WELDERS California Occupational Guide Number 84 Interest Area 5-C 1996
TRENDS
Robotics welding systems have already eliminated some routine cutting and welding jobs. These basic processes in the manufacture and installation of metal products for machinery and equipment are fairly easy to automate. Welders, however, will still be needed for repair, maintenance and other work in manufacturing that cannot be automated.
THE JOB
Welding is the basic method of joining metals. Metals are heated to a liquid state, causing them to flow together to achieve a strong bond. COMBINATION WELDERS are skilled workers who perform this method of joining metals.
Combination Welders do both arc and gas welding. In arc welding, heat is produced by an electric current. Arc welding is used for large jobs such as fabricated work with heavy plates and large shapes. It is also used in production line and general assembly operations where speed is necessary. Gas welding is done with a flame combining oxygen and acetylene or oxygen and hydrogen gases and is used for small repairs or delicate jobs on light metals or tubing.
Journey level Combination Welders perform a variety of welding tasks using manual, semiautomatic, and automatic arc and gas equipment. They work from blueprints, layouts, and work orders. Their job duties include fabrication and repair of machine parts, motors, trailers, and manufacturing equipment. They repair broken parts, fill holes, cut metal, and increase the size of metal parts.
Arc cutters trim and cut metal objects to blueprint, work order, or layout specifications. Using a hand guided torch, they direct the electric arc onto an area of metal. As the metal begins to melt, they cut it along premarked lines with arc torches or with a stream of gas flame from thermal torches.
Thermal-cutting machine operators set up and operate machines that cut and shape metal by following instructions on blueprints, layouts, work orders, or templates. Direct flames from machine-mounted oxygen torches melt the metal area to be cut. A stream of oxygen or gas is then released from the torch which cuts metal along previously marked lines.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Welders and Cutters might work outdoors, exposed to the weather, or inside a confining, poorly-ventilated work area. They may work high off the ground on a scaffold or platform connected to a crane. They must have good eyesight, manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination. Physical activity depends on the type of job and may include lifting heavy objects and equipment, reaching, walking, climbing, stooping, kneeling, and crawling.
These workers are exposed to certain work hazards such as falling objects, fumes, smoke, and the possibility of explosions resulting from gases under great pressure and residual gas fumes. Damage to the eyes can result from exposure to intense light created by welding arcs. They are constantly exposed to hot flying metal flecks that can cause skin burns and set fire to clothing. To protect themselves against such hazards, workers wear goggles or welding hoods with special lenses, heavy gloves and other protective clothing; blowers are installed in the work area to carry away fumes and gases.
Many different unions represent Welders and Cutters. Among these are the International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Iron Ship Builders and the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections and Planning Information report published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 19,730 Estimated number of workers in 2005 23,200 Projected Growth 1993-2005 18% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 6,240
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
The long term outlook shows a moderate demand for Combination Welders, as manufacturers continue to expand the use of various metals and adopt new welding processes. Nationwide, it is expected that there will be a gradual decline for Welders and Cutters through the year 2005. Accompanying this trend will be the continuous demand for machinery and equipment, such as automobiles, trucks, aircraft and high pressure boilers, and other steel products such as construction pipe.
Demand for Combination Welders is and will continue to be greatest in the large metropolitan areas of the State where most metal manufacturing is located.
The worker whose knowledge and skills keep pace with new development in metals, equipment, and processes will always be in demand. However, there will continue to be more semiskilled workers than the number of jobs available.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Welder and Cutter Wages vary between geographic areas and industries and the skill level and experience of workers. This list shows entry through journey level ranges in counties where wage surveys were done.
HOURLY WAGE RANGES:
Golden Sierra Consortium* $ 4.25 - 14.50
Monterey County 5.00 - 18.50
Sacramento/Yolo County 6.50 - 16.50
San Diego County 4.25 - 15.00
San Joaquin County 6.00 - 15.75
San Mateo County 10.00 - 18.00
Santa Clara County 8.50 - 21.00
*Includes Alpine, El Dorado, Placer, Nevada, and Sierra counties.
NOTE: The California state minimum wage was raised to $4.75 per hour on October 1, 1996. It will be raised again in 1997 to $5.15 per hour. The wage data contained in the above illustration comes from wage surveys taken in the period 1991-93.
Almost all employers provide paid vacation. Medical, dental and life insurance, and retirement plans are also common benefits. Some employers pay sick leave.
Welders and Cutters work a basic 40 hour week with time and a half or double pay for overtime. Few part time jobs exist.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Metals and welding courses are given at high schools, community colleges, and some adult education centers. A welding curriculum may consist of courses in welding technology, machine shop, technical mathematics, drafting, physics, chemistry, and engineering.
Welders must be certified for jobs in which failure of welds can be dangerous. To be certified, welders must pass qualification tests given by some employers, trade associations, and government agencies.
There are several ways to get the experience needed to become a skilled combination welder. One is supervised classroom practice using different welding processes, tools, and machines. Another method combines on-the-job training with independent practice on the machines in the shop.
ADVANCEMENT
Routes to advancement vary with the employer, location and type of work. The most common step is from journey-level worker to lead or job-shop supervisor. Some welders who have the necessary capital open job shops of their own.
Welders and cutters with the required experience and training may advance to inspector or may become welding instructors.
FINDING THE JOB
Welders and Cutters find jobs through labor organizations, private employment agencies, California Employment Development Department Job Service offices, as well as direct contacts with employers. Some welders belong to more than one union, which increases their job referral possibilities.
Often, employers use a pre-employment screening process. It may include on-the-spot written and welding tests, verification of journey level status and proof of certification.
Some unions, apprenticeship training programs and vocational schools give job-hunting instruction as part of formal training programs.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
American Welding Society, Inc. 550 N.W. LeJeune Road Miami, FL 33126 (305) 443-9353
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Sheet-Metal Workers No. 49 Metal Workers (Field and Shop Ironworkers) No. 112
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Welder, Arc 810.384-014 Welder, Gas 811.684-014 Arc Cutter 816.364.010 Thermal Cutter, Hand I 816.464-010 Thermal-Cutting Machine-Operator 816.482-010 Welder, Combination 819.384-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Welder and Cutters 939140
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
Home 
Job Key 
Wages 
Demand