunities in certain industries

TIG Welder career paths

Key steps to become a tig welder

  1. Explore tig welder education requirements

    Most common tig welder degrees

    High School Diploma

    42.5 %

    Diploma

    18.8 %

    Associate

    18.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific tig welder skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Tig Welding34.58%
    Carbon Steel7.60%
    GTAW4.76%
    Arc Welding4.40%
    Hand Tools3.68%
  3. Complete relevant tig welder training and internships

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

    • Manage and run production parts through the brake.
    • Weld 7ga-22ga together through GMAW (TIG) and (MIG) process.
    • Assist with minor repairs on steel and carbon steel with proper tig and flux core operation.
    • Work as TIG and MIG welder on carbon/stainless steel, arc-welder for product repair, and plasma cutter.
  5. Prepare your tig welder resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your tig 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 tig 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 TIG Welder Resume templates

    Build a professional TIG 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 TIG Welder resume.
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    TIG Welder Resume
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    TIG Welder Resume
    TIG Welder Resume
  6. Apply for tig welder jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a tig 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 TIG Welder Job

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Average tig welder salary

The average TIG Welder salary in the United States is $38,192 per year or $18 per hour. Tig welder salaries range between $29,000 and $49,000 per year.

Average TIG Welder Salary
$38,192 Yearly
$18.36 hourly

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How do tig welders rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

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TIG Welder reviews

profile
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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