Pipe Welding Jobs: Overview
The day in the life of a pipe welder isn’t a mundane one. Pipe welding jobs involve using hand tools and equipment to build and repair piping systems and eliminate the need for pipe fittings. They also involve working in a variety of environments including energy facilities, waterways, mountains, and urban areas.
Pipe welders typically read diagrams and blueprints, operate welding tools, fuse pipes, and follow piping specifications and safety best practices. Most pipe welders work in construction, plumbing, water resource management, chemical facilities, local municipalities, and the oil and gas industry.
Salary for Pipe Welding Jobs
Welders typically earn between $15.35 and $23.56 per hour. Pay often varies by location. For example, welders in Portland, Oregon, earn a median wage of $21.15 per hour, compared to $18.85 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Your experience level is also an influencing factor in your pay.
Find out how much welders get paid in your area by using Monster’s Salary Calculator. Here, you’ll find the median wage, pay range, and a list of potential next career steps.
How to Find the Pipe Welding Jobs That Fit You
Start by assessing your skills and experience as a pipe welder. Consider what types of welding you enjoy the most and what welding techniques you excel at. Once you’ve identified your strengths, research areas of the industry that align with your interests and goals.
Start by asking yourself these questions:
- What type of projects do I want to work on?
- Do I want to specialize in a specific welding technique or work with a specific type of metal?
- Do I want to work in a specific industry, such as oil and gas, plumbing, or construction?
Review Pipe Welding Job Descriptions
If you plan on applying for a pipe welding job, it’s important to review the job description to ensure that it matches your skills and experience. Here’s how:
- Check to see if the job description lists specific skills or experience that are required for the position. Do you have the necessary welding certifications or experience working with the types of materials or equipment mentioned in the job description?
- Review the job duties and think about whether you have experience performing those tasks. Are you comfortable working in confined spaces or at heights? Do you have experience welding large or complex piping systems?
Review an Employer’s Values, Goals, and Culture
Look for clues in the job description regarding the company culture. Is it a fast-paced environment that values efficiency, or a more laid-back atmosphere? Does the company prioritize safety, quality, or both? Does it provide adequate training in safety protocols and welding best practices?
Look for Growth Opportunities
If you’re looking for growth opportunities in a pipe welding job, consider looking for employers that offer additional training and challenging projects that require advanced skills. If you have welding skills and experience, look into potential leadership opportunities where you can oversee a job site.
How to Apply to Pipe Welding Jobs
When applying for pipe welder jobs, there are a few things to keep in mind. Be sure to read the job description thoroughly so you can tailor your application to that specific employer. Also pay attention to the location of a job and determine if it’s feasible for you to commute or relocate if necessary. Below, you’ll find the essential steps you should take to apply for pipe welding jobs.
Create a Pipe Welder Resume
One of the first things employers look for is a cohesive resume that connects your skills to your work experience. Try using our welder resume sample as your blueprint for writing and formatting your first draft. Employers will also look for welding certifications, the types of projects you’ve worked on, and your experience with certain metals and other welding materials.
Once you’ve completed your first draft, consider getting a resume review to tie up any loose ends. The resume experts at Monster will identify areas for improvement, fix common mistakes, and insert keywords that can help you get past online screen programs.
Write Your Pipe Welder Cover Letter
While a cover letter isn’t always required for a pipe welding job, it could make you stand out from other applicants. Our welder cover letter sample can show you how to express your passion for welding, highlight your key strengths, and provide employers with a way to contact you for an interview.
Submit Your Application
Once you’re ready to apply for pipe welding jobs, sign up with Monster and complete your profile. During your search, be sure to carefully review job descriptions, so you can understand what a job entails and personalize your application to meet the company’s requirements.
It’s important to always double-check your application for spelling errors and inaccurate information before submitting an application. Also, verify that your name, email address, and phone number are correct. Reading your application out loud and slowly can help you identify errors.
How to Follow Up with an Employer
If you’ve applied for pipe welding jobs, but haven’t heard back, it’s important to follow up with employers to show your continued interest. Be sure to send an email to the hiring manager or HR department if you don’t hear back within one week.
When you send your email, mention any recent developments or achievements that make you a strong candidate for the job. For example, if you’ve completed additional certifications or training, highlight these in your follow-up email.
Don’t be afraid to ask if there are any additional details you can provide that would help in their decision-making process. This shows that you’re willing to go above and beyond to demonstrate your qualifications for the job.
Interviewing Tips for Pipe Welder Jobs
When interviewing for a pipe welding job, expect to answer job-specific questions that gauge your knowledge of welding codes, safety best practices, and welding preparation. Employers will also ask basic interview questions to get to know more about you. For example, you may encounter questions such as:
- Why should we hire you?
- Why do you want to work here?
- What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
It could take weeks to hear back from an employer while the hiring process is in the pipeline. Sending a thank you note after an interview is a great way to solidify your interest in the job and leave a lasting impression.
If it’s been over a week and you still haven’t heard back from an employer, then consider following up with a phone call or email. This will not only show that you’re still interested in the position, but it will also help give you insight into the stage of the company’s hiring process.
What to Do When You Get a Pipe Welding Job Offer
When you receive a pipe welding job offer, you want to ensure that it’s a good fit for you before accepting it. Take some time to read through the job offer to understand the duties, salary, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment. Think about how this job fits into your long-term career goals. Will it help you gain new skills and advance your career?
Also, research the company to get insight into its culture, reputation, and financial stability. If you’re happy with the job offer but would like to see some changes in salary and benefits, don’t be afraid to negotiate with a potential employer. They may be open to modifications and exceptions.
If you decide that you want the job, be sure to confirm your acceptance with an employer within a few days and discuss any next steps. If you don’t want the job, you can politely decline it and continue your search for something that’s a better fit.
Pipe Welder Career Paths
If you’re a pipe welder looking to advance your career, there are a variety of different paths you can take. Some of the most common ones for pipe welders include:
- Machinist: Machinists produce precision metal parts that are used in a variety of industries, from automotive to aerospace. They set up programming machines, select the right materials, and ensure that each part meets the required specifications.
- Pipefitter: Pipefitters install, assemble, fabricate, maintain, and repair pipes that transport liquids, gases, and other materials. Pipe fitters often work in construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, and utilities, where they install pipes according to blueprints and specifications.
- Boilermaker: A boilermaker uses welding and brazing to install, maintain, and repair boiler tanks and other large vessels that contain liquids and gases. They typically work in power generation, oil and gas, manufacturing, and shipbuilding.
- Structural welder: Structural welders specialize in welding together components that make up larger structures such as buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. They often work with thick pieces of metal to create strong and durable welds that can withstand the weight and pressure of the structures they are building.
- Aircraft welder: Aircraft welders weld and repair aircraft parts and components. They typically work in aircraft manufacturing plants, repair shops, and airports, and use a variety of metals such as aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel.
- Welding engineer: Welding engineers develop welding processes, select welding materials, and determine which welding processes will be used for a specific project. They also evaluate and improve existing welding processes.
Similar Occupations
Looking for more jobs working with pipes? Here are some similar construction jobs that we recommend: