How To Become A Master Welder: What It Is and Career Path

What is a master welder and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

The average master welder salary is $43,857. The most common degree is a high school diploma degree with an precision metal working major. It usually takes 2-4 years of experience to become a master welder. Master welders with a Certified Welder certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 2% and produce 6,900 job opportunities across the U.S.

ScoreMaster WelderUS Average

Salary

3.4

Avg. Salary $43,857

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.8

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

9.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.60%

Asian 2.64%

Black or African American 10.17%

Hispanic or Latino 17.77%

Unknown 3.97%

White 63.86%

Gender

female 4.05%

male 95.95%

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

Key steps to become a master welder

Explore master welder education requirements

Most common master welder degrees

High School Diploma

27.9 %

Associate

24.6 %

Diploma

14.8 %

Start to develop specific master welder skills

Skills	Percentages
GMAW	16.21%
Fit-Up	13.57%
Stainless Steel	13.08%
Arc Welding	11.39%
Cranes	10.29%

Complete relevant master welder training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New master 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 master welder based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real master welder resumes.

Research master welder duties and responsibilities

Operate equipment such as loaders, trucks and cranes.
Can read blueprint measuring tape and fitting tools, drive forklift, operate overhead cranes, cut plasma and acetylene torch.
Perform tubular welding operations on livestock equipment products using appropriate jigs.
Perform MIG and stick welds and erecting structural steel utilize for building skeletons including specific/ detail measurements for accuracy.

Prepare your master welder resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your master 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 master 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 master welder resume templates

Build a professional master 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 master welder resume.