Welders fuse metal in fabrication shops, on construction sites, offshore platforms, and across pipelines and refineries. It is a skilled trade where your bead quality, certifications, and the processes you are tested on directly determine what you earn — from shop MIG work at $22/hour to specialty pipeline and underwater welding paying well over $100K.
Hiring fabricators, contractors, and pipeline companies want to see your AWS certifications, WPS qualifications, process experience (MIG, TIG, stick, flux-core), and the metals you have welded (carbon steel, stainless, aluminum, Inconel). A solid welder resume puts those up front along with recent test results and jobsite history.
This guide covers how to write a welder resume for shop, structural, pipeline, and specialty work. You will get summary examples at apprentice, journey, and master/certified inspector levels, plus lists of the keywords and certifications hiring shops look for on a test-day shortlist.
Key Skills
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Recommended Certifications
- AWS Certified Welder (D1.1 Structural, D1.2 Aluminum, D1.5 Bridge)
- ASME Section IX (for pressure vessels and piping)
- API 1104 (pipeline welding)
- OSHA 10-Hour / OSHA 30-Hour Construction
- AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) — for senior welders
Best Resume Format for Welders
Reverse-Chronological Format
Welding hiring decisions are driven by your most recent certifications, test results, and project experience. Reverse-chronological format keeps active AWS/ASME/API qualifications and the latest jobsite work at the top where fabricators and foremen look first.
Resume Sections (In Order)
- 1Contact Information
- 2Professional Summary
- 3AWS / ASME / API Certifications
- 4Welding Processes and Positions
- 5Technical Skills
- 6Work Experience (shops, projects, jobsites)
- 7Trade School / Apprenticeship
Formatting Tips
- Create a dedicated "Certifications" section listing each AWS code (D1.1, D1.2, D1.5), ASME IX, and API 1104 with test date
- State the processes you are tested on (GMAW, GTAW, SMAW, FCAW) and positions (1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, 6GR)
- List the metals you weld: carbon steel, stainless (304, 316), aluminum (5000/6000 series), Inconel, Hastelloy
- Quantify output: linear feet of weld per day, radiographic test pass rate, rejection rate, or project footage
- Include jobsite types: shop fabrication, structural steel erection, pipeline, refinery shutdown, shipyard
- Mention union affiliation like Pipefitters, Boilermakers, or Ironworkers if applicable
Welder Resume Summary Examples
“Certified pipe welder with 7 years of experience in refinery shutdowns, fabrication shops, and industrial maintenance. AWS D1.1 and ASME IX qualified in 6G on carbon steel and stainless, with a 96% radiographic test pass rate over the last 2 years. Experienced across GTAW root passes with GMAW/FCAW fill and cap. UA Local 798 pipeliner and OSHA 30 certified.”
Action Verbs for Your Welder Resume
Use these powerful action verbs to make your bullet points stand out and pass ATS screening.
Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid
Not specifying which AWS codes you are certified under
Shops need to know exactly. List "AWS D1.1 3G & 4G on carbon steel" rather than just "AWS certified."
Leaving out the processes and positions you are tested on
Be explicit: "GMAW, SMAW, GTAW in 1G/2G/3G/4G; 6G pipe test passed on carbon steel and 316 stainless."
Not mentioning radiographic or visual test pass rates
RT pass rate is a direct measure of weld quality. If you know yours — even roughly — include it.
Forgetting the metals and thicknesses you have worked with
Stainless and aluminum work pays more. List materials by type and grade: "carbon steel, 304/316 stainless, 6061 aluminum, Inconel 625."
Omitting jobsite types and projects
Refinery shutdowns, pipeline, shipyard, and nuclear work all carry weight. Name the jobsite type and the scale of the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an AWS certification to put welding on my resume?
Not to list welding as a skill, but for most paying welder jobs — structural, pipeline, pressure vessel — an active AWS, ASME, or API certification is required. List each cert with the code number, date, and testing position.
How do I show my welding positions on a resume?
List each position you have tested in using standard designations: 1G (flat), 2G (horizontal), 3G (vertical), 4G (overhead), 5G (pipe horizontal fixed), 6G (pipe 45-degree fixed), and 6GR (restricted). 6G and 6GR are the highest-paying positions.
What is the difference between a shop welder and a field welder resume?
Shop welders emphasize production volume, fit-up, blueprint reading, and quality metrics. Field welders emphasize jobsite experience, safety, travel willingness, union affiliation, and certifications in position welding like 5G and 6G.
Should I mention union membership on my welder resume?
Yes — it is a signal to union contractors. List your local number and union (Pipefitters UA, Boilermakers, Ironworkers). If you are non-union, leave it off rather than stating it explicitly.
How do pipeline welders make their resume stand out?
Focus on API 1104 certifications, 6G and 6GR positions, travel willingness, clean RT pass rate, and pipeline job history (interstate, gathering, compressor station tie-ins). Include the footage of pipe welded and x-ray acceptance rates.
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