Welder Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

What Does a Welder Do?

Welders use various techniques and tools to cut and fill metal parts and products. They melt and join pieces of metal together by creating intense heat using gas flames, lasers, and electric arcs. They make durable, lasting welds by possessing a strong understanding of metal properties.

A successful welder is capable of reading, interpreting, and accurately following technical specifications and drawings. As skilled tradespeople who perform critical work, welders adhere to required safety and quality standards. Additional duties often include metal cutting and shaping.

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National Average Salary

Welder salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. To explore salary ranges by local market, please visit our sister site zengig.com.

The average U.S. salary for a Welder is:

$44,500

Welder Job Descriptions

It’s important to include the right content in your job description when hiring a welder. The following examples can serve as templates for attracting the best available talent for your team.

Example 1

[Your Company Name] is in need of strong and hardworking welders who will help us fulfill orders for our customers. We are looking for someone who is able to take accurate measurements, decide which equipment to use, and then properly use it to build according to a blueprint. Primary responsibilities will include setting up and operating welding processes while achieving and maintaining established quality and productivity standards. Your work is crucial to our success, so if you are reliable, have a great work ethic, and will arrive on time, you would be a great candidate for this position. 

Typical duties and responsibilities

  • Examine blueprints and sketches 
  • Maintain equipment and machinery
  • Weld components in various positions 
  • Operate various machinery following safety protocols

Education and experience

  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Technical or on-the-job experience as well as certifications preferred

Required skills and qualifications

  • Physical stamina and strength 
  • Manual dexterity
  • Knowledge of technical and mechanical terminology, processes, and equipment 
  • Detail-oriented and able to handle potentially hazardous conditions
  • Ability to comprehend instructions, drawings, and blueprints 
  • Thorough understanding of welding processes 

Preferred qualifications

  • Pass 6G Butt and Tee Branch welding tests
  • Must test for API 1104 certification
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints and mechanical drawings
  • Understanding of API 1104 certification standards and procedures

Example 2

The Welder is responsible for operating a multitude of welding equipment working primarily on aluminum, steel, and galvanneal requiring a high grade of skill.

Responsibilities

  • Read blueprints and weld metals according to customer or employer requirements
  • Operation of heavy equipment such as saws
  • Perform set-up of the machine and preventative maintenance as required
  • Examine created welds to check for defects/flaws
  • Ability to learn and perform different methods of welding to obtain certifications
  • Perform safety and quality checks
  • Work and adhere to all safety policies

Minimum qualifications

  • Basic math, tape measurement, and computer skills
  • Basic experience with hand tools
  • Able to understand and comprehend measurement
  • Able to read and interpret blueprints for special applications
  • High School Diploma or equivalent GED
  • Must be 18 years old

Preferred qualifications

  • Previous experience in manufacturing
  • Previous experience working on truck bodies

Physical requirements

This job operates in a manufacturing plant environment. While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to talk or hear. The team member frequently is required to stand (sometimes for extended periods); walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and lift up to 35 pounds. The team member may, at times, sit, bend, stoop, squat, reach overhead, or crawl (may be in confined spaces). The team member is expected to perform repetitive tasks using their hands, and have the ability to climb ladders and/or work in high places.

Example 3

Summary

Under general supervision, applies appropriate welds to fabricate or repair compactors, containers, and carts.

Responsibilities

  • Performs minor repairs and applies basic welding processes
  • Repairs compactors, containers, and carts
  • Performs preventive maintenance inspections, diagnostic and repair of electrical and hydraulic systems on compactors
  • Qualified in the welding processes such as arc welding, gas welding, aluminum welding, brazing, and soft soldering on a variety of materials
  • Conducts safety checks on compactors and containers
  • Completes required paperwork utilizing fleet maintenance software program associated with repairing compactors and containers, documenting parts usage, and accounting for repair times
  • Assists senior welders in the completion of project work
  • Performs service calls for compactor repair
  • Performs related work such as flame cutting, bending, forming, beveling, and notching of metal and plastic parts
  • Performs all work within Standard Repair Times (SRTs)
  • Works from prints, drawings, and verbal instructions
  • Performs standard layouts and set-ups of dimensions and tolerances
  • Utilizes standard shop hand tools, measuring devices, and equipment
  • Performs other maintenance-related work as required
  • Maintains a clean, safe work area in compliance with Corporate/OSHA Standards
  • Performs all work in accordance with established safety procedures

Qualifications

  • Education: Not required
  • Experience: 2 years of relevant experience
  • Required: Valid driver’s license
  • Basic skills in welding techniques
  • Knowledge of safety procedures and practices necessary while operating or repairing compactors, containers, and carts
  • Skill in operating tools equipment, parts, and procedures utilized during the repair and servicing of compactors, containers, and carts
  • Skill in repair of special purpose equipment
  • Ability to perform repairs on a variety of compactors, containers, and carts; and ability to utilize fleet maintenance software program may be required

Example 4

Responsibilities

  • Safely utilizes various metal shop tools including horizontal band saw, angle grinder, chop saw, die grinder, mag drill, manual pipe bender, and other metal working tools and equipment
  • Safely and effectively operates TIG/MIG welder to industry standards
  • Skilled at assessing repair viability of damaged or broken rental items, and repairing or repurposing as needed
  • Ability to read shop drawings and use them to create simple components and assemblies accurately and within tolerance
  • Manages workflow to ensure a clean and organized workplace. Cleans and organizes daily, or as needed to keep and maintain an organized and functional workspace
  • Consistent reporting of in-house inventory of shop consumables and materials to the supervisor
  • Assist in the repair department under the supervision of the repair lead. Duties may include but are not limited to sanding, painting, basic electrical repair, carpentry, or other repairs

Qualifications

  • Minimum high school diploma
  • At least 1-2 years of welding experience including experience with TIG/MIG welding
  • Ability to pass a basic welding test with a TIG/MIG welder
  • Ability to be certified to wear respiratory protection if required
  • Ability to regularly lift at least 50 lbs. or more frequently
  • Ability to speak, write and read English
  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Ability to drive or learn to drive a forklift preferred
  • Must have reliable transportation

Candidate Certifications to Look For

  • Certified Welder (CW) Program – This program tests welders on their knowledge of the course of action for welding structural steel, petroleum pipelines, sheet metal, and chemical refinery welding industries. These tests must be taken at an AWS-Accredited Testing Facility. There are no prerequisites and certification credits are transferable. This program offers welders the opportunity to learn and obtain new skills for different types of welding work. 
  • Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) – This credential allows young welders to work alongside a Certified Welding Inspector to inspect if welding work interests them. Once achieved, the certification is valid for three years. This credential allows candidates to gain the hands-on experience they need to become a Certified Welding Inspector, while still having someone with even greater experience at their side. There will be a fundamentals exam on information such as destructive testing, fabrication in math, and safety in welding, as well as a hands-on portion of the examination.
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) – A CWI is able to inspect a weldment and determine whether or not it is acceptable according to a specific code or standard. They will ensure the quality of work and that a weldment is built safely. Certified Welding Inspectors handle qualification records and must be detail-oriented, as they may catch mistakes that previous inspectors may have missed. This is a prestigious credential and is highly regarded because of the experience and knowledge required. The exam is a 3-part exam including a fundamentals portion, a practical exam, and an open-book exam using the codebook.

How to Hire a Welder

When hiring a welder, first consider the following:

  • Recruiting: Do you have the knowledge, tools, and resources to attract and screen candidates?
  • Complexity: Do you need a senior professional, or will mid or junior-level skills and experience suffice?
  • Duration: Is this a one-time project or an ongoing need?
  • Management: Do you have the time and expertise to direct the work effectively?
  • Urgency: How soon does the work need to be completed?
  • Headcount: Do you have the budget and approval for an internal employee, or should you consider alternate options?

Answering these questions will help determine the best course of action for your current hiring need. Fortunately, great options exist for every scenario. These are our recommendations:

1. Use 4 Corner Resources (or another professional recruiting firm)

The heavy lifting is done for you when working with a top-tier staffing company like 4 Corner Resources. We source, screen, recruit, and deliver only the most qualified candidate(s), saving you significant time and effort throughout the hiring process while you remain focused on your core business. Understanding your needs and ensuring the right candidate for the position is the key to our success.

This is the best route to take when:

  • You need to fill the position quickly
  • You want access to a vast talent pool of high-quality, prescreened candidates
  • Your position is suited for temporary hiring services, contract staffing, or contract-to-hire recruiting, and you intend to direct the work activity.
  • You are hiring an employee as a direct placement but aren’t able to recruit effectively or efficiently with your internal staff. 
  • You aren’t familiar with current salary rates, market trends, and available skill sets
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2. Advertise your opening on a top job board

Your best option may be to advertise your opening on a proven job board. There are many widely used job sites out there that draw visits from qualified candidates. If you have someone internally who can dedicate the time and energy to sort through applications and screen individuals effectively, this can be a great choice. 

We recommend using a job board when:

  • Your internal recruiting team has the knowledge and experience to assess candidate qualifications
  • You are hiring a direct employee and have time to manage the entire recruiting effort 
  • You have a process for receiving, screening, and tracking all resumes and applications
  • You are prepared to respond to all applicants

We recommend CareerBuilder when hiring a welder:

CareerBuilder

CareerBuilder has been a trusted source for hiring since 1995. Reach 80+ million unique, diverse U.S. job seekers annually by posting your jobs through their talent acquisition channels. Through CareerBuilder, you can engage candidates and drive them into your sourcing pipeline. We recommend using CareerBuilder for hiring when you have the internal resources and processes to review, screen, and reply to all applicants.

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3. Leverage your internal resources

You can utilize your own website, social media, and employees to assist in your search for top candidates. 

A company website posting should be the first step in notifying prospective candidates that you are hiring. Social media can also be a powerful tool for spreading the word about your new opening. As far as exposure is concerned, this option can be as good as some job boards when you have a large enough following across various platforms, like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.

Current employees are every organization’s greatest asset. Encourage your internal team to promote job openings to their network by offering cash and other incentives.

We recommend these options when:

  • Your brand has great name recognition
  • You can consistently monitor and respond to candidate activity through your website and social media accounts
  • You have a process in place to quickly and broadly communicate job openings and requirements
  • You have an effective employee referral program in place

If you aren’t sure which path is best, schedule a discovery call today with our seasoned recruiting professionals. The 4 Corner team is on standby to help you find the best option for your unique hiring need.

Sample Interview Questions

  • Tell me about the most exciting welding job you have done. Why did you like it?
  • Why did you decide to go into welding?
  • You notice an error in a colleague’s work. What do you do?
  • What do you like about welding?
  • What do you not like about welding?
  • Are you scared of heights?
  • How do you maintain safety in the workplace?
  • Can you tell us about your education and experience?
  • Tell me about a time when your actions didn’t line up with your core values.
  • What is your ideal workspace environment?
  • How do you handle customer complaints? 
  • How do you feel about working 12-hour shifts? How about working overtime?
  • Tell me about a time you made a mistake. How did you handle it? 
  • Welding is a physically strenuous and demanding job. What do you do to stay healthy?
  • Describe a time you received criticism from your supervisor. How did you respond to it? 
  • What welding techniques do you know? Do you have experience with that type of welding?

Need help hiring a Welder?

We match top professionals with great employers across the country. From filling urgent job openings to developing long-term hiring strategies, our team is here to help. Review our staffing solutions, browse our award-winning Staffing Corner blog, or call today. We look forward to connecting with you soon.

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