Mapping Canada’s welding landscape

Welding is an essential and in-demand skill in Canada, with many welding jobs available in the industrial, construction, and manufacturing sectors. There are many job opportunities in the welding industry, and the earning potential is endless.

The CWB Group conducted a detailed survey (“Canadian Employment & Salary Report”) of its association members to gain an in-depth understanding of employment opportunities, advancement potential, job satisfaction, and top issues facing the industry today. These findings help the organization better understand the welding landscape while allowing it to cater products and services toward addressing the problems within the trades.

Market Research Respondent Profiles

From a sample of 1,491 respondents, most reside in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. About 19 per cent are non-Canadian residents, 90 per cent are male, and more than one-third are between the ages of 35 and 44 with an apprenticeship, trades certificate, or diploma. Eighty-five per cent of respondents are part of an organization, 13 per cent are self-employed, and 2 per cent indicated that they are training apprentices. Welding inspectors and supervisors make up 45 per cent of respondents.

The following are some examples of what the survey revealed.

Welding Apprentice—Employment & Salary. Most (93 per cent) respondents work full-time and permanently, with 76 per cent working as hourly employees. Seven percent are salaried, 20 per cent belong to a union, and 23 per cent receive bonuses or other financial incentives on an annual basis. Considering the vast shortage of welders in the industry, the survey found that 85 per cent have been employed in their current roles for five years or less. Salaries of $40,000 to $49,999 are the most common at this stage, according to the report.

When asked about job satisfaction, 56 per cent are extremely satisfied with their career choice, with 41 per cent reporting high satisfaction levels.

Welder Journeyperson—Employment & Salary. The majority (97 per cent) of welding journeypersons work on a full-time and permanent basis. A large majority (91 per cent) are hourly employees while 8 per cent are salaried. Thirty-four per cent belong to a union, and 30 per cent receive bonuses or other financial incentives. Welding journeypersons reported working in their current role longer than welders and apprentices, with 56 per cent employed for less than five years and another 20 per cent for six to 10 years. A welding journeyperson can be compensated with an annual salary of anywhere between $70,000 and $90,000.

These are just a few examples of the responses gleaned from the report. For a more detailed view, visit www.cwbgroup.org/association/publications/canadian-employment-salary-report.

Industry Issues

Canada’s welding industry faces many challenges, from declining demand for skilled welders to a need for more training opportunities. Access to apprenticeships and training opportunities is another issue facing the industry. To become certified, welders need to complete an apprenticeship and pass a certification exam, but many welders need access to the necessary resources and the funding to do so.

Canada’s welding industry is also facing the challenge of an aging workforce. As welders reach retirement age, the need for new and younger welders to replace them is growing, but the industry needs to do more to recruit and train new welders. To address these issues, the CWB Group is committed to learning more about what is required and is working tirelessly to provide resources, education, and opportunities to help the welding sector grow.

Here we see some of the statistics gleaned from the CWB study. CWB Group

Wrapping Up

Welding is a rewarding career that is integral to Canada’s economic development. It is a diverse field that can lead to various career paths—from welding to teaching, engineering, quality control, and owning a business. With the current labour shortage of skilled welders and tradespeople, it is essential for government institutions, non-profit organizations, and certification and accreditation bodies (like the CWB Group) to support new entrants and long-time career veterans.

To read more about the welding employment and salary report, visit www.cwbgroup.org/association/publications/canadian-employment-salary-report.

Sharan Bains is research supervisor and Ola Batruch is marketing analyst at CWB Group, 8260 Park Hill Drive, Milton, Ont. L9T 5V7, 800-844-6790, www.cwbgroup.org.