Welder Job Description [Free Template, Salary, and Compliance Checklist]

Use this welder job description as a starting point for your posting, with salary guidance and safety considerations. The checklist supports employer review; copying it does not establish legal compliance. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook reports a U.S. median annual wage of $53,750 in May 2025 for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers. This occupation-wide figure is a reference, not a local or specialty offer range. Use the template and decision guides below to tailor responsibilities, qualifications, and pay to your project, shop, or jobsite.

Jump to: Template · Compensation · Variants · Tailoring · Tests and onboarding · FAQs · Related roles and next steps

Quick Definition: What Does a Welder Do?

Define the scope clearly so qualified welders self-select and you reduce screening time. A welder joins metal parts using processes such as MIG, TIG, and Stick according to blueprints, welding symbols, and approved procedures. They set up equipment, select consumables, fit components, and produce welds that meet code, visual, and NDT acceptance criteria while following strict safety protocols. In practice, that can mean fabricating structural steel to AWS D1.1, welding pipe to ASME Section IX, or precision TIG on stainless and aluminum. OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Q governs general industry welding safety; many employers also require hot work permits and confined space procedures. In your welder job description, specify process, materials, codes, work environment, and testing so the right candidates self-select.

Copy-Ready Welder Job Description Template

Adapt this template to the role’s actual seniority, processes, materials, codes, and required qualifications. Remove irrelevant duties and options, and distinguish requirements from preferred skills or training. Select the relevant MIG/TIG/Stick, pipe, structural, marine, or aerospace details for your work.

Job Brief

Before copying the job brief below, adapt its process, materials, code references, and experience expectations to match the role.

We are seeking a safety-minded Welder to fabricate, fit, and weld metal components per drawings and welding procedure specifications (WPS). You will set up equipment, select consumables, and produce high-quality welds that pass visual inspection and, where required by the applicable employer procedure, destructive testing such as bend tests or nondestructive testing (NDT) such as RT, UT, or PT. The ideal candidate brings strong blueprint reading, attention to detail, and a track record of meeting schedule and quality targets while complying with OSHA 1910 Subpart Q and company safety policies.

Key Responsibilities

Interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and WPS/PQR requirements; verify dimensions and tolerances.
Set up and operate welding equipment (MIG/GMAW, TIG/GTAW, Stick/SMAW); select correct electrodes/wire, shielding gas, and parameters.
Fit, tack, and weld assemblies; control distortion; perform back gouging/grinding as needed.
Inspect welds for defects; perform or support NDT (VT, PT, MT, RT, UT) per acceptance criteria.
Prepare and maintain welding surfaces; clean, bevel, and clamp components for proper alignment.
Follow hot work permit procedures; maintain fire watch as required.
Use hand and power tools (grinders, saws, drills) and measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, squares).
Handle materials safely with cranes, hoists, and rigging within qualification limits.
Complete production, quality, and traceability documentation accurately.
Maintain housekeeping, tool care, and equipment preventive maintenance.
Collaborate with supervisors, fitters, and inspectors to resolve fit-up or quality issues.
Adhere to company policies, OSHA standards, and PPE requirements at all times.

Requirements and Skills

Proven welding experience in a shop or field environment; ability to pass a company weld test.
Proficiency in at least one core process (MIG, TIG, Stick); multi-process capability preferred.
Strong blueprint reading; knowledge of GD&T basics and weld symbols (AWS A2.4).
Familiarity with AWS/ASME codes and WPS compliance; understanding of heat input and interpass control.
Ability to use grinders, cutting torches, and measuring/inspection tools.
Basic math and fraction/decimal conversions; ability to read tape measure to 1/16 in.
Strong safety habits; knowledge of hot work, ventilation, and fire prevention.
Effective communication; ability to work independently or on a team to hit schedule.
High school diploma or GED; trade school or apprenticeship preferred.
Valid driver’s license for field roles; ability to travel when required.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Adapt these examples to the role’s actual essential functions, task frequencies, load-handling needs, and working conditions. Remove demands that do not apply, and describe essential tasks that can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Stand, kneel, crouch, or climb as needed for [specific tasks and frequency]; lift, carry, push, or pull [task-specific load and frequency].
Describe exposure to heat, sparks, fumes, and varying temperatures where applicable; identify whether the role includes work in confined spaces or at heights when trained.
Manual dexterity and steady hand control for precision work.
Read drawings, weld symbols, and indicators, and assess bead quality as required for [specific tasks], with or without reasonable accommodation.
Wear required PPE (welding hood, safety glasses, FR clothing, gloves, hearing protection, respirator when applicable).

Review the EEOC guidance on job applicants and the ADA when describing essential functions and accommodations. The federal ADA applies to private employers with 15 or more employees and to state and local government employers. This template does not establish compliance for every employer or jurisdiction.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application, interview, or weld-testing process, or to perform essential job functions, please contact [HR contact].

Safety and Compliance

Follow OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Q (Welding, Cutting, and Brazing) and applicable state rules.
Obtain hot work permits; ensure ventilation and fire watch per NFPA/local policy.
Confined space entry only when authorized and monitored per 29 CFR 1910.146.
Participate in fit testing for tight-fitting respirators when required; maintain medical clearance.
Use lockout/tagout for energy isolation; maintain housekeeping to control trip/fire hazards.

Certifications and Training

Preferred: AWS D1.1 Structural Steel, D1.2 Aluminum, D1.3 Sheet Steel, D1.5 Bridge, or D17.1 Aerospace, as applicable.
Pipe/pressure roles: ASME Section IX qualifications (6G preferred); pipeline roles may require API 1104.
Forklift, overhead crane, and rigging certifications desirable.
Completion of welding apprenticeship, NCCER Welding, or accredited trade program is a plus.
Current OSHA 10/30, Hot Work Safety, and Confined Space training preferred.

Tools, Processes, and Materials

Processes: MIG/GMAW (short-circuit/spray), TIG/GTAW (with/without purge), Stick/SMAW, FCAW.
Tools: welders, feeders, torches, grinders, bevelers, saws, drills, clamps, fixtures.
Measuring/QA: tape, calipers, micrometers, squares, fillet gauges, weld gauges, thermometers/pyrometers.
Materials: carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum; occasional copper, nickel alloys, and pipe.
Consumables: ER70S-6, ER308/309/316, ER4043/5356, E7018, FCAW wires; argon/CO2 mixes.

KPIs and Performance Metrics

These are illustrative employer-set metrics and targets, not measured industry benchmarks or universal weld acceptance requirements. Adapt targets to the role and your procedures.

First-pass yield/visual acceptance rate (target: ≥95%).
Weld defect rate and rework hours per job or per foot of weld.
Throughput: joints completed per shift vs. plan; on-time task completion.
Compliance: adherence to WPS parameters and documentation accuracy.
Safety: recordable incidents, near-miss reporting, housekeeping score.
Continuous improvement: suggestions implemented, training completed.

Compensation and Benefits Guidelines

Set competitive ranges using BLS and recent local postings for comparable work. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook reports a U.S. median annual wage of $53,750 in May 2025 for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers. This occupation-wide reference is not a local or specialty offer range. Establish the offer for your actual process requirements, code qualifications (ASME IX, D17.1), shifts, travel, and working conditions. Check any shift differential, travel/per diem, or hazard pay your employer offers rather than assuming a standard premium. Revisit ranges quarterly to align with overtime utilization and regional demand.

Example structure to adapt: Base hourly rate + shift differential [employer amount, if applicable] + overtime for covered nonexempt employees + travel/per diem when applicable.
Benefits to highlight: health/dental/vision, 401(k) match, paid time off, paid holidays, PPE/tools stipend, training/certification reimbursement, per diem for field assignments.

Under the federal FLSA rule, covered nonexempt employees must receive at least one-and-one-half times their regular rate of pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. See the DOL overtime guidance. Confirm the role’s exempt or nonexempt status; job titles do not determine exempt status.

Employer-fillable posting example: Replace the brackets with your actual offer and remove anything that does not apply.

Pay: $[minimum]–$[maximum] per [hour/year]. Shift differential: [amount and eligible shift, if applicable]. Overtime: [covered status and applicable overtime terms]. Benefits: [actual benefits]. Schedule: [days, hours, shift, and overtime expectations]. Travel: [required percentage or assignment length; per diem, if offered].

Schedule, Overtime, Travel, and Union Notes

Clarify expectations upfront to minimize no-shows and early attrition. Manufacturing roles often run 1st/2nd/3rd shifts, while construction/field roles require early starts, weekend work, and variable hours tied to outages or weather. Travel may range from day trips to multi-week assignments with per diem and rotation schedules. In union environments, list the local and reference the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for wages, differentials, and contractual overtime premiums. These provisions do not replace the federal overtime rule for covered nonexempt employees. Covered nonexempt employees must receive at least one-and-one-half times their regular rate of pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Weekend or holiday work alone does not trigger federal overtime. Job titles do not determine exempt status; confirm the classification for the actual role. See the DOL overtime guidance.

Example language: “Full-time, 2nd shift (Mon–Fri, 3:00–11:30 p.m.) with overtime as needed; weekend outage work 1–2 times per month; up to 25% travel; union position per Local __ CBA.”

Variants: Customize by Specialization and Industry

Use these quick variants to align duties, tools, codes, and environments to the work you need done. Choose a precise role name (e.g., Pipe Welder) that reflects the work.

MIG Welder (GMAW)

Focus on high-throughput production, short-circuit/spray transfer on carbon steel and stainless.
Set parameters for wire feed speed, voltage, and gas mix; manage spatter and distortion.
Typical in fabrication shops, automotive, and manufacturing cells with jigs/fixtures.
Emphasize ability to run consistent fillet welds and rapid changeovers between parts.
Add KPI: parts per hour with defect rate under target.

TIG Welder (GTAW)

Precision welding of thin-gauge stainless and aluminum; excellent hand/eye coordination.
Read and follow purge requirements for stainless tubing; control heat input and distortion.
Frequent in food-grade, aerospace (AWS D17.1), and high-spec fabrication.
Emphasize surface finish, cleanliness, and documentation for traceability.
Add KPI: cosmetic/finish acceptance rate and leak-free joints for pressure tests.

Stick Welder (SMAW)

Rugged field welding of structural steel, repair, and outdoor conditions (wind, moisture).
Select and run electrodes (e.g., E6010 root, E7018 fill/cap); maintain rod handling/dryness.
Common in construction, maintenance, and site erection work to AWS D1.1/D1.5.
Emphasize working at heights, in variable weather, with strong safety culture.
Add KPI: structural joint completion per shift meeting VT criteria.

Pipe Welder

Fit and weld pipe in 2G/5G/6G positions; root pass control and tie-ins to ASME IX/API 1104.
Read isometrics; coordinate with pipefitters on fit-up, hi-lo, and backing.
Perform NDT-ready work (RT/UT acceptance); maintain heat input and interpass control.
Frequent shutdowns/outages, refineries, power, oil and gas; travel/per diem typical.
Add KPI: X-ray acceptance rate and weld inches per shift.

Structural Welder

Fabricate and erect structural members per AWS D1.1/D1.5; strong layout and fit-up.
Use FCAW in addition to SMAW/GMAW; perform back gouging and multi-pass welds.
Comfortable with cranes/rigging, bolt-up sequencing, and working at height.
Emphasize WPS adherence, preheat, and control of welding sequence to limit distortion.
Add KPI: punch-list items per project and rework ratio.

Welder-Fabricator

Combine layout, fit-up, and welding; read full drawings and build jigs/fixtures.
Operate shear/brake/rolls, saws, and basic machining for part prep.
Multi-process capability (MIG/TIG/Stick) across mixed materials.
Emphasize problem-solving, measurement accuracy, and autonomy in small-shop settings.
Add KPI: jobs completed to spec without rework and on-time delivery.

How to Tailor This Template for Your Project or Industry

A good welder job description is specific about codes, materials, and environment so you hire for the work you actually have. Start with your drawings and procedures, then define the processes and tests you’ll require. If you’re unsure whether to hire a MIG vs. TIG vs. Stick welder, map the process to your dominant material, thickness, and finish requirements. OSHA and AWS requirements often determine PPE, ventilation, and testing—include them to signal professionalism. Edit the template bullets to reflect your production goals, inspection method (VT, NDT), and schedule.

Decision Checklist

Environment: shop vs. field; temperature, wind, heights, confined space.
Codes and procedures: AWS (D1.1, D17.1, etc.), ASME IX, API 1104; WPS availability.
Materials and thickness: carbon vs. stainless vs. aluminum; thin gauge vs. heavy plate.
Processes: MIG for throughput, TIG for precision/cleanliness, Stick/FCAW for field/structural.
Tolerances and finish: cosmetic TIG vs. production fillets with grinding allowed.
Inspections: VT only vs. NDT (RT/UT/PT/MT); acceptance criteria and documentation.
Power and tooling: available machines, fixtures, purge equipment, cranes/rigging.
Schedule: shift, overtime, weekend outages; travel/per diem.
Safety: hot work permits, ventilation/respiratory protection, fit testing, LOTO.
Union/CBA: wage rates, shift diffs, job classifications, progression steps.

Seniority Ladder (Apprentice → Journeyman → Senior/Lead)

Apprentice/Entry-Level: basic safety and tool use, assist with fit-up, perform tack/fillet welds, learn WPS basics; close supervision. KPI focus: training completions, VT pass rate on practice joints.
Journeyman/Mid-Level: independently read prints, set parameters, complete multi-pass welds to code, assist with NDT prep; limited supervision. KPI focus: first-pass yield, throughput vs. plan, documentation accuracy.
Senior/Lead: multi-process expert; sets up complex jobs, mentors others, interfaces with QA/inspectors, helps write/qualify WPS/PQR; may lead small crews. KPI focus: team quality metrics, rework reduction, schedule adherence.

Pre-employment Weld Tests and Onboarding

List the joint, position, process, and acceptance criteria you’ll use in pre-hire tests so applicants can prepare. Pair that with a structured onboarding plan that covers safety, WPS training, and early productivity targets. Include respirator medical clearance/fit test if required by your environment. Use 30/60/90-day milestones to align expectations with supervisors.

Sample Weld Test Tasks

These are illustrative hiring-test descriptions, not instructions for performing welds. The employer must select code applicability, qualification choices, and acceptance criteria under the applicable procedure.

Plate 3G/4G SMAW to AWS D1.1: E7018 fill/cap; visual plus bend tests (face/root) per code.
Pipe 6G GTAW/SMAW to ASME IX: open root GTAW, fill/cap SMAW; RT/UT acceptance.
Stainless TIG on thin gauge: autogenous and with filler; VT focus on heat tint/oxidation control.
Aluminum TIG or MIG: fillet and butt joints; VT per finish requirements; optional dye penetrant (PT).
FCAW structural test: multi-pass groove weld with back gouge; VT and bend tests.
MIG production test: multi-position fillet welds on carbon steel; macro etch or VT per WPS.

State acceptance criteria clearly (e.g., no cracks, undercut within spec, penetration per WPS). Candidates should sign off on safety briefing and hot work rules before testing.

30/60/90-Day Success Plan

These are illustrative employer-set milestones. The percentages below are examples, not validated industry standards or universal weld acceptance requirements. Assess safety through safe practices and reporting, rather than a zero-incident employee target. Adapt them to the role, and retain incident and near-miss reporting.

30 days: complete safety orientation (OSHA, hot work, LOTO), respirator fit (if needed), WPS training; achieve ≥90% VT pass rate on assigned joints.
60 days: meet throughput targets on core tasks; demonstrate parameter logs and documentation accuracy; follow safe work practices and report incidents and near misses.
90 days: multi-process proficiency as role requires; contribute a quality or safety improvement; sustain ≥95% first-pass yield and on-time task completion.

FAQs

Use these quick answers to set accurate expectations with hiring managers and candidates.

What skills does a welder need most?

Prioritize skills that protect quality, schedule, and safety. Core welder skills include blueprint reading, process setup (MIG/TIG/Stick), fit-up and distortion control, and safety discipline. Quality awareness—identifying porosity, undercut, lack of fusion—and proper corrective action is essential. Soft skills like communication and time management improve throughput and reduce rework. For code work, WPS adherence and documentation are non-negotiable. Tailor your welder requirements and qualifications to reflect these priorities.

How do MIG, TIG, and Stick welders differ?

Choose the process for your materials, environment, finish, and inspection needs; reflect it in your welder duties and responsibilities.

MIG (GMAW): production welding on steel and stainless in shops using jigs/fixtures.
TIG (GTAW): precision welding of stainless, aluminum, and thin materials, with emphasis on cleanliness and finish.
Stick (SMAW): portable welding for outdoor, structural, and repair work.

What certifications are required?

Map certifications to your code and industry to streamline screening. Requirements vary by industry and code. Structural steel often uses AWS D1.1; aluminum D1.2; aerospace D17.1; bridges D1.5. Pipe/pressure work uses ASME Section IX; pipelines may require API 1104. Ask for current continuity logs or administer an in-house weld test to your WPS acceptance criteria.

What is a competitive salary for welders?

The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook reports a U.S. median annual wage of $53,750 in May 2025 for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers. That occupation-wide figure is not a local or specialty offer range. Compare recent local postings for similar work, and establish the actual pay range, required ASME/AWS qualifications, shift differential, travel, and per diem for your role rather than assuming standard premiums.

Expand your candidate pool and hiring plan with adjacent roles and a clear posting workflow.

Related roles

Welder-Fabricator
Pipefitter
Structural Ironworker
Welding Inspector (CWI)
Machinist
Metal Fabricator

Next steps: Create interview questions focused on process knowledge, WPS adherence, and defect troubleshooting; stand up a practical weld test aligned to your WPS; publish the tailored posting; review compensation quarterly against BLS and local postings.
Compliance note: Cite OSHA 1910 Subpart Q in postings and onboarding; map certifications to AWS/ASME/API codes that apply to your work; include ADA/EEO language and union notes where relevant.

Sources and authority: OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Q; AWS D1.1, D1.2, D17.1; ASME Section IX; API 1104; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers; AWS Destructive Testing course learning outcomes (bend-test classification only, not validation of the sample procedures or code requirements).