Fitter/Welder Jobs

On the basis of experience and skill level, professional welders qualify for various positions, in a wide range of workfields. This includes experience in automotive, shipbuilding, construction or manufacturing. In the maritime industry off-shore welders operate and maintain high-end machinery. They repair and fabricate metal equipment and machines used on board of ships or in the off-shore industry.

Many fitter welder jobs require a candidate who has completed a post-secondary training program. This person might also have been participating in on-the-job trainings. Most employers prefer hiring candidates who have “Certified Welding Fabricator” or “Certified Welder” credentials.

Career Options in Welding

In simple terms, welding is the application of excess heat to join metal parts on a permanent basis. It’s used to fabricate and repair these metal parts. Depending on the types and training of welding machines, different welding positions are classified into different categories. When it comes to offshore or marine welders, cutters and solders, professionals work in ports, on ships and other similar areas. These professionals may have to work in inclement weather conditions or indoors. Sometimes, they need to work in confined areas.

Skilled and professional welders have experience in various welder fitter jobs. They use a wide range of welding machines, including TIG welder, arc welder and MIG welder. Welders can be found in construction, aerospace and automotive industries. Although fitter welders work mostly full time, overtime as part-time isn’t exceptional in the marine or off-shore industry. This aspect plays a major role during the salary negotiations with a potential employer. Welders may also be required to work in dangerous or hazardous conditions. Due to this, they can earn quite a decent salary.

It’s important to understand that unskilled welders perform repetitive work, such as working on assembly lines. Unskilled welders can be commonly found in manufacturing, steel and shipbuilding industries. Based on the nature of the industry and the work in which welding is used, a welding career can be hazardous. Therefore, fitter welder job descriptions go together with safety norms and a rather good payment. According to the American Welding Society, there are various career resources for different kinds of welders. These professionals can find several internship programs, job opportunities and continuing education resources on the Internet. The AWS even offers voluntary certification programs.

Job Duties

Professional welders produce high quality metal products. They assemble and fabricate metal equipment and structures through the use of cutters, welders, shapers and measuring tools.  High-end welding machines are being used to maintain and repair metal structures and equipment of different size. Welders interpret and read diagrams, blueprints and sketches to determine required materials, operations and timeframes. A fitter welder salary is quite good as per industry standards.

Welders operate, maintain and set up welding equipment. They implement and understand company and personal safety measures by wearing safety helmets, goggles and gloves. In order to work well with other team members and understand precise instructions, communication skills are important. In order to lift their careers, fitter welders can undertake an apprenticeship or apply for certification and accreditation.

Salary Information

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities are expected to grow in the coming years. With latest technologies being introduced with every passing day, there will be more opportunities for the average fitter welder. This allows a fitter welder to seek a job in a reputed company in the off-shore and marine industry.

It’s believed that salaries for Pipe fitter welders will keep getting better with time. Currently, the average is US $36,720. However, this strongly depends on one’s work experience and the type of job. On-the-job training and prior work experience are also important factors that decide a person’s salary, just like working conditions and other job duties.