Are you a student debating on which field to pursue? Or, are you tired of your desk job and looking for a skill-based career? Great news! You can start working as a TIG Welder and earn a competitive salary in a stable work environment. Read more to learn essential details and check if this is the perfect match you’ve been waiting for.
Contents
Fast Facts About TIG Welding
- TIG is an abbreviation of Tungsten Inert Gas. It is also known as GTAW or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding.
- Basically, this is a process that is used to join or combine metals. Powered by an electrical source, welders create an arc between the base metal and a tungsten electrode stick. When the arc melts, a liquid metal pool appears that will eventually form a weld after it hardens.
- TIG Welding is one of the hardest types to learn and is also the most lengthy process, but it produces higher quality welds.
- TIG Welding is used for stainless steel, magnesium, aluminum, nickel, bronze, copper, and gold.
- This process is generally cleaner than others as they do not produce electric sparks, fumes, or smoke.
- You’ll need equipment made especially for tig welding. Click here for complete details.
Industries TIG Welding Supports
The variety of metals that can be welded using Tungsten Inert Gas allow it to be applied in many industries.
- Aerospace – Whether commercial airplanes or spacecraft used by NASA, these sophisticated types of machinery are supported by TIG Welding. The precision and strength produced by the process are the best to support this industry.
- Automotive – Vehicle manufacturers envision their work to stand the test of time. By the use of TIG Welding, higher quality metals are produced, therefore, making vehicles safer and more secure for their users.
- Manufacturing – From household appliances to industrial machines, all of these require welding for the products to be complete.
- Plumbing – The high quality produced by TIG Welding helps improve pipe systems and makes connections less prone to damage.
- Art – TIG Welding is known for being half art and half science because of how aesthetically pleasing the outputs are. For beautiful sculptures, creative fixtures, or statement pieces, TIG welding can be handy.
Top 5 Possible Careers of a TIG Welder
TIG Welding calls for unique skills and specialized training. For licensed TIG Welders, here are the current work opportunities for you.
- Structural Welder – This is the most typical welding job. Usually involving aluminum and stainless steel, this work calls for knowledge in both metal and non-metal materials. Structural welders depend on blueprints, work orders, or superiors to complete their processes.
- Pipe Welder – Pipe Welders focus on giving support for pipe system installation. Practical skills in dealing with function-specific materials are used here, as well. They are mostly led to the construction industry.
- Aircraft Welder – To work in the airline and aerospace industry requires very keen attention to details. Complying to high safety standards, aircraft welders weld components in airplane construction as well as aircraft repair.
- Thin Alloy Welder – Thin alloys are often used in electronics, technology, construction, and aerospace. Specialized training in this function will lead to jobs in this field.
- Pipeline Welder – Pipeline projects involve the carrying and transfer of oil and gas from its sources to storage in different parts of the country. As these projects are dependent on material source, pipeline welders also travel to create new pipelines and repair old ones.
Educational Requirements for TIG Welding
The great thing about seeking a career in this industry is that a college education is not required. Usual minimum requirements are a high school diploma and on-the-job training. If you’re still in secondary school, assure your advantage with more math, science and industrial arts classes. If you have the opportunity, a bachelor’s degree in engineering or welding will be best. If not, you can take certification programs like the following:
- Certified Associate Welder Inspector – To be a CAWI, you need to train under a certified inspector. You need six months to two years of working experience, depending on your educational background.
- Certified Welding Inspector – You can go straight into applying for this certification if you are a graduate of engineering technology or welding. For someone with a high school diploma, you need to earn at least five years of relevant job experience to be a CWI.
- Senior Certified Welding Inspector – A SCWI is a supervisory certification. It usually requires 15 years of work experience, where at least 6 of those years were as a CWI.
Top Skills Required for TIG Welders
Aside from your education and certification, these characteristics are also expected from TIG welders:
- Manual Dexterity – A steady hand coordination is essential in a meticulous task like welding. Welding is delicate and needs expertise in handling and grasping objects for more extended periods.
- Attention to Details – For a job that usually results in making things safer for use, attention to detail will ensure everything runs smoothly. Without it, you might put yourself and others at risk, as welding deals with high-risk industries.
- Math Skills – Welders look at mathematics as their friend. Decimals and fractions are part of reading blueprints and project measurements. Geometry, trigonometry, and other mathematical formulas are also needed for accurate execution of tasks.
- Work Availability – This can be looked at as both a good and a bad thing. Welders sometimes need to relocate where the project is Whether day or night, weekend or weekdays, where there is a need for a welder, you should be there.
- Critical Thinking – As problems are part of the job, troubleshooting should be second nature to welders. Quick to solve and well-thought decisions make a dependable welder.
- Physical Fitness – TIG Welders function in extreme working conditions, and for long periods. Most of the time, positions are uncomfortable, but welders must have the endurance to complete the tasks.
Job Forecast for TIG Welders
- Available Jobs – According to the US Bureau of Labor Relations, there is an estimated six percent growth rate for welding jobs until 2026, which is faster compared to other jobs. The American Welder Society has also forecasted a need for additional 400,000 welders in the coming years.
- TIG Welder Salary – A welder receives around $12.74 to $15.66 per hour. The average TIG Welder salary is between $25,000 to $88,000 depending on your experience level, work location, specialized skills, and work industry.
Conclusion
Welding shows to be a stable and reliable career that is beneficial to pursue. If you think you have what it takes, this is a great career option where different opportunities await.
