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Welder: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Does the idea of building projects from metals spark your interest? Does creating art and paying attention to detail intrigue you? Do you have good hand-eye coordination? Then you may want to fuse into shape your career as a welder.
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OCC info
Occupations in Alberta
Apprenticeship

Welder

Welders use a variety of welding processes to join and sever metals for construction and manufacturing purposes. The processes they perform depends on their level of certification.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Production Welder, Wire Process Operator

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 7265.1: Welders
  • 7265.2: Welding, Brazing and Soldering Machine Operators

2006 NOC-S

  • H326: Welders and Related Machine Operators

2011 NOC

  • 7237: Welders and related machine operators

2016 NOC

  • 7237: Welders and related machine operators

2021 NOC

  • 72106: Welders and related machine operators

2023 OaSIS

  • 72106.01: Welders
  • 72106.02: Welding, brazing and soldering machine operators
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2020

In Alberta, welder is a compulsory designated trade with a wire process operator branch available.

Welders and wire process operators join and sever metals in beams, girders, vessels, piping and other metal components, make metal parts used in construction and manufacturing plants, and weld parts, tools, machines and equipment. They fuse metal pieces together with heat using different welding processes. The processes and fillers they choose depends on the type of metal, its size and shape, and requirements for finished product strength.

Welders are certified in all welding processes. For typical welding projects, they:

  • Develop patterns or follow directions given in layouts, drawing interpretation and work orders
  • Shape component parts, clean, and check for defects
  • Weld parts together

Wire process operators work primarily in production and manufacturing plants, joining components and sub-assemblies. They are limited to the following welding processes:

  • Gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
  • Flux cored arc welding (FCAW)
  • Submerged arc welding (SAW)
  • Other semiautomatic wire feed welding processes

They may also use cutting torches to separate metals, or build up worn parts by welding layers of high-strength hard-metal alloys onto them. For typical welding projects, wire process operators:

  • Follow directions in layouts, drawing interpretation, and work orders
  • Join parts together
  • Shape component parts, clean welds, and check for defects
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

A 40-hour workweek is typical but overtime is sometimes required to meet project deadlines. There is possible risk of injury involved in working with torches and hot metals, and the resulting sparks and toxic gases. They wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce these risks.

Wire process operators usually work in production plants and metal fabrication shops. They spend most of their working hours on their feet.

Welders may work outdoors on construction sites or indoors in production and repair shops. For jobs such as oilfield welding, they can expect to do some traveling.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
R
Realistic
This occupation
You
C
Conventional
I
Investigative
This occupation
You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Welders
2023 OaSIS: 72106.01

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    Realistic

    Realistic jobs focus on working with your hands, tools, machines, or animals. People in these jobs often fix, build, or take care of things. They like clear tasks and working in a physical way. These jobs usually don’t need much paperwork or teamwork. Examples include mechanics, farmers, and builders.

  • 2
    Conventional

    Conventional jobs involve following rules and working with information. People in these jobs like to keep things organized and follow clear steps. They often work with numbers, files, or data. These jobs usually happen in offices and involve working with data and details more than ideas. Examples include clerks, accountants, and data entry workers.

  • 3
    Investigative

    Investigative jobs are about thinking deeply and solving problems. People in these jobs enjoy learning, asking questions, and doing research. They often study science, nature, or how things work. These jobs need a lot of thinking and often involve working with ideas instead of people. Examples include scientists, lab technicians, and researchers.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
R
Realistic
This occupation
You
C
Conventional
I
Investigative
This occupation
You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Welding, brazing and soldering machine operators
2023 OaSIS: 72106.02

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    Realistic

    Realistic jobs focus on working with your hands, tools, machines, or animals. People in these jobs often fix, build, or take care of things. They like clear tasks and working in a physical way. These jobs usually don’t need much paperwork or teamwork. Examples include mechanics, farmers, and builders.

  • 2
    Conventional

    Conventional jobs involve following rules and working with information. People in these jobs like to keep things organized and follow clear steps. They often work with numbers, files, or data. These jobs usually happen in offices and involve working with data and details more than ideas. Examples include clerks, accountants, and data entry workers.

  • 3
    Investigative

    Investigative jobs are about thinking deeply and solving problems. People in these jobs enjoy learning, asking questions, and doing research. They often study science, nature, or how things work. These jobs need a lot of thinking and often involve working with ideas instead of people. Examples include scientists, lab technicians, and researchers.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Welders
2023 OaSIS: 72106.01

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Information Ordering
Categorization Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Fluency of Ideas
Problem Identification
Written Comprehension
Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing
Perceptual Speed
Pattern Organization Speed
Numerical Ability
Mathematical Reasoning
Multitasking
Pattern Identification
Spatial Orientation
Spatial Visualization
Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina
Static Strength
Trunk Strength
Explosive Strength
Body Flexibility
Dynamic Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Gross Body Equilibrium
Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Rate Control
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control of Settings
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multi-Signal Response
Reaction Time
Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Peripheral Vision
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Far Vision
Glare Tolerance
Near Vision
Night Vision
Speech Recognition
Sound Localization
Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Welding, brazing and soldering machine operators
2023 OaSIS: 72106.02

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Information Ordering
Categorization Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Fluency of Ideas
Problem Identification
Written Comprehension
Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing
Perceptual Speed
Pattern Organization Speed
Numerical Ability
Mathematical Reasoning
Multitasking
Pattern Identification
Spatial Orientation
Spatial Visualization
Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina
Static Strength
Trunk Strength
Explosive Strength
Body Flexibility
Dynamic Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Gross Body Equilibrium
Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Rate Control
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control of Settings
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multi-Signal Response
Reaction Time
Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Peripheral Vision
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Far Vision
Glare Tolerance
Near Vision
Night Vision
Speech Recognition
Sound Localization
Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Welders and wire process operators need:

  • Manual dexterity
  • Good vision (glasses are acceptable)
  • Eye-hand coordination
  • Attention to detail
  • Patience

They should enjoy building things and working with little direction or supervision.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Welders and related machine operators

2016 NOC: 7237

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 105 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Apr 01, 2025 and Dec 05, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Read and interpret welding blueprints, drawings specifications, manuals and processes
Tasks: Interpret welding process specifications
Tasks: Examine welds and ensure that they meet standards and/or specifications
Tasks: Operate manual or semi-automatic flame-cutting equipment
Attention to detail
Tasks: Operate manual or semi-automatic, fully automated welding equipment
Team player
Hand-eye co-ordination
Organized
Tasks: Determine weldability of materials
Tasks: Read and interpret welding blueprints, drawings specifications, manuals and processes 70
Tasks: Interpret welding process specifications 67
Tasks: Examine welds and ensure that they meet standards and/or specifications 63
Tasks: Operate manual or semi-automatic flame-cutting equipment 62
Attention to detail 60
Tasks: Operate manual or semi-automatic, fully automated welding equipment 60
Construction Specialization: Team player 58
Hand-eye co-ordination 53
Construction Specialization: Organized 49
Tasks: Determine weldability of materials 48
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Minimum Education Apprenticeship

To work in Alberta, a welder or a wire process operator must be ONE of the following:

  • A registered apprentice
  • An Alberta-certified journeyperson
  • Hold a recognized related trade certificate

To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:

  • Have an Alberta high school transcript with at least English Language Arts 10-2, Math 10-3, or equivalent
  • Have a pass mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
  • Pass an entrance exam

Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.

The term of apprenticeship for:

  • Wire process operators is 2 years (two 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1,500 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction in the first year and 1,800 hours of on-the-job training in the second year
  • Welders is 3 years (three 12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year

High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Aprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.

Welder apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada). The wire process operator branch does not participate in the Red Seal program.

Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Alberta Pipe Trades College
Apprenticeship Trades
CLAC Career Development College Inc.
Keyano College
Lakeland College
Lethbridge Polytechnic
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Northern Lakes College
Northwestern Polytechnic
Olds College
Portage College
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Certification Provincially regulated

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Pressure Welder

Pressure welders weld parts together to construct pressure vessels, boilers, pressure piping systems and associated fittings.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Safety Codes Act [pdf] and Pressure Welder Regulation [pdf], you must hold an appropriate certificate from the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) and a performance qualification card to weld on pressure vessels, boilers, pressure piping systems or fittings. There are three types of certificates:

  • Grade B Pressure Welder
  • Grade C Pressure Welder
  • Machine Welding Operator

The performance qualification card must specify the welding process, base material group, filler metal group, thickness of deposited weld metal, positions, backing and minimum pipe diameter.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Pressure Welder.

Welder

Welders use a variety of welding processes to join and sever metals for construction and manufacturing purposes. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you must have a certificate that is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training or be a registered apprentice, if you use oxy-fuel, soldering, shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, flux core arc, submerged arc and gas tungsten arc, electric arc, plasma arc or resistance welding processes in Alberta.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Welder.

Additional Information

Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Welders are employed in industries involved in:

  • Vessel or structural steel assembly
  • Pipeline construction
  • Commercial construction
  • Industrial construction
  • Steel fabrication
  • Heavy equipment repair

Wire process operators are employed in industries involved in:

  • Manufacture of vessels
  • Structural steel fabrication
  • General steel fabrication
  • Truck body fabrication
  • Heavy equipment repair

Employment prospects are dependent on seasonal and economic changes.

Experienced welders and wire process operators have opportunities to move into inspection or supervisory positions. Some welders open their own repair shops, or work as portable rig welders who contract out their services. Some wire process operators open their own manufacturing plants or production shops.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Welders and related machine operators
2016 NOC: 7237

86.4% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Welders and related machine operators
2021 NOC: 72106
Hot
Job Market
21,400
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list
©
iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Welders and related machine operators
2016 NOC: 7237
2.3%
Annual Growth
(Below average)
404
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Journeyperson wage rates for welders vary but generally range from $25 to $40 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices earn at least 60% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 75% in the second and 90% in the third.

Journeyperson wage rates for wire process operators vary but generally range from $15 to $25 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices earn at least 60% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year and 75% in the second.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Welders and related machine operators

2021 NOC: 72106
Average Wage
$37.72
Per Hour
Average Salary
$79,452.00
Per Year
Average Hours
40.7
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.9
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 72106 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $20.00 $45.00 $31.17 $29.00
Overall $25.95 $55.00 $37.72 $36.00
Top $31.50 $60.00 $43.77 $40.00

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Oil & Gas Extraction
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $79,452
Oil & Gas Extraction $83,869
Construction $99,322
Manufacturing $72,640
Wholesale Trade $99,926
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) $76,558
Public Administration $90,222

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
57%
57%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
68%
68%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
16%
16%
Vacancy Rate
7%
Related High School Subjects
  • Trades, Manufacturing and Transportation
    • Fabrication
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca

BuildForce Canada website: www.builforce.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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