How is SMAW used?
Zippia reviewed thousands of resumes to understand how smaw is used in different jobs. Explore the list of common job responsibilities related to smaw below:
- Welded furnace boxes, piping systems, structural I-beams, and pipe rack supports using SMAW process for new construction.
- Unloaded trucks, did some lay-out, rigging and structural welding using shielded metal arc (SMAW).
- Installed floor and wall panels, and all exterior platforms and ladders with SMAW and GTAW welding processes.
- Welded structural steel, SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), on the construction of the High Viscosity
- Applied various welding processes including SMAW, FCAW, & GMAW satisfying all NDT inspections proficiently and safely.
- Weld components of barges into one rigid structure using FCAW or SMAW process in a production setting.
Are SMAW skills in demand?
Yes, smaw skills are in demand today. Currently, 695 job openings list smaw skills as a requirement. The job descriptions that most frequently include smaw skills are structural welder, ironworker/welder, and maintenance welder.
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What jobs can you get with SMAW skills?
You can get a job as a structural welder, ironworker/welder, and maintenance welder with smaw skills. After analyzing resumes and job postings, we identified these as the most common job titles for candidates with smaw skills.
Structural Welder
Job description:
The job of structural welders is to design, layout, and fabricate the metal framework for industrial and commercial buildings. They work for a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing, shipbuilding, and construction. Their duties and responsibilities include testing welding and safety equipment, cutting, assembling, repairing building components such as girders and beams, and checking for gap and angle allowances. They either use manual or automated equipment to perform some of these tasks, such as power saws for cutting metals. Structural welders are also responsible for assessing the condition of the equipment.
- SMAW
- FCAW
- MIG
- Arc Welding
- GMAW
- Hand Tools
Maintenance Welder
Job description:
A Maintenance Welder diagnoses and repairs a variety of metal work including construction vehicles and equipment. They cut, fit, and weld metal using gas and electric welding equipment.
- MIG
- Arc Welding
- Hand Tools
- GMAW
- SMAW
- GTAW
Pipe Welder
Job description:
According to schematics and analyzing specifications, a pipe welder is responsible for maintaining and repairing pipe systems and components. Pipe welders inspect the quality of the materials, assemble tools for welding preparations, ensure the safety of the welding method and structural units, and strictly adhere to safety operations procedures. They also examine finished welds to identify any defects and perform adjustments as needed. A pipe welder must have a broad knowledge of the mechanical industry to operate machinery and construct a safe piping system.
- Carbon Steel
- MIG
- Hand Tools
- TIG
- SMAW
- GTAW
How much can you earn with SMAW skills?
You can earn up to $42,868 a year with smaw skills if you become a structural welder, the highest-paying job that requires smaw skills. Ironworker/welders can earn the second-highest salary among jobs that use Python, $51,215 a year.
| Job title | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Welder | $42,868 | $21 |
| Ironworker/Welder | $51,215 | $25 |
| Maintenance Welder | $40,659 | $20 |
| Pipe Welder | $46,364 | $22 |
| Welder First Class | $45,016 | $22 |
Companies using SMAW in 2026
The top companies that look for employees with smaw skills are Aerotek, Phillips Companies, and Tradesmen International. In the millions of job postings we reviewed, these companies mention smaw skills most frequently.
| Rank | Company | % of all skills | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aerotek | 32% | 5,848 |
| 2 | Phillips Companies | 11% | 153 |
| 3 | Tradesmen International | 7% | 2,048 |
| 4 | Bernhard Link Theatrical Llc | 6% | 51 |
| 5 | TANCO Engineering | 6% | 14 |
Departments using SMAW
| Department | Average salary |
|---|---|
| Construction | $47,494 |
| Plant/Manufacturing | $44,560 |