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Welders

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.