Welding jobs 101: Where & how to get hired

For those willing to do some hard and sometimes dirty jobs there are plenty of well-paying and fulfilling welding jobs waiting to be filled. Despite so many opportunities, job recruiters in the industry are very specific when it comes to choosing the candidates for the job since poor welding skills could endanger lives and require rework. That said, if you think that you have what it takes for a welding job but have been having problems landing a gig, it could be because you do not know enough about welding jobs, or what it takes to get hired for one.

Where can I work as a welder?

Welding is a skill that is needed virtually everywhere. Pipelines, cruise lines, and mining companies require surface and underground welders; military transport and explorers require welders when travelling to areas of hostile terrain; oil rigs require underwater welders.

Cable and satellite companies also require welders to establish structures both in space and on the ground. Needless to say, these industrial factories can be stationed anywhere around the world.

What jobs can a welder get?

Besides welding itself, there are so many career paths you can take as a certified welder. Some of them include machine operator, welding inspector or supervisor, robotics repairer, project manager, technical sales specialist, quality control, plus many other specialized welding areas such as underwater photography.

How do you get a welding job?

The following tips will help you ace the best welding jobs:

• Know what the job recruiters are looking for

First and foremost, you need to know what the job recruiters in this area look for. Most welding jobs will require you to have basic education (High School Diploma or any equivalent) and on-the-job training in welding. On top of that, most job recruiters will also require you to prove your skills through a test job prior to hiring.

• Prepare a brilliant resume

Even with the best welding skills, you need to know how to craft a dynamite resume. This is because your resume is the first thing that the recruiters will come across before actually meeting you. Knowing how to communicate your skills, work experience, and qualifications as a welder is essential.

Typical Welding Jobs Interview Questions

The following are answers to some of the most frequently asked welding jobs interview questions:

Do underwater welders make good money?

Underwater welding or hyperbaric welding is one of the specialized welding fields involving working at elevated pressures. Welders in this category are often required to perform tasks such as rigging, fitting, and non-destructive machinery alignment & testing. Because of the working constraints and risks involved, underwater welders earn serious salaries of up to $100000 + annually. You need additional training in welding procedures, safety, and diving to become an underwater welder.

How much do typical welding jobs pay?

Welding, in general, has been classified as one of the most remunerative careers in the blue-collar jobs industry. The average annual salary for a typical welding job is $37000, which is almost double of what most middle-class jobs offer. With overtime, plus additional work benefits, 90% of welders in the US brag minimum annual salaries of $60,000.

How to become a certified welder?

There are also so many specialized welding certifications you can acquire. Though not necessary, these serve to reward your welding career in many significant ways such as gaining a competitive edge over rival job seekers, higher salaries, as well as better job security and stability.

Is welding a dangerous occupation?

Welding jobs are considered safe so long as the industry-set safety standards and procedures are adhered to. If these safety measures are ignored, welders could face a range of hazards such as eye-damage, electric shock, fire & explosions, and inhalation of harmful gases.

Bottom line

According to the American Welding Society, there is an alarming shortage of skilled welders worldwide. This should give you confidence as you keep hunting for the best welding jobs. The welding skillset is also very portable and can take you overseas if you so desire.