Skilled Welder for Metal Fabrication

According to the Government of Canada's Job Bank, welders (NOC 72106) earn $23.00 per hour at entry-level, $35.00 median, and up to $47.00 per hour for experienced workers nationally in 2026. Annual median salary is $72,800 based on 40 hours per week. Alberta and Saskatchewan offer highest medians at $39.50 per hour.

Foreign welders qualify for Express Entry Federal Skilled Trades under NOC 72106 (TEER 2), needing 24 months full-time experience in last 5 years and CLB 5 in English/French. Employers can apply for LMIA-exempt Global Talent Stream work permits processing in 2 weeks for skilled trades. Provincial Nominee Programs in BC and Alberta target welders with job offers.

Secondary school diploma is required, followed by a 3-year apprenticeship with 5,400 hours of on-the-job training and 360 hours classroom instruction. At least 1 year experience or trade qualification is needed for journeyperson status. Pre-employment welding tests are common in manufacturing.

Submit high school diploma, valid driver's license, WHMIS safety certificate, resume, and proof of CWB welding tickets if held. For sponsored applications, include passport, police certificate, and medical exam results. Apprentices register with provincial bodies like SkilledTradesBC within 30 days of starting.