WELDING SUPERVISOR JOBS & CAREER PROFILE
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Jobs Overview
Welding supervisors play a critical role in the success of fabrication and construction projects. They are responsible for overseeing welding crews, enforcing safety and quality standards, and ensuring that welding work is performed efficiently and to code.
For professionals looking to step into leadership roles, welding supervisor jobs offer increased responsibility, career advancement, and higher pay.
If you're a skilled welder looking to take the next step in your career, becoming a welding supervisor offers advancement, higher pay, and a critical voice in production decision-making.
what does a welding supervisor do?
what does a welding supervisor do?
Welding supervisors act as the bridge between welders and upper management. They make sure welders are following correct procedures, monitor work quality, and help keep projects on schedule and within budget.
Typical responsibilities include:
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Assigning daily tasks to welding crews and monitoring productivity
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Inspecting welds for quality and compliance with codes and blueprints
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Enforcing safety rules and reporting any hazards or incidents
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Training and mentoring welding personnel on best practices
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Working with engineers, inspectors, and project managers
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Maintaining records, reports, and welding procedure documentation
A welding supervisor must understand processes like SMAW, GMAW, and FCAW—and be familiar with materials, joint designs, and welding symbols.
Career requirements
Career requirements
What Skills or Credentials Do You Need to Get Welding Supervisor Jobs?
To qualify for welding supervisor jobs, candidates need a combination of welding experience, leadership ability, and a deep understanding of industry codes and standards. Typical requirements include:
- Communicate job expectations and performance requirements to welders
- Serve as a liaison with designers, clients and other stakeholders to maximize efficiency, quality and customer satisfaction
- Initiate, coordinate and enforce production, safety, and quality systems, policies, and procedures
- Ensure that all welding meets the specified requirements before inspection is initiated
- Ensure that welded material and consumables meet specifications
Some supervisors begin as welders or forepersons before moving into full supervisory roles.
Salary & Career Outlook
Salary & Career Outlook
How Much Does a Welding Supervisor Make?
Welding supervisor jobs tend to earn higher-than-average salaries in the welding field, thanks to their leadership responsibilities and influence on job quality and safety.
Estimated salary ranges:
- Entry-level supervisors: $55,000–$65,000 annually
- Experienced welding supervisors: $70,000–$85,000
- Senior supervisors or those in large industrial operations: $90,000+
Training & Certifications
Training & Certifications
How Do I Qualify for Welding Supervisor Jobs?
Steps to advance into a supervisory role include:
- Earn AWS certifications in relevant welding processes.
- Build hands-on experience in structural, pipe, or high-pressure welding.
- Learn quality assurance, code compliance, and team leadership.
- Complete the AWS Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) program.
- Stay current with codes, industry changes, and safety training.
AWS provides training materials, workshops, and credentialing programs to help experienced welders become effective supervisors.
Welding Supervisor Job Demand
The map below shows current demand for welding supervisor jobs across the U.S. Openings are most common in states with major construction, fabrication, and infrastructure activity.
Learn More About Welding Supervisor Jobs and Careers
Learn More About Welding Supervisor Jobs and Careers
As a welding supervisor, you’ll combine hands-on expertise with leadership and project coordination to ensure safe, high-quality welds on every job. If you're ready to move beyond the welder role and take charge of project outcomes, this career offers long-term stability, excellent pay, and a path into advanced leadership positions.
Explore AWS welding supervisor certifications and training resources to help you take the next step.
Minimum Education
Associate degree in welding, metals fabrication, engineering technology, etc.
Recommended Education
Certificate in welding, metals fabrication, industrial management, etc.
Advanced Education
Bachelor’s degree in welding, welding engineering, industrial/project management, etc.
Recommended Training
Related welding and management work experience
Advanced Training
Apprenticeship program
Recommended Certification
AWS Certified Welder, AWS Certified Welding Supervisor, AWS Certified Welding Inspector