MIG/MAG Welder (GMAW) Jobs in Canada
Sector: Construction & Trades · Market gross pay range: ~CAD 20–52/hour · Typical locations: Ontario (Toronto/GTA), Alberta (Calgary/Edmonton), British Columbia (Vancouver)
Hiring snapshot
This page describes a typical MIG/MAG (GMAW) Welder role in Canada. Specific tasks and tickets vary by employer, province, and whether the work is shop-based fabrication or field/site welding.
Gross pay range in Canada (by province)
Below is a practical market snapshot for welders in the target provinces. Figures are shown as gross hourly ranges. Actual offers depend on experience level, certification requirements (e.g., CWB in certified shops), and overtime premiums.
Note: this is a market-level snapshot (not a promise). Pay can move with demand, union/non-union settings, and the complexity of the weld positions, tolerances, and inspection requirements.
What you’ll do (day-to-day tasks)
Practical scope for MIG/GMAW welding
Core tasks
- Perform MIG/GMAW welding on steel components (shop or site), following drawings and WPS when provided
- Fit-up support: tack, clamp, align, and verify dimensions before final weld
- Control weld quality: bead profile, penetration consistency, distortion management, clean starts/stops
- Prep and finishing: grinding, bevel prep, cleanup, and basic rework when needed
- Basic checks: measure, verify tolerances, and cooperate with visual/NDT inspection workflows where required
- Maintain a safe workstation: fume extraction, fire prevention, housekeeping, and tool checks
Typical materials & environments
- Mild steel fabrication (frames, brackets, structural members)
- Production welding (repeatable parts / jigs)
- Repair & maintenance welding (equipment, attachments)
- Occasional stainless/aluminum tasks depending on employer scope
MIG/MAG terminology is often simplified to “MIG / GMAW” in Canada. The practical expectations are the same: consistent weld quality and safe execution.
Skills, tickets, and welding tests
What employers typically screen for
Must-have skills
- Confident MIG/GMAW process control (wire feed, voltage/amperage basics, gas awareness)
- Comfort with common positions (flat/horizontal/vertical; overhead if required by the project)
- Ability to read basic prints and follow fabrication steps
- Strong safety discipline around grinding, sparks, and fume exposure
- Reliable attendance and shift readiness
Nice-to-have (differentiators)
- Prior certified-shop experience (working to documented procedures and traceability)
- FCAW/SMAW familiarity (multi-process flexibility)
- Forklift/overhead crane exposure (shop logistics)
- Basic fitting skills (measurements, squareness, tack strategy)
- Experience in structural steel, industrial maintenance, or heavy-equipment repair
Weld test (what to expect)
| Stage | Typical format |
|---|---|
| Fit-up check | Alignment, gap control, tack placement, and basic measurement discipline |
| Practical weld | One or more coupons/plates/pipes depending on site scope and welding position requirements |
| Visual review | Bead profile, undercut, porosity signs, consistency, cleanup and finishing |
| Certification need | Some roles require specific tickets/certification depending on province and workplace standard |
Certification requirements vary. For some employers and provinces, trade certification may be compulsory; certified structural environments can require CWB-related workflows.
Work conditions (schedule, overtime, PPE, tools)
Clear expectations without overpromising
| Topic | Typical reality |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Common patterns include day shifts and rotating shifts. Hours can vary by project; some employers run extended hours during peak periods. |
| Overtime | Overtime may be available and paid according to provincial rules and employer policy (often with premiums). The amount depends on project deadlines and staffing. |
| Safety | Expect strict safety practices: fire watch rules where required, ventilation/fume controls, eye/hand protection, and job hazard awareness. |
| PPE | Many employers provide core PPE; some roles require you to bring personal gear (helmet/hood, gloves, boots). Always confirm on assignment. |
| Tools | Shop roles usually provide welding machines and shop tools. Field roles may expect basic personal tools; site equipment is typically provided. |
| Travel / accommodation | Some assignments are local; others can involve travel. Accommodation support varies by employer and is never guaranteed—treat it as “project-dependent”. |
| Deductions | Gross pay is subject to standard deductions (tax, statutory contributions). Any additional deductions depend on benefits and employer policy. |
Documents for legal work in Canada (practical checklist)
General guidance; exact requirements depend on the role and province
Core documents (commonly requested)
- Valid identity and travel documents
- Eligibility to work in Canada (e.g., work permit type depends on your status)
- CV that matches the welding scope (process, materials, positions, environments)
- Proof of experience (references, work history, portfolio photos if available)
- Background checks or site onboarding checks (when applicable)
Work permit language (plain-English)
- Employer-specific: tied to a specific employer/role and conditions
- Open: not tied to one employer (eligibility depends on your status)
This page is informational. Legal eligibility and documentation are assessed case-by-case and depend on the employer and Canadian regulations.
Trade certification (when it matters)
- Some provinces and sites require trade certification for welders
- Red Seal endorsement can be a strong advantage for mobility and employer confidence
- Certified structural environments can have additional quality systems and procedures
Communication baseline
- Basic English for safety, supervisors’ instructions, and signage
- Ability to discuss dimensions, defects, and rework clearly
Candidate fit (quick self-check)
Use this before you apply
- Can consistently produce clean MIG/GMAW welds and understand how settings affect bead quality
- Have real experience in a fabrication shop, structural pipeline, or equipment repair environment
- Are comfortable following drawings, measurements, and (where provided) welding procedures
- Can pass a practical weld test without improvising unsafe shortcuts
- Take safety seriously (fumes, fire risk, grinding hazards, housekeeping)
- Can handle repetitive work and still maintain quality on the last weld of the day
- Have a CV that clearly states process/material/positions and availability
- Do not have recent hands-on welding practice (or cannot pass a weld test)
- Dislike procedure discipline (prints, measurements, repeatable quality)
- Cannot work around shop/site safety requirements and PPE expectations
- Are unwilling to do prep/cleanup work (grinding, bevel prep, finishing)
How selection works
Simple, transparent sequence
- CV first: upload/create your CV at mavial.pl/en/cv.html
- Screening: we confirm your welding process, positions, and work environment match
- Trade validation: employer may request a practical weld test and basic print reading
- Document check: eligibility and onboarding documents are reviewed as required
- Shortlist contact: we contact candidates who match current project needs
We keep this page EN-only for Canada targeting. If some details are not specified, assume “depends on project/location” and share your preferences in the CV.
Related roles in Construction & Trades
Internal links to similar vacancies
FAQ
Is a CV required to apply?
Yes. Candidates without a CV are not considered. Use mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
Is the pay shown net or gross?
The pay ranges on this page are presented as gross (before deductions). Net pay depends on statutory deductions and your situation.
Do I need certification (CWB / Red Seal)?
It depends on province, site rules, and the employer’s quality system. Some environments require specific tickets or trade certification; others hire based on a weld test and documented experience.
What locations are typical for this role?
Ontario (Toronto/GTA), Alberta (Calgary/Edmonton), and British Columbia (Vancouver). Actual sites depend on project pipeline and season.
What usually affects the hourly rate the most?
Province, union/non-union setting, certified-shop requirements, weld positions/tolerances, overtime availability, and your proven experience.