Certified Welder Career Guide

Learn how you can become a certified welder, the daily job duties of a welder and how much money a certified welder can make

A certified welder is a skilled trades professional that builds, repairs and maintains metal parts and structures by using various welding methods such as MIG, TIG or arc welding. Welders work in many different industries such as construction, manufacturing, aerospace, shipbuilding, automotive and infrastructure projects. Furthermore, welders play an important role in building and maintaining structures and various products that are made of metal. The welding career field is in high demand and there are many welding jobs available today. For this reason, employers are constantly looking to hire workers that are willing to learn an exciting and challenging career. It's a great time to Go Skilled Trades and begin a new career as a certified welder!

Pipefitter is welding and installing a flange on a pipe.

Skilled trades worker welding a flange onto a pipe.

Job that is in demand
The welding trade is constantly growing. At the same time many workers are beginning to retire. Therefore, there are many great welding jobs available for people interested in the welding trade.
Interesting and Challenging
Welders are always learning new skills to improve their ability to solve challenging problems. The work is very diverse and constantly changing.
No College Degree Required
You do not need an expensive college degree to work as a certified welder. Many welders have acquired training through apprenticeships, trade schools, community colleges, the military or on the job training with an employer.

Where you can work as a Welder

The skills that welders develop through training and experience can be applied to a wide variety of jobs. These welding jobs range from general maintenance repair to commercial and industrial construction.

Maintenance and Repair

Utilities, power plants, factories and other industrial facilities typically will employ an in-house Maintenance and skilled trades department. Tradesmen with skills in welding can often find jobs in the skilled trades departments of these industrial organizations. These workers perform different welding techniques to repair and maintain various metal structures, large complex machinery and other industrial equipment.

Construction

Manufacturing, Shipbuilding and Aerospace

Railroad and Oil and Gas industry

Welders Career Progression Idea’s

Here are some career progression idea's for certified welders that have several years of experience and training.

Certified Welding Inspector

Certified welding inspectors perform an important task in ensuring the quality, safety, reliability and compliance to codes and standards of welds found on various products, structures and other metal equipment. These workers have experience and training in various welding techniques, materials, inspection and testing of welds. Furthermore, a welding inspector is typically certified through an organization such as the American Welding Society.

NDT (Non-destructive testing) Technician

Certified welding supervisor

A certified welding supervisor is a competent and experienced welding technician in the welding industry that has comprehensive knowledge of various welding methods, quality control, safety and management in the welding field. In addition, certified welding supervisors are typically required to obtain certification through a nationally recognized program to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in the welding industry. Visit the American Welding Society for more information on becoming a certified welding supervisor.

Welding Instructor

How much money you can make as a welder and how to get started in a welding career

There are many factors that influence a certified welders salary such as experience level, geographic location, industry and job responsibilities. View the resources below to learn more about a welders salary and how to become a certified welder.

Certified welder salary

A great website to get an idea of how much money you could possibly make as a certified welder is The Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides some excellent compensation information for various occupations throughout the United States.

The Occupational Employment Statistics program provides compensation information for various occupations. Click here for more information on a certified welder's salary - https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm

Welder Apprenticeship Programs

A great way to get started in the welding field is an apprenticeship program through a local Union. As an apprentice you will work for a union contractor and also attend classes at a union training facility. Apprenticeship programs typically last 4-5 years and apprentices receive pay increase as they progress throughout the program. Check out the following Unions for more information regarding welding apprenticeship programs in your area.

United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Techs. https://ua.org/

The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers. www.boilermakers.org

The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers. www.ironworkers.org

Community College and welding trade school

Community College:

Many Community Colleges have welding programs that teach various welding techniques. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate or an Associates degree upon completion. Some Community College's, may also help students connect with employers. Check with your local Community College on what welding programs may be available.

Trade Schools:

There are many schools that specialize in training students in welding. Many areas across the country have trades schools that teach Skilled Trades careers. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate upon completion. However, its important to research the training quality and how successful previous students have been at finding jobs.

In short, Community Colleges and trade schools are a great way to get started in a welding career. Its important to research the quality of training and how successful previous students have been at finding and retaining jobs. Some Community Colleges and trade Schools, may have programs to connect students with employers.

Military

There are many skilled trades and construction occupations throughout the United States Armed Forces. Each military branch has personnel that are highly trained to service, maintain and install anything that exist on a military base. Enlisted members of the Armed Forces, complete a basic training course then they must complete additional training before they begin working in their occupation. Members of the Armed Forces get 30 days of vacation each year, food and housing, medical, dental and many other important benefits. Educational benefits are also available during your enlistment period and upon completion. Joining the military can be a great way to learn a skilled trade or construction occupation.

Always contact a Military Recruiter to learn more detailed information on job opportunities, training, benefits and other important information for employment within the Armed Forces.

Air Force:

Click here for more information on Aircraft Metals Technology Specialist employed by the Air Force- https://www.airforce.com/careers/maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-metals-technology

Navy:

Click here for more information on Steelworkers employed by the Navy - https://www.navy.com/careers-benefits/careers/construction/steelworker

Click here for more information on Seabees employed by the Navy -https://www.navy.com/careers/construction

Coast Guard:

Click here for more information on Damage Controlman employed by the Coast Guard-https://www.gocoastguard.com/reserve-careers/enlisted-careers/view-job-descriptions/dc

Army:

Click here for more information on Allied Trade Specialist employed by the Army- https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/career-match/mechanics-engineering/test-repair/91e-allied-trade-specialist.html

Marine Corp:

Contact a recruiter for additional information on Metal Workers (MOS 1316). Click here for more information-https://www.marines.com/

Explore our career resources for other Skilled Trades jobs that are in demand today

The Trades are in demand and hiring today! View our career resources for other skilled trade careers and learn how to get started in a rewarding skilled trade job. Learn what trades are most in demand today, how to get started and how much money you can make in the trades. It's a great time to Go Skilled Trades!

Skilled Trades Career Resources

Many Skilled Tradesmen have acquired their training through an apprenticeship program, trade school, the military or while working on the job. You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the Skilled Trades, facility maintenance or Construction field.

No College Degree Required

You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the skilled trades field. Many skilled tradesmen today, have acquired their training through apprenticeships, military, trade schools or working on the job.

No Expensive Student Loans

The average college student today graduates with a significant amount of debt due to their expensive student loans. On the other hand, an apprentice gets paid while completing their training program.

Great Rewarding Careers

There are many Skilled Trades and Construction career opportunities available today. Employers are constantly looking for workers with a good work ethic and the ability to learn new skills.