Welders & Cutters
Description OES Code: 93914
Use hand-welding and flame-cutting equipment, such as arc welders, gas welders, and gas torches, to weld together metal components of such products as pipelines, automobiles, boilers, and ships; to join together components of fabricated sheet metal assemblies; or to cut, trim, or scarf metal objects to dimensions, as specified by layout, work orders, or blueprints.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $8.95
25th Percentile $10.07
50th Percentile $13.08
75th Percentile $17.17

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $9.76
25th Percentile $10.80
50th Percentile $13.43
75th Percentile $17.07

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Welders and Cutters work a basic 40 hour week with time and a half or double pay for overtime. Few part time jobs exist.

Almost all employers provide paid vacation. Medical, dental and life insurance, and retirement plans are also common benefits. Some employers pay sick leave.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 25,900
Projected Employment 2008 31,000
Percent Change 1998-2008 19.7%
Separations 1998-2008 7,200

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 890
Projected Employment 2006 1,060
Percent Change 1999-2006 19.1%
Separations 1999-2006 170

Employment Trends by California County

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.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Welders and Cutters find jobs through labor organizations, private employment agencies Employment Development Department offices, as well as direct contacts with employers. Some welders belong to more than one union, which increases their job referral possibilities.

For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education 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.

Skills & Other Requirements
Welding can be a very strenuous job. Protective clothing, including gloves and a helmet with a view plate are essential. A welder must be able to work under adverse conditions and have the strength to move heavy objects.

References
California Occupational Guide: #84

Related Occupations: Sheet Metal Workers

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)