How to Become a Spot Welder

Quick Facts

  • Average Salary: $44,000/year
  • Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Required Experience: Entry-level through apprenticeship
  • Licensing: Required in most states
  • Job Outlook: 3% growth (2020-2030)

What Does a Spot Welder Do?

A Spot Welder is a hands-on, skilled trade job in the Welding sector of the Manufacturing industry. This job involves joining pieces of metal together, typically steel or stainless steel, by applying heat generated from electrical resistance. The spot welder uses specialized equipment that concentrates the heat in small 'spots', hence the name.

Imagine working in a busy industrial or fabrication environment with a team-driven atmosphere. As a Spot Welder, you could find yourself in workshops, factories, repair shops, or construction sites.

The primary duties of a Spot Welder include setting up welding machines, aligning parts to be welded, and maintaining the equipment for safety. They also inspect finished work to ensure it meets quality standards. It's an active job that requires manual dexterity, good hand-eye coordination, and the ability to stand or kneel for extended periods. If you enjoy working with your hands, love to focus on detail, and take pride in creating strong, lasting items, a job as a Spot Welder might be a great fit for you!

Skills Required

Technical Skills

  • Spot Welding
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Metal Fabrication

Soft Skills

  • Physical Stamina
  • Problem Solving
  • Attention to Detail
  • Time Management
  • Teamwork

Education and Training Requirements

Required Education

Licensing and Certification

State Requirements

Required in most states

Salary and Job Outlook

How to Get Started