Pipeline Welding: How To Become a Pipeline Welder

Welding is a skill used in many industries. From automotive fabrication to construction, having the skills to heat and fuse materials can open career opportunities in various settings.

One area of work that welders can explore is pipeline welding. Pipeline welding is a specialized skill used in various industries, including aerospace, oil, construction, nuclear and auto manufacturing. Pipeline welders are responsible for installing and repairing pipes that transport substances such as water, chemicals and gases.

The job requires the ability to choose appropriate materials, transport them to the job site and use different welding methods to assemble pipes. Pipeline welders may also need to cut or reshape pipe sections, construct supports for pipes and maintain welding equipment.

The welding industry is growing, and there are opportunities for those with the right qualifications to pursue a career as a pipeline welder. Education and hands-on training are important for gaining the necessary skills. If you have a desire to work with your hands and a love for working in the field — outdoors in most cases — then you may want to consider pursuing a path to become a pipeline welder.

Keep reading to learn more about the job and how a background in welding can help you become a pipeline welder.

3 Steps To Become a Pipeline Welder

Two important things to have when pursuing any job in the skilled trades are an education and hands-on training. Having a foundation of knowledge before getting into the welding industry will help you on your path to becoming a pipeline welder.

Step 1: Research requirements and welding schools

Other than training, most employers typically require candidates to have a high school diploma or equivalent, like a GED. That is also a requirement for trade schools like Universal Technical Institute (UTI).

When it comes to searching for a pipeline welding school to attend, it’s good to note that one way you can assess the quality of a trade school is by its accreditations. UTI is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Another way is to determine if a school has valuable industry relationships. UTI has close relationships with several manufacturers who help design our programs. UTI’s Welding Technology program was created in collaboration with Lincoln Electric, a leader in manufacturing welding technology. This helps create a curriculum that is relevant to current industry standards.¹

Step 2: Attend a welding school or training program

Once you know the requirements, the next step is to get proper training. Physical strength, good problem-solving skills and steady hands are all important traits to have to become a capable welder. However, certain skills and knowledge such as knowing different welding arc methods and safety procedures are best learned from an instructor with real-world experience.

In just 9-10 months, students enrolled in UTI’s welding program are taught the four major types of arc welding used in the industry, which include:

• Gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
• Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)
• Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW)
• Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW)

UTI also offers a dedicated Pipe Welding course, so students can gain firsthand knowledge of this type of welding. Students can learn the different methods of welding pipes and tubes using different kinds of metal transfer.

Students are trained in different positions used for pipe welding, along with the equipment needed for beveling and cutting joints during the pipe welding process.

Step 3: Get welding experience and pursue a career

After graduating from a welding program, you can start to pursue entry-level jobs and apprenticeships that can help you gain on-the-job experience. With time, experience and hard work, it can be possible to work your way up to more advanced positions such as a pipeline welder.⁷⁷

Students who complete the Welding Technology program at UTI can take advantage of the Career Services department which provides guidance and resources to help students and grads identify potential jobs.

Pipeline Welder Job Description

So, what exactly is a pipeline welder? As mentioned above, they help install and repair different pipes in a town or city. Pipeline welders can work with pipes carrying a range of substances, from water to chemicals and gases.

A pipeline welder needs to be able to decide what materials to use and then transport them to a job site. They’ll assemble pipes to form a network by using different welding methods.

Other job duties of a pipeline welder might include cutting or reshaping pipe sections and components, or constructing supports for pipes. They might need to perform “hot tapping” or weld “live” pipelines, and they will need to maintain their welding equipment.

There are many sectors where pipeline welders could work, including:

• Aerospace factories
• Oil industry
• Construction sites
• Nuclear plants
• Auto manufacturing facilities
• Fabrication shops

Depending on the location of the job, a pipeline welder might have to work under extreme weather conditions. It’s a physical job requiring a lot of skill and experience.

Pipeline Welder Salary

How much does a pipeline welder make? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for welders in the United States is $48,940 in May 2023.²⁶ This means half of welders earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

Explore career opportunities using ourwelding career guide.

Pipeline Welder Job Outlook

Careers typically start with entry-level positions whether in the welding industry or any other career path. Once you gain more on-the-job experience, you may be able to pursue a more advanced role in pipeline welding.

The welding industry continues to grow, and employers are looking to hire those with the right qualifications. Total welder employment is expected to exceed 463,000 by 2033.⁵⁰ This signals plenty of opportunity for those wanting to work their way into a pipeline welding position.

Get Welding Training at UTI

Does a career in welding sound like it would be a good fit? Get foundational knowledge and training you can build on when you enroll in UTI’s Welding Technology program!

Take the first step today toward a future you’re excited about. Request more information and an Admissions Representative will reach out!