Welder Welder (First Class)
Occupation code: 322313（ANZSCO） Skilled migration occupation Overall 7.7/10
Welders are in high demand in New Zealand's construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors, listed on the Green List, eligible for skilled migration (SMC 6-point system) or direct residence pathway (Green List Tier 1).
Ratings · Overall 7.7/10i
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 (NZD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0–3 years) | $45,000 ~ $55,000 | Typically apprentices or new employees, starting at about 22-26 NZD per hour |
| Mid-level (3–6 years) | $55,000 ~ $75,000 | Qualified skilled worker, hourly rate NZD 27-36, higher with overtime |
| Senior (6+ years) | $75,000 ~ $100,000 | Senior welder, supervisor, or specialist welder, hourly rate NZ$36-48 |
Education Path
| Stage | Duration | Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Level 4 Welding Certificate | 2 years | $5,000~$15,000 |
| New Zealand Apprenticeships | 3-4 years | $0~$5,000 |
Qualifications
| Qualification | Issuer | |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Certificate in Welding Level 4 | New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) | Required |
| ASME IX or AWS certification | ASME / AWS | Optional |
| New Zealand Registered Welding Inspector (CWI) | New Zealand Welding Inspection Board | Optional |
Migration
Occupation classification code: 322313（ANZSCO）
| Visa | Details |
|---|---|
| Green List T1 Green List Straight to Residence Visa | Welders are in Green List Tier 1 occupations, can directly apply for residence with no work experience requirement, but need a certified employer offer and meet the median hourly wage or higher. |
| SMC Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa | Under the 6-point system, welders can use qualifications (e.g., level 4 certificate + 3 points) plus work experience (1-3 points) to reach 6 points for residency application. |
| AEWV Accredited Employer Work Visa | For welders without direct residency eligibility but with a job offer from an approved employer, up to 3 years, with potential for subsequent residency transition. |
Who it fits
- Physically capable individuals accustomed to outdoor or workshop work
- Young skilled migrants willing to undertake apprenticeships and obtain certificates
- Experienced tradespeople seeking stable careers in construction, shipbuilding or manufacturing
- People who prefer office or low-physical-intensity work environments
- People unable to adapt to New Zealand's remote areas or frequent overtime
Career outlook
Welders can advance from general welders to senior welders, welding supervisors, or workshop managers; some transition to welding inspectors (CWI) or welding engineers (with additional education). New Zealand offers apprenticeships and on-the-job training to support career progression.
New Zealand's infrastructure investment plans (e.g., roads, bridges, pipelines) drive sustained demand for welders, especially in regions like Auckland and Christchurch. The construction industry has long-term shortages, with welder positions growing about 3-5% annually over the next five years, adding hundreds of new jobs.
Growth areas：
Green List Tier 1Skilled Migrant CategoryCertified EmployerConstruction Boom
FAQ
Data sources
Salary estimates on this page are compiled from publicly available ranges on Seek NZ, Trade Me Jobs, Glassdoor, PayScale, etc. Employment and demand forecasts reference Stats NZ and MBIE. Immigration information is based on Immigration New Zealand's Green List and latest skilled migration (SMC / AEWV) rules. Data is for reference only. Always refer to official sources for the most current information.