Welders, who may also be referred to as soldering and brazing workers, use heat to fuse and mold metal together.  This is a process that permanently joins metal.  The art of welding is commonly used in shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing and repair, aerospace applications and other manufacturing activities because of its power and strength.  Many welders may also use their technique on construction buildings and bridges.

There are many types of welding equipment.  They range depending on the welder’s needs and preferences.  There are flat, vertical, horizontal and overhead.  There are two types of welding that are primarily used; manual and semiautomatic.  In manual welding the work is done entirely by the welder.  Semiautomatic welding is done using machinery like a wire feeder to perform the specific task.

Welding may seem to be pretty simple but in truth it is fairly complex.  There are about one hundred styles and types of welding but Arc welding is the most popular.  Arc welding involves the use of two large “alligator” clips that work together in the efforts to create a strong electrical current.  One clip is placed on the piece of work and the other is connected to the welding rod.  Once the welding rod connects to the work piece the electrical circuit works to create a conversion using heat.  In order to ensure the high quality of the weld, it is important to work with speed and precision.  The cooling process is what actually forms the bond while an inert gas is released to protect the piece from different elements. 

There are primarily two types of Arc welding forms used.  They are Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) and Metal Inert Gas (MIG).  TIG welding is commonly used to work on stainless steel and aluminum and is used with welding rods.  MIG welding allows the welder to weld continuously with out replacing the metal rod.  It utilizes a pool of continuously fed wire that makes it possible to join longer pieces of metal.  TIG welding is the form that is more commonly known.  The welder holders the rod in one hand and the torch in the other and uses a mask to shield the eyes due to the closeness of the work.  In MIG welding the welder will simply hold the wire feeder.

It is becoming more common practice to incorporate the use of automated welders.  In this case a welding machine operate would supervise the machinery in order to monitor the work and progress.  It is important, in this business to be consistent and precise when following specific layouts.  Operators must be competent enough to load parts correctly while monitoring all aspects of the job.

Schooling and training for welders depend on a variety of aspects.  Some welders receive on the job training and only do some schooling to brush up on skills and learn new techniques and advancements.  Others enroll in welding programs and learn all the necessary essentials while training in the classroom.  On the job training provides additional learning to those well versed in studies. 

Many welders begin their careers from classes offered in high schools, vocational schools and post secondary institutions.  Vocational-Technical Institutes, Community Colleges and Private Welding schools offer programs and certification courses that outline and detail this profession.  Courses that are offered by these institutes are generally 2-3 year programs.  Another way to learn the skill of welding is to enlist with the Armed Forces.  They have opportunities available for welders also.  Many employers are beginning to prefer welders who have more formal education.  Some are willing to offer job training on-site, but the majority of them are recruiting from colleges, school and certification programs.

Once a welder becomes hired on, they must complete a program to become certified.  Industry associates and the employers who are affiliated with them implement standards and codes.  The need to become certified and the specifics behind this program are different depending on the employer or company.  A welding inspector will determine whether or not an applicant has successful completion in accordance to the standards and guidelines.

There are specific courses that are required in this industry and most employers encourage knowledge in blueprint reading, shop mathematics, mechanical drawing, physics, chemistry and metallurgy.  The basic understanding of computers and electricity has proven to also be beneficial to a welder’s success.

Because the job does require accuracy, precision and speed; it is important for welders to have great hand-eye coordination.  The attention to detail may require a welder to concentrate on specific work for long periods of time.  It is also possible to remain in certain positions for a length of time.  In this case, welders should be flexible and adaptable.

This is a career and an industry that continues to change and has many different aspects to it.  Additional training may be required in order to maintain the newest information or in order to learn new welds.  Welders must be willing to adapt to the changing demands, while continuing to grow and develop in order to enhance the ability to learn more and do more.

There are many different positions and equivalent salaries to go along with them.  According to payscale.com salaries for a standard welder, solder, or brazer can range  $26,220 to $33,610.  This is dependent primarily on state of employment. 

Here is a breakdown over average yearly incomes for welders in specific states:

California     $27,560 per year

Texas      $26,220 per year

Pennsylvania     $27,170 per year

Michigan     $33,610 per year

Wisconsin     $28,170 per year

Pay scale may also depend on the actual position a welder holds and the place of business employed at.  Many welders belong to unions that provide protection and work to negotiate higher wages and increased benefits.  Some of the Union organizations may include:  International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Iron Ship Builders.

With the increase of responsibility comes a higher salary.  Many welders seek to pursue positions in higher levels of management.  Welders have the opportunity to advance based on performance in many traditional manufacturing shops and companies.  Outside the traditional employment, many welders choose to seek careers as welding technician, supervisors, inspectors or instructors.

If a welder wishes to pursue advancement, it is possible to earn a bigger increase in salary.  One spot to advance to is the position of a Welding Engineer.  Welding engineers are responsible for correcting any problems that may have occurred in the original production.  They have added duties and many more responsibilities and therefore earn a more substantial salary.

Differences in salaries will also be reflected in the specific position and the actual task being accomplished.  Welders who work in the motor vehicle parts manufacturing, earn an average of $16.47 per hour.  Those who choose fields such as agriculture, construction and mining machinery manufacturing earn an estimated $14.12 an hour.  Welders who choose careers in a more specific field like architectural and structural metals manufacturing can expect to earn anywhere between $13.50-$14.00 per hour.  Commercial and industry machinery and equipment repair and maintenance welders earn the lowest of the pay scale.  Their hourly wage is roughly $13.45

Once again these figures are based on national averages.  Each city, state and company may employ at different rates.  Experience and education also play a large role in yearly earnings so it is important to do research.  Determine the type of welding, the specifics and the region that is best suited.  Continued education and a desire to learn more is more than likely going to affect the earnings also.