WHERE DO WELDERS WORK

Types of Welder

When it comes to welders, there are several types of welders and each has their own specific place of employment. Here are a few industry specific welders:

1. Aerospace Welders

Working to strict standards and regulations, these welders work on innovative projects related to both aerospace and outer space travel. Working on cutting edge projects on site and at dedicated facilities, these professionals are highly skilled and well-paid.

2. Automotive and Motorsports Welders

The automotive industry requires welders to build, maintain and repair vehicles to make sure they can withstand the pressures and forces they are subjected to, and make sure they are safe for the driver and any passengers. This is even more true for the motorsports industry, where the requirements are more strenuous. Modern vehicles, and particularly those used in high-end motorsport, often include unusual materials, while the welds need to follow set regulations too.

3. Boilermakers

Boilermakers work wherever there is a requirement for boilers or large storage containers for housing liquids and gases. The work ranges from assembly and installation to the repair, maintenance and upgrading of closed vats, boilers and other large vessels that hold gases and liquids. This often means working in hot or humid on-site conditions and in closed spaces. Due to the nature of the work, boilermakers often work in refineries and for natural resource industries. They may also work with air pollution equipment, blast furnaces, smokestacks, storage tanks, and at water treatment facilities.

4. Construction Welders

Welding is used across the construction industry, whether for residential or commercial and civil projects. The required skills differ according to the job being undertaken. Residential construction welders tend to take on smaller tasks such as joining pipes to supply utilities to a home, while commercial construction welders tend to require more advanced skills to complete more complex jobs for the construction of technologically advanced buildings.

5. Industrial Maintenance Welders

These welders maintain industrial machinery and equipment to ensure they do not need immediate repair. Being able to modify and repair equipment as required, these welders work in a wide range of industrial settings.

6. Industrial Shutdown Welders

There are times when equipment needs to be completely shut down so that repairs can be made. When this happens, industrial shutdown welders get to work, inspecting assets for any breaks or leakages and repairing any problems. Working in a range of different industry environments, these welders may be employed on site on a single project for weeks or even months, depending on the scale of the inspection and repair.

7. Manufacturing Welders

Manufacturing welders are required for any industry that makes items from metal. These welders work in manufacturing plants and factories as well as providing metal manufacturing for structural, agricultural and other purposes.

8. Military Welders

Military welders are employed across all branches of the military – whether army, navy or air force. As well as having welding skills, these professionals also need to pass military training so that they are ready to manufacture, repair and maintain military vehicles, weapons, facilities and other equipment. Those associated with the navy may need to live and work aboard ships, while those employed elsewhere may need to move to different locations as required.

9. Nuclear Welders

Working in hazardous environments, nuclear welders may need special clearance to work on submarines, ships or at nuclear reactors. These types of job come with a great deal of responsibility, so these welders need to be highly experienced and skilled.

10. Pipefitters

The specialised welders work in industries including power, oil and gas and water utilities. Pipefitters plan, install and repair pipe networks for given industrial uses. This means that they may be involved in planning the type and size of pipe to be used. Pipes are often manufactured off-site and then transported to a location for installing and testing, meaning that pipefitters are required both off and on-site, while all repair and maintenance takes place on location.

11. Rig Welders

Rig welders work on-site at both onshore and offshore oil and gas rigs. They help construct the rig as well as providing any repair and maintenance duties. Rig welders often work and stay on site as they may be required for emergency repairs at any time of day or night. These welders also may have to work in potentially hazardous conditions and so are among the better-paid welders as a result.

12. Sheet Metal Workers

These specialist welders work from blueprints or plans to create, install and repair items made with sheet metals. These skills are required for a range of applications across different industries – from automotive to power.

13. Shipyard Welders

Welding is vital to the shipyard industry for shipbuilding, repair and maintenance. It is important that welds are oil and watertight, with shipyard welders working at shipyards as well as on a range of different vessels, including those for cargo, research or military purposes. These welders frequently travel between different ports although others may be employed to travel with a ship.

14. Structural Steel Welders

Also known as ‘ironworkers,’ these welders fabricate and erect the structural frameworks of both large and small buildings or structures. The work of these welders could see them employed on building sites, shipyards, on oil and gas pipelines, in mines and elsewhere.

15. Underwater Welders

Known as one of the most dangerous professions, underwater welders work in the water itself or within closed, dry compartments that are lowered into the water. Working on pipelines, ships, nuclear plants, dams, offshore rigs and power assets, and more, these welders can be subjected to high water pressures and other hazards. As such, these welders are among the highest paid.

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers held about 428,000 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers were as follows:

Manufacturing	64%
Specialty trade contractors	7
Self-employed workers	5
Repair and maintenance	4

Welders and cutters may work outdoors in all types of weather, or indoors, sometimes in a confined area designed to contain sparks and glare. They may work on a scaffold or platform high off the ground.

In addition, they may have to lift heavy objects and work in awkward positions, such as overhead, while bending, stooping, or standing.

Injuries and Illnesses

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers risk injury on the job. They may be exposed to a number of hazards, including fumes, very hot materials, and intense light created by the arc. Workers avoid injuries by following safety procedures and using personal protective equipment, such as welding helmets, hearing protection, and heat-resistant gloves.

Work Schedules

Most welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Many manufacturing firms have two or three 8- to 12-hour shifts each day, allowing the firm to continue production around the clock if needed. As a result, welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers may work evenings and weekends.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm (visited February 14, 2023).