Welder Welder
Occupation code: 322313（ANZSCO） Skilled migration occupation Overall 7.3/10
Welders / Boilermakers cut, shape, join and repair metal components, with broad applications in structural steel construction, mining, shipbuilding, defence industries and pipeline engineering. In Australia, welders are listed on both the MLTSSL and CSOL, making this one of the most popular skilled migration pathways.
Ratings · Overall 7.3/10i
In the AI era: what happens to Welder
Entry-level welder roles are decreasing due to AI-driven automated welding systems in manufacturing and construction, but demand for complex structural welding and field work remains.
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Has replaced welders in repetitive, standardised welding tasks, such as spot welding and arc welding on automotive assembly lines, and continuous welding of large steel structures.
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Replaces welders' arc welding operations in mass production, such as welding car chassis, frames, as well as medium-thick plate welding tasks for ships and pipelines.
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Replaces welders in small-to-medium batch, multi-variety welding production, such as welding metal furniture, agricultural machinery, and pressure vessels.
- Automated Welding with Machine Learning in Shipbuilding Research Partial 2022
Assists or replaces welders in complex weld path planning, such as automatic path generation and quality control for 3D complex joints in shipbuilding.
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- Batch standardised metal parts automatic welding (e.g., car body welding, pipe joints)
- Robot programming and path planning based on CAD models replace manual teaching
- Online weld quality inspection (visual inspection + AI defect detection)
- Automatic adjustment of welding parameters and welding process monitoring
- AI-assisted welding parameter optimization (real-time recommendation of current/voltage based on material thickness and ambient temperature)
- Augmented reality (AR) welding guidance system improves novice training efficiency
- Drones/crawler robots equipped with welding modules for high-altitude or hazardous welding
- Digital twin welding simulation reduces material waste from test pieces
- AI-driven multi-robot collaborative welding group control
- On-site manual welding of non-standard workpieces and confined spaces (e.g., on ships, inside pipes)
- Welding of pressure vessels and load-bearing structures with high stress and fatigue life requirements
- Welding process development for dissimilar metals and special alloys (titanium, aluminum-magnesium alloys)
- Welding quality responsibility determination and repair decisions
- Programming and debugging of welding robots (e.g., FANUC, KUKA, ABB)
- Welding process simulation software (e.g., Simufact Welding, SYSWELD)
- Automated welding quality control and testing methods
- Digital manufacturing basics (CAD/CAM, BOM management)
- Advanced certifications such as International Welding Engineer (IWE)
- Operation of AR/VR welding simulation training systems
Entry-level welder positions in factory production lines are significantly reduced, as automated welding robots handle simple repetitive tasks. New welders find it harder to get pure manual welding opportunities, but demand remains stable for those with advanced certifications like 6G or specialized material welding skills.
Upgrade from a junior welder to an automated welding technician by learning robot programming and offline simulation, and mastering at least one mainstream welding robot operating system. Further transition to a welding process engineer, using AI tools to optimize parameters and defect prediction, or develop into a welding robot integration engineer responsible for designing and debugging welding cells on production lines. Obtaining AWS or CWB advanced certifications can enhance competitiveness.
Salary
| Experience | Annual (AUD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Year 1 | $22,000 ~ $29,000 | Fair Work Award minimum wage, increasing incrementally by classification level |
| Apprentice Years 2–4 | $29,000 ~ $46,000 | Approximately $24–$30/hr (adult apprentice), government subsidies are additional |
| Junior welder (1–3 years post-certification) | $60,000 ~ $75,000 | Glassdoor 25th percentile ~$57,817; ERI entry-level $62,552 |
| Intermediate welder (3–8 years) | $75,000 ~ $95,000 | Indeed national average $42.95/hr (approx. $89k/yr); ERI average $84,556; Glassdoor median ~$80,000 |
| Senior welder / coded welder (8+ years) | $95,000 ~ $120,000 | ERI senior level $94,716; Coded Welder (pressure vessels/pipework) salaries are significantly higher than general welders |
| Mining FIFO welder (WA/QLD) | $120,000 ~ $170,000 | Includes shift allowances and FIFO supplements; defence shipbuilding roles (BAE Systems etc.) also offer higher pay |
Education Path
| Stage | Duration | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship (including MEM30319 TAFE course) | 42–48 months (approximately 3.5–4 years) | $0~$1,200 |
| Overseas qualification recognition (TRA Job Ready Program) | 12–24 months | $2,500~$6,000 |
| Specialist welding certification (Coded Welding / AS2980) | 1–3 months | $500~$2,000 |
Qualifications
| Qualification | Issuer | |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (MEM30319) | TAFE / RTO | Required |
| Coded Welding Certificate (AS/NZS 2980 / ASME IX) | Accredited third-party testing bodies (e.g. NATA laboratories) | Optional |
| Working at Heights / Confined Space Certificates | RTO accredited by each state's SafeWork / WorkSafe authority | Optional |
| Certificate IV in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (optional) | TAFE / RTO | Optional |
| TRA Skills Assessment | Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) | Optional |
Migration
Occupation classification code: 322313（ANZSCO）
| Visa | Details |
|---|---|
| 482 Skills in Demand | Employer-sponsored, mid-term skilled stream, up to 4 years, eligible to transition to 186 after 2 years |
| 186 ENS | Permanent residency via employer sponsorship; TRT stream requires 2 years on a 482 visa, direct stream requires 3 years of relevant work experience |
| 189 SkillSelect Independent | No employer required; invitation-based; listed on both MLTSSL and CSOL — highly competitive, consider pairing with a 190 or 491 nomination |
| 190 Skilled Nominated | State nomination, +5 points, permanent residency; SA/WA/QLD have strong demand for welders with relatively high nomination opportunities · ~75 pts competitive cut-off (2025–26, indicative) |
| 491 Skilled Work Regional | Regional nomination adds 15 points; temporary residents can apply for PR after 5 years; more opportunities in mining-focused states (WA/QLD) · ~70 pts competitive cut-off (2025–26, indicative) |
Who it fits
- Candidates with a welding/sheet metal/mechanical machining background (vocational training or relevant work experience) seeking to migrate to Australia through skilled migration
- Comfortable with physical labour, high temperatures, and smoky or dusty work environments, including outdoor or industrial settings
- Targeting high-paying mining roles (FIFO) or defence shipbuilding (BAE Systems, ASC and other major projects)
- Aiming for a skilled migration pathway — SA/WA/QLD offer more state nomination opportunities
- Willing to continuously obtain Coded Welder certifications to access higher salary premiums
- Strong physical aversion to high-temperature, dusty, and high-noise work environments
- Expecting to qualify within 1–2 years (apprenticeship takes at least 4 years; TRA mutual recognition takes approximately 12–24 months)
- No metalworking or mechanical foundation whatsoever, and unwilling to invest time in developing hands-on skills
- Concern about automation replacing the role (automated welding robots have already penetrated some segments — worth monitoring industry trends)
Career outlook
Australia's defence industry expansion (AUKUS agreement), mining automation upgrades, and renewable energy structural component manufacturing are the three key demand drivers. Demand for senior welders (specialised welding, pressure vessels) continues to rise.
Jobs and Skills Australia projects approximately 195,800 new trade jobs by 2035 (+9.8%). The defence shipbuilding programme (AUKUS submarines and frigates) and renewable energy infrastructure construction will continue to drive demand for welders.
Growth areas：
Mining & Resources InfrastructureDefence & Shipbuilding (BAE Systems, ASC)Renewable Energy Structures (Wind Towers, Solar Frames)Construction & Structural SteelOil & Gas Pipelines
FAQ
Data sources
Salary ranges are estimates aggregated from public listings on Seek, Indeed, Glassdoor and ERI SalaryExpert; employment and demand forecasts cite Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS); visa and migration details follow the latest occupation lists from the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant assessing authorities. Figures are indicative only — always refer to the latest official sources.