8 Different Types of Welding Jobs and Salary

Suppose you’re a welder or interested in the field of welding. In that case, you need to be aware of the different types of welding jobs available. This list features some of the most common welding jobs and salaries today, from construction welders to pipefitters!

Welders play a significant role in almost every type of manufacturing job imaginable. They’re essential components in several industries and art forms spanning agriculture, construction, and automotive industries.
As a result, the employment rate and demand for welders continue to be at an all-time high.

8 Types of Welding Jobs

Construction Welders

Construction welding is among the top-paying welding jobs highest-paying jobs in the construction industry but also one of the most dangerous. Most construction welders work several hundred feet off the ground to assist in constructing bridges, buildings, and other civil engineering projects, making them quite susceptible to serious fall injuries.

There are two types of construction welding jobs available: residential construction welding and commercial construction welding.

Residential construction welders are trained for smaller plumbing, pipefitting, and ductwork jobs.

On the other hand, commercial construction welders work on technologically advanced buildings and areas. They’re highly trained on the ins and outs of complex HVAC systems, electrical conduits, extensive plumbing, and large building and gilding jobs.

The average annual salary for a construction welder in the United States is about $40,000.

Boilermakers

Boilermakers are responsible for assembling, installing, repairing, and maintaining boilers, closed vats, and large metal tanks that store all kinds of liquids and gases.

Boilermakers work in closed spaces and locations with relatively high humidity and temperature levels compared to construction welders. They’re typically assigned to commercial factories, power generation plants, and other large industries that require furnaces, water boilers, storage tanks, steam generators, and the like.

Professional boilermakers are expected to weld various metals, including copper, iron, steel, stainless steel, and several pipes and sheet metal types. They’re also well-trained in the art of plate welding, pipe fitting, and pipe welding.

Average salary per year: $60,000.

Pipefitters and Pipeline Welders

Pipefitters and pipeline welders are responsible for the fabrication, assembly, installation, repair, and maintenance of rural and urban pipe systems. They’re in great demand in gas, oil, water, and electric industries as they ensure the company’s pipelines are in perfect working order.

Other responsibilities include shaping and bending metals into different dimensions, transporting pipes on-site to ensure the pipeline is fit to be used, and inspecting and repairing pipe issues. Pipefitters are well-versed in specialized power tools, equipment, and blueprints.

Average salary per year: $40,000.

Motorsports Welders

Motorsports welders work in the field of automotive racing and NASCAR. They’re arguably one of the most important aspects of motorsport racing, as they’re responsible for welding, installing, maintaining, and repairing race cars before and after a race.

Unlike regular consumer and industrial vehicles, race cars are specifically designed to withstand extreme speed, pressure, and tension. Due to this, regular mechanics aren’t usually fit for motorsports welding jobs.

Apart from car development and maintenance, motorsports welders are responsible for the vehicle’s overall safety. Moreover, they’re required to stay updated and on top of all new developments in terms of newer and exotic metals, along with different industry rules and regulations due to the industry’s ever-changing technologies and advancements.

Motorsports welders always have to work on their feet. It’s as exhilarating as it’s risky and stressful, so motorsports welders go through years of extensive and advanced training before being put on the job.

Average salary per year: $30,000/$40,000.

Structural Steel Welders

Structural steel welders, also known as ironworkers or structural iron and steelworkers, construct and assemble the structural framework of buildings.

They often create and weld large columns and beams working for construction companies, shipbuilding companies, mining companies, and aerospace companies. They’re tasked to ensure tall buildings and bridges are structurally sound before and after construction.

Like construction welders, this type of welding job requires workers to work at high altitudes, making them susceptible to fall-related injuries.

Average salary per year: $35,000/$55,000.

Industrial Maintenance Welders

Industrial maintenance welders primarily work with equipment and machinery prone to wear and damage. They’re responsible for the maintenance and repair of said equipment, making sure they’re always in tip-top shape and ready to use at all times.

Depending on their industry, they’re sometimes asked to modify and fabricate facilities and equipment.

Average salary per year: $30,000/$55,000.

Underwater Welders

Underwater welding is among the toughest and most dangerous occupations globally and one of the most high-paying.

As the name suggests, underwater welders are tasked with jobs with high water presence, including underwater construction, shipbuilding and repair, and multiple offshore and marine applications. Along with submarines, ships, and dams, underwater welders work with nuclear power facilities, sub-sea habitats, and companies that require offshore oil drilling.

Underwater welders are often exposed to low working visibilities and high water pressure that, if not careful, could crush their bodies. Due to this, underwater welders have extensive knowledge of deep-sea conditions and their risks.

Before working on-site, underwater welders must pass various tests and acquire a commercial diving and an AWS wet welding certification.

Average salary per year: $30,000/$80,000.

Military Welders

Military welders specifically work for the military, including the army, the navy, the air force, and even the coast guard. They’re responsible for manufacturing, maintaining, and repairing military weapons, facilities, and vehicles, ensuring that everything is fully secure and in perfect working order.

Like all military personnel, military welders must undergo basic military training, pass the ASVAB test and medical exam, and be as physically fit as other military professionals before being hired.

Like underwater welding, this job is extremely high-risk but pays quite generously. Military welders are often required to work in danger zones and live on-crew for extended periods, especially if they’re tasked with the navy.

Average salary per year: $30,000/$55,000.

Video: How to Get Into Welding

Conclusion

Welding jobs are innovative, exhilarating, and non-traditional, making them the number one choice of many future-minded individuals.

Over 20 different types of welding jobs exist today, with eight of the above being the most common.

If you’re planning a career in the world of welding, make sure to closely consider all the requirements and job specifications of your welding job of choice before training. Good luck!