Welder
Join and repair metal components using specialised welding techniques across manufacturing, construction and industry.
What They Do
Welders use heat and specialised equipment to permanently join metal components used in structures, machinery, vehicles, pipelines and industrial equipment.
Their work involves reading technical drawings, preparing metal, aligning components, selecting appropriate welding techniques and checking completed welds for strength, penetration and accuracy.
Welders work across manufacturing, construction and mining, and may specialise in techniques such as MIG, TIG, arc or flux-core welding.
Who This Career Suits
Welding suits people who enjoy practical work and producing something physical and precise.
Strong Welders need excellent hand-eye coordination, patience and attention to detail. They also need to be comfortable working around heat, machinery and protective equipment while following strict safety procedures.
It can particularly suit someone who enjoys working with tools but also likes the technical challenge of interpreting plans and producing accurate finished work.
Key Skills
Practical Skills, Technical Skills, Attention to Detail, Problem Solving, Mechanical Skills, Safety Awareness, Measurement, Teamwork
Work Environment
Workshop, Construction Site, Industrial, Physical, Team-Based
Education & Training
A common pathway is an apprenticeship leading to the current MEM31925 Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade.
The qualification was introduced in September 2025 and includes specific specialisations in Welding, Boilermaking/Welding, fabrication, sheet-metal work and other related trades. It is specifically designed to be undertaken through a formal training contract or recognised trade-assessment process. training.gov.au
Training can cover metal preparation, thermal cutting, fabrication techniques and multiple welding processes.
Career Changer Pathway
Welding can be accessible to people moving from construction, automotive, manufacturing, maintenance, mining or other hands-on industries.
People without previous experience can enter through an apprenticeship, while experienced workers with relevant skills may be able to pursue formal trade recognition depending on their circumstances.
Early Career
Apprentice and newly qualified Welders develop proficiency in preparing materials, reading drawings, operating welding equipment and producing consistent welds.
They generally work under experienced tradespeople while building speed, accuracy and knowledge of different metals and welding processes.
Mid Career
Experienced Welders work more independently and may take on complex fabrication, structural or repair work.
They can specialise in areas such as pressure welding, structural steel, heavy fabrication, mining equipment or specialised industrial welding.
Senior / Veteran Career
Highly experienced Welders can progress into Leading Hand, Workshop Supervisor, Welding Inspector or Fabrication Supervisor roles.
Others may move into specialised high-skill welding, training, quality assurance, project supervision or establish their own fabrication businesses.
Salary Guide
Early Career
65000
Mid Career
90000
Senior / Veteran
120000
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Salary data source:
Jobs and Skills Australia / ABS
Salary data source URL:
Date :
6 October 2026 at 12:00:00 am
Career Outlook
JSA currently reports approximately 79,100 Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers, with annual employment growth of around 1,100. The occupation is particularly important across Manufacturing, Construction and Mining. Jobs and Skills Australia
More importantly, Welder (First Class) was rated in national shortage in 2023, 2024 and again in the 2025 Occupation Shortage List, indicating persistent employer difficulty finding qualified workers.
Job Outlook :
Outlook Source :
Strong
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