Are you looking to enter a career that offers stability, great pay, and the opportunity to help build essential structures? If so, then consider becoming a structural welder! Structural welders are in high demand as they use their skills to construct buildings, bridges, frameworks, etc. But just how profitable is a career in this field and how much does a structural welder make?
Table of Contents
This blog post will explore what it takes to become a structural welder and how much money you can make pursuing such an important profession.
Key Takeaways
- The structural welding process is in high demand nowadays because of the increasingly structured things coming around.
- The pay for structural welders also differs in areas.
- The average structural welder salary is around $45,000 per year. This can vary depending on the type of welding experience they have and the region in which they live.
- Structural welders typically don’t receive bonuses but have access to a wide range of benefits.
What is Structural Welding?
Structural welding is a process that uses heat and pressure to join metal parts together to create a durable, corrosion-resistant joint. This type of welding is most commonly used for applications such as building bridges, high rises, and other large-scale construction projects. It also has many advantages over traditional methods of joining metals, such as being more efficient and cost-effective.
Structural welding also provides a stronger, more reliable bond that can withstand extreme weather conditions and other environmental stresses. In addition to being used in large-scale construction projects, structural welding is also used for smaller applications such as automotive repairs and the creation of heavy equipment using MIG, TIG, stick and Flux Core welders. All this makes it a higher paying salary job.
Well, not as high as a rig welder salary or what underwater welders can earn but certainly worth the extra training and experience.
If you are working on heights, you can earn more as a rope access welder.
Average Structural Welder Salary
The average structural welder salary is around $45,000 per year. This can vary depending on the type of welding experience they have and the region in which they live. Structural welders typically receive higher wages than other welders due to their specialized skill set.
Monthly Salary
Structural welder salaries may range from $2,500 to $4,400 a month, depending on their experience and the location they are working in. Not as much as pipe welders earn but still decent.
Do Structural Welders Receive Bonuses and Benefits?
Structural welders typically don’t receive bonuses but have access to a wide range of benefits. Benefits include paid time off for sick days and holidays, health and life insurance coverage, and retirement savings plans. These benefits are available to all structural welders at most companies; however, some employers may offer additional bonuses or benefits based on the performance of their welders.
For example, some companies may offer a bonus to welders who consistently meet production goals and safety standards. Many employers offer educational assistance programs that allow structural welders to pursue additional certifications or degree programs.
What Factors Affect the Salary of a Structural Welder?
The salary of a structural welder can depend on a few different factors. The most important factor is experience and skill level.
Generally, welders with more experience and training can command higher salaries than those without experience. In addition, the location of the job can influence wages as some areas may offer a higher salary for welders than others.
The type of industry the structural welder works in can also affect wages. Structural welding jobs in the construction industry may be more sought after and, therefore, higher paying than those in other industries. The size of the company or organization that a structural welder works for can influence their salary; larger companies usually offer higher salaries than smaller ones.
What are the Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Structural Welder Jobs?
We have found ten cities where the average salary for a Structural Welder job is higher than the national average or other related job titles. San Jose, CA, leads the pack, with Oakland, CA, and Hayward, CA, close behind in the second and third positions, respectively. The salary in Hayward, CA, is 18.4% higher than the national average, while San Jose, CA, is 22.3% above the $45,570 average.
With these cities offering salaries higher than the total compensation, changing locations as a Structural Welder could benefit career growth. Interestingly, the average salary among these ten cities varies only by 6% from San Jose, CA, to Antioch, CA. The city's lower cost of living may also be considered when deciding where to work as a Structural Welder.
Field vs Shop Based Structural Welding
Structural welders can work in both a shop or field environment. Shop-based welding involves working indoors in a factory setting, while field-based welding occurs outdoors on construction sites. The type of welding you will do depends on the job, so it is important to be comfortable with both types before pursuing this profession.
As a structural welder, you will be responsible for welding metal components into place and ensuring that all joints are properly formed and secured. Depending on the job, you may also need additional tools, such as cutting torches or grinders, to complete projects quickly and accurately.
How Do You Become a Structural Welder?
Becoming a structural welder requires specialized training and certification. The most common route for becoming a certified structural welder is to complete an apprenticeship with a welding school or trade organization. An apprenticeship typically includes both in-classroom instructions as well as hands-on practical experience in the field of welding.
The curriculum of an apprenticeship will vary, but it generally includes safety procedures, welding codes and regulations, welding theory and practice, blueprint reading, welding inspection, and quality control. Upon completing an apprenticeship program, welders must pass a certification test to become certified.
In addition to apprenticeships, there are other paths to becoming a structural welder. Vocational and technical schools offer welding courses that can help prepare students for certification tests. These programs may also include on-the-job training opportunities, allowing aspiring welders to gain real-world experience before taking the certification test.
FAQs Related to How Much Does a Structural Welder Make
Is structural welding a good career?
Yes, structural welding is a great career choice! Structural welders make a good average salary and enjoy the satisfaction of being an important part of creating bridges, buildings, and other structures. With many high-paying jobs, it can be an excellent way to build a successful career.
Do structural welders travel?
Yes, structural welders may travel for their job. If you like traveling, this might be for you! Depending on the type of projects they are working on, they may need to travel to different locations to complete tasks. They may also be assigned to remote locations for extended periods.
Is structural welding hard?
Structural welding is a skill that requires practice and patience. It can be challenging to learn the techniques needed to produce quality welds that meet code requirements, such as ensuring they are clean and contaminant-free. However, structural welding becomes easier with practice and proper guidance from an experienced structural welder or instructor.
Final Thoughts
Structural welding is not just a great job but a fulfilling and lucrative career. With an average structural welder's salary of about $45,000 per year for structural welders in the U.S., it's no wonder many seek to become certified structural welders. They are critical in ensuring safe and secure buildings, bridges, and other structures, so their work is invaluable! On top of that, learning more about the trade opens up the opportunity for business ownership and freelance work.
All in all, whether you’re looking to get started in welding or are an experienced pro looking to enhance your skill set and earning potential as a structural welder, considering structural welding is worth it. So, research what certification courses or programs best suit your needs and take your career to the next level. You might be surprised!