Interesting question.   And Welcome to the Forum

My first thought is that a "welding engineer" with 11 years seniority and experience would far out earn a freshly branded CWI.

Your value is what the market will pay for a welding engineer in your region.

These days, a lot of people would say to sell yourself by what you have proven via accomplishment.  

Let's say over the last 5 years you have done some great things in support of your client (Cat)

1.  You reduced rejects by 20% in 2014 by implementing seam tracking on your automated systems

2.  You increased arc on time from 20-29% in manual workstations last year by improving part fixturing

3.  You led 4 lean/kaisan events that changed part flow in a way that eliminated WIP in 14 shop floor locations and thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost by ($X)

4.  Your welder training has improved UT first pass yield by 5% saving 1500 hours in repair and patch work last year.

These are examples that have greater meaning for a person in your shoes in my opinion...

If the other players in your region knew there was a welding engineer on the market with not just the credential/degree/certs, but a guy who actually has a measured track record of success?   That commands some cash.

The CWI is a GREAT accomplishment and they should throw you a bone for sure....   But you may find when you do an analysis on your personal ROI, that you are quite the valuable person indeed....  If your boss does not notice and accept this... Maybe somebody else will :)

I agree with what Lawrence said, if you were involved in any improvements of those natures, the owner of the company is truly lucky to have you. Pay increase would kinda depend on, who foot the bill for exam/seminar don't you think? Regardless a great accomplishment.
congrats & welcome to the forum
Dick

magr,

WELCOME TO THE AWS WELDING FORUM!!

Even with the info you gave us there are so many things that figure into wage packages.  We cannot even begin to truly give you an idea that you could hang your hat on.

Having said that, as the others have said, depending upon who footed the bill for the exams and maybe if the employer was mandating the accomplishment of the course or you just chose to get it for your resume and knowledge then they should throw you some form of raise but I wouldn't EXPECT a large raise.  Your other credentials and track record should pretty well speak for itself.

If you got a couple of bucks per hour extra out of it I would consider that as beneficial until one had proved there were other increased benefits to your abilities and the companies bottom line because of the new cert.

He Is In Control, Have a Great Day,  Brent

One suggestion would be to call a few of your local inspection service companies and see what they would charge you to send out a CWI , then go to your superiors with that. Let them see how much $$ you are saving the company by not having to hire out these services.

I understand that everyone's situation is different, so are the pay rates. I'm just trying to get as many opinions from different sources as possible in order to make the most educated decision...I found this report about the average salary for a CWI if anyone is interested, thanks to everybody for taking the time to answer my questions.

http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Certification=Certified_Welding_Inspector_(CWI)/Hourly_Rate