What is a welder fitter and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
introduction image

A welder fitter specializes in welding and fitting metal parts together to create a finished product. Welder fitters use a variety of tools and equipment such as welding machines, grinders, and saws to cut, shape, and join metal pieces. They work with blueprints and schematics to meet the required specifications. Welder fitters may work in metalworking industries including construction, manufacturing, and transportation. They must have a solid understanding of metalworking techniques and safety protocols.

ScoreWelder FitterUS Average
Salary
3.1

Avg. Salary $39,676

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 2.68%

Black or African American 10.70%

Hispanic or Latino 17.61%

Unknown 3.99%

White 63.40%

Gender

female 4.86%

male 95.14%

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
7.5

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 Welder Fitter?

Pros

  • Good pay

  • High job security

  • Opportunities for advancement

  • Strong demand for skilled workers

  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team

Cons

  • Risk of injury from burns, electric shock, or falling objects

  • Can be mentally and emotionally taxing

  • Limited opportunities for promotion

  • Job may be seasonal or subject to economic fluctuations

  • May require travel or relocation

Welder Fitter career paths

Key steps to become a welder fitter

  1. Explore welder fitter education requirements

    Most common welder fitter degrees

    High School Diploma

    42.5 %

    Associate

    20.3 %

    Diploma

    15.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific welder fitter skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    MIG12.74%
    Hand Tools6.75%
    Arc Welding5.43%
    GMAW5.41%
    Aluminum5.33%
  3. Complete relevant welder fitter training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New welder fitters 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 welder fitter based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real welder fitter resumes.
  4. Gain additional welder fitter certifications

    Welder fitter 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 welder fitter certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for welder fitters include Certified Welder and Certified Welding Engineer.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research welder fitter duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and run production parts through the brake.
    • Align parts in relation to each other, using jacks, turnbuckles, clips, wedges, and mauls.
    • Align and fit according to specifications using jacks, turnbuckles, wedges, drift pins, pry bars and hammers.
    • Weld and fit per drawing: GTAW aluminum, stainless, steel, and copper-nickel pipe.
  6. Prepare your welder fitter resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your welder fitter 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 welder fitter resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Welder Fitter Resume templates

    Build a professional Welder Fitter 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 Welder Fitter resume.
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  7. Apply for welder fitter jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a welder fitter 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 Welder Fitter Job

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Average welder fitter salary

The average Welder Fitter salary in the United States is $39,676 per year or $19 per hour. Welder fitter salaries range between $28,000 and $55,000 per year.

Average Welder Fitter Salary
$39,676 Yearly
$19.07 hourly

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How do welder fitters rate their job?

-/5

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Welder Fitter 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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