Welders play an important part in manufacturing the products that we use on a daily basis and in building the houses we live in.
If you’re a recent graduate who’s thinking of pursuing a career in trades or someone who wants to change jobs, learning how to correctly and safely join pieces of metal together can help you start a career that is both financially and professionally rewarding.
Read on to find out more about the welding profession and its status in the state of New Jersey.
Contents
Job Description
Job descriptions for welders vary depending on the employer, the industry of employment, and their experience level.
Welders are usually responsible for:
- Joining metals using welding equipment
- Reading blueprints
- Igniting torches
- Starting power supplies
- Monitoring the welding process
- Maintaining equipment
- Calculating the dimensions of the parts that will be welded together
Welders who hold a supervisory position usually have additional responsibilities.
Depending on the welder’s place of employment, he/she may specialize in a specific metal or perform a variety of welding techniques.
Professional Hazards
Welders may be exposed to different hazards such as very hot materials and the intense light created by the arc.
In order to avoid injuries, welders need attention to detail, dexterity and they must wear protective equipment, such as safety shoes, goggles, and masks.
Employers are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to ensure that welders work in well-ventilated areas and follow strict safety procedures to avoid injuries.
How to Become a Welder
Although the path towards a welding career can vary depending on the employer’s requirements, if you want to become a welder, there are a few steps that you need to follow:
Step 1: Finishing High School
The first step towards a career in welding is to graduate from high school or get your GED.
Taking some technical education classes, such as blueprint reading, is usually a good idea.
Step 2: Completing post-secondary education
There are many technical schools and trade schools that offer welding training programs in various cities across New Jersey.
During training, you will learn how to correctly join two pieces of metal together using the right tools and following safety procedures.
Some programs are offered in partnership with local welding shops and in some cases, training costs can be covered by your future employer.
Welding training usually covers several techniques and includes classes such as:
- Welding and Cutting Fundamentals
- Safety and Health Training
- Blueprint Reading
- Shield Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
- Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
Courses are usually a few months up to two years long and training also includes hands-on practice.
Step 3: On-the-job training
After getting your first entry-level job you will also undergo a period of on-the-job training that will prepare you for the specific tasks that you have to complete.
The on-the-job training period usually lasts several months.
Step 4: Becoming Certified
Although certification is not always a requirement, earning this credential can help improve your earning prospects and employment options.
There are several different types of certifications, the most common ones are those offered by independent organizations, such as the American Welding Society, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the American Petroleum Institute.
35 Welding Schools in Welding Schools In New Jersey
Welders in New Jersey
New Jersey manufacturers account for approximately 8.5% of the total output of the state.
Manufacturers of fabricated metal products sum up to around $2.4 billion while machinery manufacturers sum up to $1.85 billion.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage reported by welders in New Jersey was $63,690 as of May 2020.
The same report lists New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA as one of the metropolitan areas with the highest employment level for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers.
The annual mean wage reported by workers in this profession who were employed in this region was $55,330- higher than the national average.
Welders with more than 5 years of experience usually earn more than the state average but salaries are significantly lower for entry-level welders.
According to a report published by salary.com in April 2021, the median annual wage reported by entry-level welders was $47,904 but salaries vary between less than $38,000 and more than $61,000 based on many other factors.
Welders who have between 3-5 years of experience reportedly earned $55,328 on average but salaries vary between less than $43,000 and more than $68,000.
Welders with more than 5 years of experience were remunerated with $67,003 on average.
The lowest 10 percent of all welders with this level of experience earned less than $51,140 while the top 10 percent made more than $86,889.
Annual Salary Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$37K | |
$54K | |
$87K |
Average Salary of Welders in Welding Schools In New Jersey
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Newark | $56,622 |
| Jersey City | $59,647 |
| Paterson | $57,168 |
| Elizabeth | $56,622 |
| Edison | $55,631 |
| Trenton | $53,584 |
| Camden | $53,112 |
| West New York | $59,647 |
| Union City | $59,647 |
| West Orange | $56,622 |
