An Insider’s Guide to Welding Careers: How to Get Started, What Training You Need and Salaries You Can Expect

January 12, 2023
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Welding is an incredibly rewarding career that can lead to a wide range of opportunities. From joining pieces of metal together to creating art, welding can be a great way to express yourself and make a living. But before you start your welding career, there are a few things you should know. In this insider’s guide to welding careers, you’ll find out how to get started, what kind of training you’ll need, and what kind of salaries you can expect. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a career change, this guide has all the information you need to make an informed decision about a welding career.

Types of welding jobs

While there are many different types of welding jobs, some of the most common are listed below:

  • Arc Welding: This is a method of welding that uses an electric current to melt metal pieces together. This method of welding is considered to be very fast, and is often used on heavy-duty items that need to be built quickly. This is a very common type of welding, and there are many different sub-types.
  • Oxyacetylene Welding: This type of welding uses a torch to melt two pieces of metal together. This is generally only used in industrial settings, but it is great for very precise welding jobs.
  • Flux-Core Arc Welding: This is a sub-type of arc welding that is often used on smaller or more delicate items, but it can also be used in heavy-duty situations. This is a very common type of welding.
  • Submerged Arc Welding: This is a type of welding that is often used to repair large pieces of equipment in industrial settings, such as underwater oil rigs.
  • Resistance Welding: This is a type of welding that uses electricity to create heat, but it does not use any metal pieces to create the weld. This is often used in manufacturing, and it is useful for welding together things like circuit boards.
  • SMAW Welding: This is an acronym for stick welding, which is a common form of arc welding.

Welding training and certifications

Every welding career will require some sort of training, but the length and type of training varies depending on your specific job. In most cases, you will be required to complete a certification program before you can call yourself a welder. These programs will help you to learn the required skills and safety procedures, and they can also provide you with valuable experience. If you are just getting started, it can be helpful to start with an entry-level welding job, such as an apprenticeship. This will help you to get some hands-on experience, and it is a great way to get your foot in the door. If you already have some experience, there are many online welding schools that can help you to get certified and get a new career started.

What to expect from a welding job

Welding jobs vary greatly, and the exact expectations will depend on your specific job. In most cases, welding jobs can be physically demanding, and you may need to lift heavy or dangerous equipment. While it is unlikely that you will be welding all day, you may need to clean and repair your equipment, go to meetings, or be in other types of leadership positions. In most cases, you will be working in teams, and communication and teamwork skills will be very important. Welding is a great career path for people who like to get their hands dirty and be creative. You may need to work long hours, especially if you are just starting out, but it can be very rewarding work.

Salary expectations for welders

Salaries for welders vary greatly depending on your location, your level of experience, the size of the company, and the specific job that you do. The chart below gives you an idea of what to expect to make as a welder based on your level of expertise.

welding salary chart

Job outlook for welders

The job outlook for welders is promising, and there are many different career paths that you can take. Many welders choose to specialize in a specific type of welding, such as arc welding or submerged arc welding, and they can find jobs in many different industries. Welding is a great career path for people who like to travel, as many welders move to new cities and states to follow new job opportunities. The job outlook for welders is very promising and there is a shortage of welders in the United States, so there are ample opportunities for qualified people.

Estimates project 47,600 job openings for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers each year, on average, over the next ten years!

Benefits of welding careers

There are many benefits to a welding career and welding jobs can often be very lucrative, as welders can be paid well for their years of experience. Welding is also a job that can be done almost anywhere in the world, so many welders are able to travel and move around to new places.

As with any other job, there are also a few disadvantages to welding. Welders often work long hours and may be required to work weekends and nights. It can be a dirty job that involves a lot of heavy lifting, so it may not be a good fit for everyone but for those that enter this career path, welding can be very rewarding.

Resources for learning welding

If you’re interested in a welding career, it can be helpful to get started as soon as possible. While it can take years to become a skilled welder, there are many entry-level welding jobs that require only a few months of training. It can be helpful to research local welding schools and programs, and it can be a good idea to start with an apprenticeship. There are many online welding schools that provide distance learning and are great for people who are interested in welding but don’t live near a welding school.

Get Started With Condustrial

Condustrial is currently hiring welders of all experience levels in a variety of locations. Use the form below to get in touch and let us help you explore the opportunities a career in welding offers.

GREENVILLE, SC

Headquarters

Staffing Solutions for Business

864-235-3619

888-794-7798

864-235-4042

info@condustrial.com

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