Post job

What is a bridge welder and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a bridge welder. For example, did you know that they make an average of $20.33 an hour? That's $42,281 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 2% and produce 6,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreBridge WelderUS Average
Salary
3.3

Avg. Salary $42,281

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.8

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.65%

Asian 2.76%

Black or African American 11.03%

Hispanic or Latino 17.50%

Unknown 4.02%

White 63.06%

Gender

female 1.69%

male 98.31%

Age - 40
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 40
Stress level
5.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.9

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Bridge welder career paths

Key steps to become a bridge welder

  1. Explore bridge welder education requirements

    Most common bridge welder degrees

    High School Diploma

    55.0 %

    Associate

    25.0 %

    Bachelor's

    10.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific bridge welder skills

    SkillsPercentages
    AWS64.20%
    Arc Welding12.97%
    DOT9.72%
    Torches7.74%
    SMAW5.37%
  3. Complete relevant bridge welder training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New bridge welders learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a bridge welder based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real bridge welder resumes.
  4. Research bridge welder duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and run production parts through the brake.
    • use of cutting torches when need.
    • Operate various forms of welding machines to include FCAW, GTAW, SMAW as well as oxy-acetylene torches.
    • Weld mainly stick, but includes MIG and TIG.
  5. Prepare your bridge welder resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your bridge welder resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a bridge welder resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable bridge welder resume templates

    Build a professional bridge welder resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your bridge welder resume.
    Bridge Welder Resume
    Bridge Welder Resume
    Bridge Welder Resume
    Bridge Welder Resume
    Bridge Welder Resume
    Bridge Welder Resume
    Bridge Welder Resume
    Bridge Welder Resume
    Bridge Welder Resume
  6. Apply for bridge welder jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a bridge welder job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first bridge welder job

Zippi

Are you a bridge welder?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average bridge welder salary

The average bridge welder salary in the United States is $42,281 per year or $20 per hour. Bridge welder salaries range between $31,000 and $56,000 per year.

Average bridge welder salary
$42,281 Yearly
$20.33 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do bridge welders rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Bridge welder reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2020
Pros

Good job for a person like me. Just put my hood down and weld without much instruction. I am quiet and welding fits good with my personality.

Cons

I don't like getting burned, but as long as I wear proper protection, it is very preventable.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Pros

It's challenging it keeps focused

Cons

Not to be appreciated, when we work hard, l love my work ND l wana learn more


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Pros

The skill level required to properly join metal together. Pride in your work and skill


Working as a bridge welder? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse production and manufacturing jobs