all about welding jobs
If you have experience as a welder, the job possibilities are endless. Welders are currently in high demand in Canada, particularly skilled welders with several years of experience under their belt. What you bring to the workplace simply can’t be replaced by technology.
As a welder, you can also specialize in areas such as fabrication, pipeline welding, precision welding, pressure welding, ship building and repair, vessel welding, or machinery and equipment repair welding.
what welding jobs entail
As a welder, you need to enjoy your work because you often work in noisy, dusty environments where temperatures and climates vary greatly. If you work in the construction sector, seasonal weather is also an issue. Often, you’re working in an uncomfortable position in close quarters. Becoming a welder is certainly not a career for the faint-of-heart! You typically work full time, though you may work odd hours or shifts, depending on where you're employed.
average welder salaries
Welders typically make a per hour rate. The average welder salary is approximately $28 per hour. If you were to work a standard 40 hour week, that would equal $58,000 annually.
Welders are in high demand in Canada, leading to a surge in welder salaries. Since 2010, welders have seen an impressive 13% increase in wages. Welder salaries are fairly consistent across the country, with the exception of Calgary. Welders are intense demand in Calgary, leading to higher wages.
your day to day work
Depending on your skill set, you may be called on to operate manual or semi-automatic welding equipment, manual or semi-automatic flame-cutting equipment, and brazing and semi-automatic flame-cutting equipment in order to bond metal or repair worn or broken metal parts. You may also operate metal shaping machines.
If you’re a higher skilled welder, you may also read and interpret blueprints, have a broad knowledge of welding techniques, fitting skills, and metallurgy.
where you can work
As a welder, you typically work in a shop environment or at construction sites. You may work as an employee of a manufacturer or welding contractor, or be self-employed.
Most welders either work in construction or for companies that manufacture metal goods such as structural steel and plate work, boilers, heavy machinery, aircraft, ships and other metal products. On the job, you usually report to a foreman or supervisor.
what you bring to the table
Welders typically need a high school diploma and completion of a three-year apprenticeship program. Alternatively, a blend of work experience and college or trade school coursework in welding is also acceptable. Welding, brazing, and soldering machine operators often receive on-the-job training and may be hired with minor experience.
Some companies may also require experience with machine operation or robotics for welding machine operators, and additional experience in skilled trades for more advanced welding jobs.
training and certifications
Some provinces have additional certifications available that will help you stand out when applying for welding jobs. For instance, Alberta requires that welders have trade certification, but this is optional in other provinces. Ideally, welders will have an interprovincial Red Seal certification. Some welding jobs may also require proficiency in English or French.
where your career is headed
With training and experience, you can move into supervisory positions, such as foreman, maintenance supervisor, or production manager.
If you’re a welder with advanced skills (5+ years of experience), you have a great advantage in the current labour market. As the economy improves, there are numerous opportunities to further your career. It’s predicted that the number of welders and related machine operators will grow over the coming years.
what welding jobs entail
As a welder, you need to enjoy your work because you often work in noisy, dusty environments where temperatures and climates vary greatly. If you work in the construction sector, seasonal weather is also an issue. Often, you’re working in an uncomfortable position in close quarters. Becoming a welder is certainly not a career for the faint-of-heart! You typically work full time, though you may work odd hours or shifts, depending on where you're employed.