What does a Welder do?
Welders use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join or cut metal parts, or to fill holes, indentations, or seams in metal products. They apply heat to metal pieces and by melting and fusing them, they form a new and permanent bond.
Welders are used in various fields including aerospace, manufacturing, and shipbuilding. Welders take various metal components and fuse them together using intense heat to form the final and desired product. They operate and maintain the machinery that fabricates and repairs metal structures, equipment, or machines. Welders read and interpret diagrams, sketches, and blueprints and determine a project’s required materials and time frame. They set up, operate, and maintain the welding equipment and understand and implement personal safety codes and company safety measures by wearing specialized gear and communicating safely and clearly with the essential workers on their team, customers, and clients. Most welders attend a technical school or community college program to learn their trade and to gain certification.
- Clean work area and restock supplies and materials, as necessary.
- Create and implement training and mentoring for all welding staff.
- Assist in installation or assemblies in shop, build or worksite.
- Layout and mark weld points on parts or subassemblies.
- Align components using calipers, rulers, etc. and clamp pieces.
- Analyze all welds to ensure they are free of porosity and discontinuities.
- Perform all work in accordance with established safety procedures.
- Operate laser welding equipment to fabricate and assemble materials based on job specifications.
- Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet steel products and equipment.
- Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, climb, reach, twist, and grip throughout shift.
- Uphold policies and procedures to guarantee compliance with company and client expectations.
- Weld all junction type probes, both manually and automated.
- Prepare and finish workpiece, using portable grinder, or scraper.
- Develop fixtures and other work aids to hold and align parts.
- Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, support, and related equipment, following blueprints.
- Identify and tag material with written symbol for assembly and inspection.
- Training and certification to weld.
- Experience with drawing, TIG Weld, C, 3G, GTAW, FCAW, and MIG Welding processes.
- Demonstrated dexterity and attention to detail.
- Will strive for continuous improvement on the job.
- A critical thinker with a demonstrated sound work ethic.
- Fluent in geometry, templating, stick, and smaw.
Welder Salaries near Canada
Average Base Pay
Welder Career Path
Learn how to become a Welder, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Welder Insights
Genesis Attachments“Pay was ok but you'll end up fixing other welders bad work and get no additional pay or Recognition.”
SumiRiko Industry“The people are great and it is o e of the best companies in pay.”
Edwardian Hotels London“It was a great place to start a career in hospitality especially they have nice training systems and they’re supportive.”
Petersen“Management lied to me during my interview and then about what I would be doing.”
General Dynamics NASSCO“States who's living expenses are not this high are paying the same pay rate.”
Quality Counts“Great pay if you earned it.. Sam was one of the best people I've ever worked for.”
Cotton Cuts“The boss was ALWAYS understanding of anything personal in my life that got in the way of work.”
Pierce Manufacturing“Harassment is supposedly very important…yea until you actually say something then you get told “ we’ll what do you want me to do?””
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of welders
A typical day of a welder involves joining metal parts with a tool that emits intense heat. Welders also polish and smooth out metals they have welded together and check the structural integrity of the pieces they have joined. They typically wear protective gear while working and must maintain their equipment. Welders can work in sectors ranging from robotics, engineering, and industrial sales to the auto industry, farm repair, and maintenance.
Welding is a good career for those who like to work with their hands and don't mind having a flexible schedule. Because it is a skill needed in most industries, becoming a welder sets you up for a versatile career. Individuals have the opportunity to work in different environments as welding is needed in the outdoors, underwater, in factory settings, in the medical field, and in manufacturing.
The average pay for a welder in Canada is $92,108 per year. The salary varies depending on experience, educational level, and certifications. Welders are typically salaried employees but some welders find hourly roles or contract work.
Working as a welder can be challenging at times, as it is a strenuous and physical job. Many people find that working with intense heat is stressful, but with the right protective gear, the chances of injury are vastly reduced.
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