Last Updated on January 8, 2022 by Luis Ferency
Without structures and machinery produced by industries cannot exist without welding, in turn, no industry can live. Because welding is used in nearly every industry today, different types of welding jobs require a unique set of skills.
Welding is a technique that involves using extreme heat and pressure to two or more pieces of metal to join them together. Welding offers a variety of career options in many industries. Welding is one of the world’s most influential areas in the production of airplanes, cars, boats, bridges, constructions, oil platforms, wind turbine towers, and metal.
Furthermore, they also connect rafters and beams in both commercial and residential construction and are also responsible for laying pipelines and working on the building and maintenance of power plants and refineries. Many welders are qualified in one or more welding methods, such as MIG welding, Stick welding, or TIG welding, at times.
When it comes to welding jobs, most people only think of one title as “welder” however, today, there are many different sorts of welding jobs available. if you have a welding diploma then you will be qualified to work in a wide range of occupations, workplaces, and industries requiring metalwork.
In this article, we’ll go over the different types of welding jobs, as well as their usual responsibilities and average salary.
What are the requirements for becoming a welder?
Welding education widely depends on the company requirements because some workplaces demand simply a high school diploma, while others need a job-based test. Some industries need an undergraduate diploma, as well as extra training and certification.
Most jobs demand a welding certificate, which you get after completing the certified welder training. Welders are taking their tests in this program, which includes techniques used in the sheet metal, petroleum pipeline, structural steel, and chemical refinery welding industry.
Different Types Of Welding Jobs in 2022
Take into account the many types of welding jobs available for you:
Construction welders
Welding, whether it is a home building or commercial building, is one of the most significant operations in the construction industry. Buildings, bridges, and civil engineering projects all need the use of metal.
Welders who work in residential construction are capable of doing minor jobs such as connecting gas or water pipes while commercial construction welder has undergone advanced training to do more complicated and difficult jobs.
Construction welders take on a high level of risk as their job demands them to work outside, hundreds of feet above from earth. The biggest advantage of a construction job is one of the best-paid workers in the industry.
Manufacturer Welders
Any company that manufactures metal products and equipment needs competent manufacturing welders. The automotive field is not just restricted to the manufacturing industry but is extended to other industries that use metal in their product.
Manufacturing welders are needed in a variety of industries, including structural and agricultural metals, mining, and, of course, automobile production. The manufacturing welders can either fix an old product or construct a new one by welding metal components from diverse sizes and types.
Steel Workers and Structural Iron
A welding job as a structural iron and steelworker may be right for you if you like to imagine big because these welders typically set the stage for big structures or girders (for bridges). They design, weld, and install huge beams and columns to maintain towering structures and bridges structurally stable. Steelworkers and structural iron welding is a high-paid job round about $20.39 per hour salary at the national level.
They work for a variety of companies, including construction firms, mining firms, shipbuilding firms, aircraft firms, and oil and gas firms. While the structural steel welder’s work is extremely hazardous. They frequently work at high elevations, where the wind can cause catastrophic damage to the welder by blowing the hanging beam. On the other hand, sheet metal workers at construction sites install prepared items. The sheet metalworkers assemble and connect the item with the welding help if it is in the shape of separate parts.
Boilermakers
Boilermakers are specialist welders who construct, install, maintain, and repair massive liquid and gas storage tanks. Hot water boilers, steam generators, and storage tanks are examples of metal vats that must be able to endure tremendous pressure at all times. Boilermakers are usually expected to travel to the location where they are needed and are frequently need to live away from home for extended periods of time.
Boilers are often composed of iron, copper, steel, or stainless steel, so a professional boilermaker must be skilled and knowledgeable in the field of welding. Refineries and natural resource industries are the most common employers of boilermakers and the downside of this job is that it is limited to industries only. In any industry, however, it might be required for boilers and large containers.
Pipefitters
Pipefitters are high-demand skilled welders in the industries such as the natural gas, oil and gas, power, and water industry utilize pipelines to carry their goods throughout the country and around the world and the welders in this particular specialty are called pipefitters.
A pipefitter’s job is sometimes misunderstood as a plumber’s but these two occupations are vastly different. A pipefitter’s job entails welding, which is a skill that a typical plumber has not. Pipefitters are responsible for the forming and bending of metals in various dimensions to fulfill the construction requirements for certain industrial applications. They participate in the process, from planning to implementation.
Underwater Welders
Within this high-demand field, underwater welding offers a unique career path, they work in the deep sea fitting, cutting, rigging, inspecting, welding, and repairing heavy metal goods such as submarines, navy ships, oil rigs, and gas pipelines, and many more.
Due to the strenuous nature of their job, underwater welders must also be qualified divers and should pass a physical exam. Depending on the nature of the job, underwater welders may utilize dry or wet welding. This form of welding is extremely risky, but it is also one of the most paid jobs in the welding industry.
Conclusion
As we discussed above different types of welding jobs, we concluded that the opportunities for welding jobs are vast but the question is that where do you want to start? Welding jobs are non-traditional and creative, which makes the industry extremely competitive for prospective welders. It is important to have welding experience in order to stand out to potential employers and acquire the type of welding job you desire.
As a hobbyist or professional, you can indulge in welding. It will certainly assist you, as a professional welder, to increase and improve your welding skills in the welding career. Welders have a broad range of professional options that might lead to positions in prestigious companies. Indeed, it may lead you to industries related to rocket science, where you will be paid well.

Luis Ferency with experience of 35+ years is a semi-retired welder. Though his passion for welding and learning keeps him going further. He loves sharing his knowledge on his expertise in SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FTAW. Hence, this helped the new welders to seek leverage knowledge and improve their welding skills.