What Do Welder, Cutter, or Welder Fitter Do?
Welder, Cutter, or Welder Fitter Job Description Use hand-welding or flame-cutting equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.
A Day in the Life of a Welder, Cutter, or Welder Fitter
- Weld components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.
- Use fire suppression methods in industrial emergencies.
- Lay out, position, align, and secure parts and assemblies prior to assembly, using straightedges, combination squares, calipers, and rulers.
- Connect and turn regulator valves to activate and adjust gas flow and pressure so that desired flames are obtained.
- Determine required equipment and welding methods, applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry, and welding techniques.
- Ignite torches or start power supplies and strike arcs by touching electrodes to metals being welded, completing electrical circuits.
Featured schools near , edit
What Every Welder, Cutter, or Welder Fitter Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters say are important on the job.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Torch Shearer
- Production Line Welder
- Oxyacetylene Torch Operator
- Metal Welder
- Welding Tester
Are There Job Opportunities for Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters?
In the United States, there were 404,800 jobs for Welder, Cutter, or Welder Fitter in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 22,500 new jobs for Welder, Cutter, or Welder Fitter by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 45,800 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Welder, Cutter, or Welder Fitter are Rhode Island, Utah, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Maine, or Ohio. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Welder, Cutter, or Welder Fitter Salary
The average yearly salary of a Welder, Cutter, or Welder Fitter ranges between $28,560 and $63,740.

Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters who work in Alaska, District of Columbia, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.
How much do Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $41,050 |
Alaska | $67,330 |
Arizona | $43,150 |
Arkansas | $40,340 |
California | $46,560 |
Colorado | $50,300 |
Connecticut | $52,920 |
Delaware | $52,180 |
District of Columbia | $60,780 |
Florida | $39,660 |
Georgia | $37,500 |
Hawaii | $59,120 |
Idaho | $37,740 |
Illinois | $42,960 |
Indiana | $40,900 |
Iowa | $39,240 |
Kansas | $43,830 |
Kentucky | $39,640 |
Louisiana | $52,810 |
Maine | $48,220 |
Maryland | $50,550 |
Massachusetts | $53,060 |
Michigan | $39,670 |
Minnesota | $45,490 |
Mississippi | $44,350 |
Missouri | $40,580 |
Montana | $44,310 |
Nebraska | $41,850 |
Nevada | $48,700 |
New Hampshire | $48,340 |
New Jersey | $47,050 |
New Mexico | $54,240 |
New York | $48,040 |
North Carolina | $41,470 |
North Dakota | $50,860 |
Ohio | $41,380 |
Oklahoma | $46,040 |
Oregon | $45,470 |
Pennsylvania | $43,630 |
Rhode Island | $51,000 |
South Carolina | $43,960 |
South Dakota | $38,420 |
Tennessee | $40,780 |
Texas | $46,140 |
Utah | $45,210 |
Vermont | $43,210 |
Virginia | $46,360 |
Washington | $51,230 |
West Virginia | $48,150 |
Wisconsin | $43,490 |
Wyoming | $60,960 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- IBM Notes
- Recordkeeping software
- Scientific Software Group Filter Drain FD
Becoming a Welder, Cutter, or Welder Fitter
What kind of Welder, Cutter, or Welder Fitter requirements are there?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters Sector

Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters work in the following industries:

Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Welder, Cutter, or Welder Fitter might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Welder, Cutter, or Welder Fitter sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: US Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |