Welder
Welding is a skilled trade where employers screen for one thing above all: repeatable quality. If you can follow a procedure, control your weld pool, and produce clean, acceptable results under real shop conditions, you become “hire-ready” fast. This page summarizes the Welder role category in the United States for international candidates. Exact terms (state, shift, start window, accommodation, and compensation) depend on the hiring employer. CV is required for review.
The 3 checkpoints employers care about
Skilled welding hiring is rarely “generic.” Even when job titles look the same, employers decide quickly based on these checkpoints.
This page is informational and not legal advice. Any visa/authorization route depends on employer eligibility and official procedures.
Typical tasks (welder-specific)
- Reading drawings, dimensions, and weld symbols (role-dependent)
- Joint preparation: cleaning, beveling, grinding, and edge conditioning
- Fit-up, tack welding, and alignment control prior to final weld passes
- Executing welds in required processes (MIG/TIG/Stick/FCAW), positions, and materials
- Controlling distortion and sequence to protect final geometry
- Basic visual inspection, measuring, and reporting non-conformities
- Rework/repair welding per site rules (when required)
- Maintaining a safe, clean work zone; correct tool handling
Gross pay snapshot (brutto)
All amounts below are gross (before taxes/withholdings). Final offers depend on state, employer, process, and shift.
| Level (practical) | Typical gross | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry / production welding | $18–$23/hr | Often MIG/FCAW in repetitive assemblies; strong attendance and clean welds matter. |
| Skilled multi-process | $20–$32/hr | Common for welders who pass practical tests and maintain quality under pace. |
| Specialized (site-dependent) | $28+/hr | May include higher complexity, tougher positions, or higher responsibility; varies widely. |
Many employers also run overtime/extra shifts during peak production windows (site-dependent).
Welding process matrix (what you may see)
| Process | Where it’s common | What employers evaluate |
|---|---|---|
| MIG (GMAW) | Manufacturing, fabrication, production lines | Bead consistency, travel speed control, spatter management, clean starts/stops |
| FCAW | Structural/fabrication, heavier sections | Fusion control, slag handling, tie-ins, avoiding undercut and porosity |
| TIG (GTAW) | Stainless, thin gauge, precision work | Heat control, clean root/finish, appearance discipline, contamination control |
| Stick (SMAW) | Field tasks, repair work, some structural | Arc control, angle discipline, slag removal quality, bead shape and tie-in |
Weld test map (what “passing” usually means)
Many skilled roles include a practical test. The test is not always the same, but the evaluation logic is consistent: prep → execution → visible result → repeatability.
| Test element | What you are judged on | How to be ready |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Edge cleaning, correct gaps, fit-up stability, tack quality | Bring a “clean joint” habit: remove rust/paint/oil; keep edges consistent |
| Procedure following | Angles, travel speed, heat control, sequence discipline | Read instructions twice; ask one clarifying question early if needed |
| Position & control | Stability in vertical/overhead (role-dependent) | Practice body position and resting points; keep motion smooth |
| Final appearance | Uniform bead, minimal defects, solid tie-ins, clean stops | Focus on consistency and defect prevention, not only speed |
| Basic inspection mindset | Recognizing defects and correcting safely | Do a quick visual scan and fix issues if allowed by site rules |
The exact test format (plate vs pipe, thickness, and position) is defined by the employer and the specific project.
Minimum requirements (detailed)
Below is a practical requirement set used by many employers for skilled welders. Your exact requirements can differ by site.
| Area | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Mandatory | CV in English (required for review). Include processes, materials, and positions you can weld. |
| Skill proof | Ability to pass a practical weld test (process/position/material depends on the job). |
| Technical | Basic measurement skills; interpreting drawings/weld symbols where required; joint prep and fit-up discipline. |
| Quality | Clean visual results; consistent technique; ability to correct defects per site policy. |
| Safety | PPE compliance, safe grinder/cutter use, ventilation awareness, housekeeping, hot-work discipline. |
| Work readiness | Shift availability (site-dependent), reliability, and ability to maintain steady output over full shifts. |
Work conditions in the USA (practical overview)
U.S. welding roles vary widely (shop fabrication, manufacturing lines, structural work, repairs). The conditions below are common patterns you should expect to see, but your final terms are always employer-defined.
Shifts & pace
Many sites run multiple shifts. Expect structured break rules, quality checks, and production targets. Overtime may appear during peak workloads (site-dependent).
Safety environment
Welding includes heat, sparks, fumes, noise, and heavy materials. PPE and controlled hot-work practices are standard expectations on many sites.
Quality culture
Many employers prioritize repeatable quality: clean prep, controlled technique, and defect prevention. Rework is often tracked, so “first-time-right” matters.
Next steps
- Create/upload your CV and list your welding processes (MIG/TIG/Stick/FCAW), materials, and typical thickness range.
- State your position capability (flat/horizontal/vertical/overhead) and any test experience.
- If shortlisted, you proceed to employer review, possible weld test, and documentation steps for a specific site.
FAQ (welder-focused)
Is “certification” always required?
Not always. Many employers primarily rely on a practical weld test and on-site performance. However, documented training or certifications can strengthen your CV and speed up screening.
What should I emphasize in my CV?
List your processes (MIG/TIG/Stick/FCAW), materials (carbon steel, stainless, aluminum—if applicable), thickness range, and positions you can weld. Add examples of work types (fabrication, repairs, structural, production) and any test results or responsibilities (fit-up, blueprint reading, quality checks).
Do welders work indoors or outdoors?
Both exist. Shop/manufacturing welding is typically indoors, while some structural and repair roles may include outdoor conditions. Your exact environment is site-dependent.
What mistakes fail weld tests most often?
Common issues include poor preparation, inconsistent travel speed, lack of fusion, undercut, porosity, and weak tie-ins. A “clean joint + controlled technique” approach usually improves results quickly.
Why does this page show gross (brutto) pay?
Gross pay is the most comparable headline figure across states and employers. Your net pay depends on withholdings and individual circumstances.
Related roles in Construction & Manufacturing
Use these internal links to compare similar roles before applying.