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The ÒõAPPµ¼º½, a leader in materials joining and allied technology services, has released its Canadian Welding Industry Employment & Salary Report 2024, offering valuable insights into the professional landscape of Canada’s welding industry. The report, based on a survey of over 1,330 welding professionals, sheds light on employment status, salary, qualifications, job satisfaction, and the challenges facing the industry today.

Key findings: Employment status, salaries, and satisfaction

The majority of welding professionals surveyed (84%) work as employees in organizations, with 12% identifying as self-employed. Roughly 64% report working between 40 and 49 hours each week. Salary ranges vary widely, with over half of respondents earning between $60,000 and $110,000 annually. Welding engineers report the highest pay, with over 54% earning more than $100,000 per year. On the other end of the spectrum, welding apprentices and junior welders reported the lowest earnings.

When it comes to job satisfaction, the report shows that most professionals find fulfillment in their relationships with colleagues and supervisors, while dissatisfaction is often tied to limited advancement opportunities, performance recognition, and salary. Welding instructors and supervisors reported the highest career satisfaction levels, with 63% rating their satisfaction between 8 and 10 (on a scale of 1 to 10).

Industry challenges: Workforce shortages and an aging population

The welding industry is facing several notable challenges, with nearly half (47%) of survey respondents identifying a shortage of qualified workers as the most pressing issue. This is closely followed by concerns over an aging workforce, with 41% citing this demographic trend as a significant threat to industry continuity and growth. These workforce trends underline the critical need for initiatives focused on training, development, and attracting younger workers to the field.

Automation and robotics

A notable development in the industry as a whole is the adoption of automation in welding operations. Currently, 26% of survey respondents report using automation in their work, and an additional 11% anticipate their organizations will adopt automation within the next one to two years.

Rather than diminishing job prospects, automation is shifting the skill requirements in welding. As robots and automated systems take on more repetitive tasks, the focus is moving toward roles that emphasize supervision, troubleshooting, and quality control. This evolution in job roles presents welders with new career pathways and underscores the importance of advanced training in new technologies.

Enhancing job satisfaction to retain talent

The report highlights several factors that contribute to job satisfaction and talent retention. Fair compensation, aligned with experience and qualifications, remains essential, as does the need for workplaces to foster a supportive environment focused on health and safety. Additional benefits—such as flexible hours, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, remote work options, and health club memberships—can significantly enhance employee satisfaction and are becoming increasingly attractive in the welding sector.

Supporting the welding workforce with training, mentorship, and connection

The welding industry's future success depends heavily on support from trade associations, accreditation bodies, and government entities. This support should include affordable training and certification options, apprenticeship programs, educational grants, and job placement assistance. Investment in research and innovation is also critical as welding technologies continue to evolve, which will ensure the Canadian welding industry remains competitive and sustainable. Further, mentorship programs and networking opportunities can empower professionals—especially apprentices—to advance their careers and stay up to date on technological advancements.

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Welding remains a rewarding and diverse field that offers career opportunities in areas ranging from inspection and quality control to education, engineering, and management, with substantial room for career growth and satisfaction. A career in welding comes with physical demands, but the advancement of technology and automation may reduce the amount of strenuous and repetitive work welders have to do in the future – and can open up additional opportunities.

With a clear picture of current trends, challenges, and opportunities, the ÒõAPPµ¼º½ continues to empower Canada’s welding professionals, providing tools and insights to support a thriving industry.

Download the full report: Canadian Welding Industry Employment & Salary Report 2024

Le rapport est aussi disponible en français: Rapport sur l’emploi et les salaires dans l’industrie canadienne du soudage 2024

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