Welders use a variety of specialized tools and frequently use pressure in addition to heat to permanently join metal components. They build and repair vehicles, ships, airplanes, buildings, bridges, automobiles, appliances, and numerous other manufactured goods made of metal. The intermediary between the welder and the engineer, welding technicians work to enhance a wide range of welding procedures. They may oversee, check, and locate uses for the welding process as part of their duties.
Depending on the necessary skills for the position, the industry, the location, and other factors, welding trades workers’ salaries can vary significantly. The U. S. According to the Department of Labor, welders made an average of $42,490 per year in May 2019. Salaries ranged from $29,470 to $64,240 or more. Employers frequently offer extra benefits in addition to pay, like health insurance and paid time off.
Welders may work indoors in well-ventilated and well-lit shops and factories, outdoors at a construction site, or in small spaces, like a tunnel beneath the ground or inside a large storage tank that is being constructed. Welding jobs can involve working in uncomfortable positions. Welders occasionally spend brief periods of time in booths designed to keep sparks and glare at bay. In so.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment for welders is anticipated to grow about as quickly as the average for all careers through 2029. S. Department of Labor (DOL). According to the DOL, in the upcoming years, “rebuilding bridges, highways, and buildings will require the expertise of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers due to the nation’s aging infrastructure.” “.
What is a welding technologist?
Welding technologists work on new welding practices and techniques through research and development. They use metallurgical principles to establish secure metal combinations and determine how different metal properties interact with one another. Additionally, they guarantee that using metal components and techniques, a high-quality component or product can be produced that meets the needs of the customer. Some common duties of welding technologists include:
What is a welding technician?
A skilled professional, a welder bonds metal into various component parts using a variety of welding tools. Welding technicians, also known as welders, are skilled in a variety of welding processes, including carefully cutting metal components and polishing metal parts. Welding specialists are essential in a number of sectors, including the aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries. Some common responsibilities of a welding technician include:
Welding technician vs. welding technologist
While both technicians and technologists are employed in the welding industry, there are some differences and similarities between them. Following are some significant distinctions and parallels between these two professions:
Work environment
Both technicians and technologists may work in manufacturing environments to assist in the production of finished goods. Technicians and technologists work in inside and outside environments. They could be employed in a factory, on a scaffold, or on a construction site. Due to their roles in research and development, technologists are more likely to spend additional time indoors in an office setting. Some common work environments for these two professions include:
Personal protective equipment
When using welding equipment, both technicians and technologists must deal with potentially dangerous situations. They both have comparable personal protective equipment (PPE) to help improve their safety and prevent burns or other injuries. Both welding technicians and technologists frequently use the following PPE:
Training
Technicians and technologists have training in welding techniques. In general, technicians only require enough training to demonstrate their familiarity with welding procedures and techniques, and they typically acquire this through on-the-job training. Technology professionals gain from formal education through secondary education, online seminars, or training courses. This is due to the fact that their research and development duties necessitate an in-depth knowledge of metallurgy and the chemistry that underpins metallurgy operations.
Education
Before pursuing a career in welding, it’s important to research your state’s expectations since educational requirements for these two professions and states can vary. The benefits of earning a welding certification or an associate’s degree in welding techniques outweigh the fact that technicians lack formal education qualifications. Many employers look for welders to have knowledge of physics, chemistry, reading blueprints, mathematics, and mechanical drawings in their candidates.
Additionally, there are no formal educational requirements for technologists, but they typically possess specialty welding certifications and at least an associate’s degree in welding technology. This demonstrates to prospective employers their welding expertise and understanding of the fundamentals of metallurgy. In addition, some technologists can advance their education in the field by earning bachelor degrees in welding engineering, metallurgy, non-destructive testing, and gas tungsten arc welding.
Licensure and certification
Many pursue additional certifications to attest to their expertise because both welding professions gain extensive experience in welding techniques. Because of the technical nature of their field and their understanding of metallurgy and chemistry, technologists typically possess more certifications than technicians. Additionally, different certification requirements for technicians and technologists exist in some states. The following common certifications are available for technicians and technologists to pursue to advance their careers:
Specializations
There are many opportunities for specialization available to welding technicians and technologists in their careers. This may influence their decision to pursue additional training, certification, or education to help them break into their desired industry. Both professionals can focus on related fields that can advance their careers, such as:
Salary
Job outlook
BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A WELDER
FAQ
What is a weld technician?
To assist welding engineering personnel with the development, application, evaluation, and documentation of welding techniques, equipment, and processes used to manufacture welded products, welding technicians use their extensive knowledge of joining processes, materials, welding equipment, welding techniques, and standards.
What is the difference between a welder and a welding engineer?
The minimum level of education for a welding engineer is a Bachelor of Science (BSc), while the minimum level of education for a welding technician is a Diploma. Being an engineer or technologist in any other technical field is very similar to the difference in terms of its fundamental nature.
What skills are necessary for a welder?
- Mathematical Skills. To be a great welder, you must have a basic understanding of math.
- Attention to Detail. …
- Steady Hands and Good Hand-Eye Coordination. …
- Physical Strength and Endurance. …
- The Ability to Always Learn New Things. …
- Good Communication and Teamwork Abilities.
What is a welding engineer description?
Welding engineers use their extensive knowledge of physics, engineering, metallurgy, materials, welding, and standards to plan, supervise, and record welding operations in accordance with applicable codes, contracts, or drawings. They also design, examine, and evaluate welds.
