Updated 2025 · Welding
How to Become a Structural Welder
Structural welders specialize in welding structural steel components for buildings, bridges, and heavy construction projects, often working at height on ironwork.
Steps to Become a Structural Welder
- Meet basic requirements — You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. A strong foundation in math, physics, and shop classes helps.
- Apply to an apprenticeship program — Structural Welder apprenticeships last 3 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apply through your local union (IBEW, UA, etc.) or a non-union contractor program. You earn while you learn from day one.
- Complete required training — Complete 6000 hours of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
- Earn certifications — Required certifications include: AWS D1.1 Structural Welding certification, CWI (Certified Welding Inspector), OSHA 10/30-Hour, Ironworker welding certifications.
- Pass the journeyman exam — After completing your apprenticeship, pass the journeyman licensing exam in your state to earn full journeyman status and pay.
What Does a Structural Welder Do?
Structural welders specialize in welding structural steel components for buildings, bridges, and heavy construction projects, often working at height on ironwork.
Daily Duties
- Weld structural steel beams, columns, and connections
- Read structural welding blueprints and symbols
- Perform visual and NDT weld inspections
- Weld in all positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead)
- Preheat and post-heat weld joints per specifications
Skills Needed
- Structural steel welding
- Multi-position welding
- Blueprint reading
- Weld inspection
- Ironworking
Required Certifications
- AWS D1.1 Structural Welding certification
- CWI (Certified Welding Inspector)
- OSHA 10/30-Hour
- Ironworker welding certifications
Structural Welder Salary (2025)
The national median structural welder salary is $55,913 per year. Pay ranges from $46,280 in the lowest-paying metro to $75,858 in the highest-paying metro. See the full structural welder salary breakdown by city.
Apprentice Pay Progression
Structural Welder apprentices earn while they learn, starting at approximately 40% of journeyman pay:
| Year | % of Journeyman | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40% | $22,365 |
| Year 2 | 65% | $36,343 |
| Year 3 | 90% | $50,322 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $55,913 |
Union vs Non-Union Structural Welder Pay
Union structural welders earn 24% more than non-union workers — $33.40/hour union vs $26.94/hour non-union. Approximately 18.6% of structural welders are union members. See the full union vs non-union comparison.
Work Environment
Structural welders work on construction sites at significant heights, welding steel frameworks for buildings and bridges. Outdoor work in all weather conditions.
Career Outlook
Strong demand tied to commercial construction and infrastructure. Structural welders with AWS D1.1 certification earn premium wages.
Frequently Asked Questions
The national median salary for a structural welder is $55,913 per year (2025 BLS data). Pay ranges from $46,280 to $75,858 depending on location, with top earners in the 90th percentile making significantly more.
It takes 3 years to complete a structural welder apprenticeship. During this time, you earn while you learn — starting at approximately 40-50% of journeyman wages and receiving annual raises.
No college degree is required to become a structural welder. The primary path is through an apprenticeship program or trade school. You will need to earn specific certifications: AWS D1.1 Structural Welding certification and CWI (Certified Welding Inspector).
Structural Welder earns a Trade Pay Score grade of C, meaning it rates moderately on pay relative to cost of living, wage growth, and demand. Strong demand tied to commercial construction and infrastructure. Structural welders with AWS D1.1 certification earn premium wages.
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