What is a welder?
Welders are skilled individuals who join metal together and repair metal constructions using a variety of tools. By heating metal, they are able to fuse metal pieces together or build onto another metal structure. Welders have to pay a fine attention to detail, as what they are building will likely stand for a while.
There are four main types of welding:
MIG – Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) - Most common in the auto industry
TIG – Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) - Tungsten is extremely strong and commonly used for aircrafts or agricultural projects.
STICK – Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) - A portable option commonly used for on-site construction.
FLUX-CORED – Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) - Used for thicker metals, typically in machining.
How much does a welder make in 2022?
Referencing back to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), according to data released on May of 2021 the average welder across the United States made $48,290. That's an average hourly wage of $23.21. Granted, this covers a very wide range of specialties that vary greatly in earning potential.
National estimates have total employment for welders at that time at just over 397,600. A large percentage of the total employed electricians are classified in the category of fabricated metal product manufacturing.
Some of the top paying industry categories for electricians are electric power generation,
natural gas distribution, and pipeline transportation of crude oil. The average salary or wage in these categories top $90,000!
States with the top average annual pay for electricians include Washington DC, Alaska, Wyoming, Ohio and North Dakota. Some of these states have average wages over $70,000 per year.
What career options are there for welders in 2022?
Skills in welding provide an incredibly wide scope of options for employment in high demand careers including:
Fabricating custom metal products
Manufacturing cars, trucks, trailers, trains or boats
HVAC (heating, ventilation & air conditioning) systems
Combine with other industry skills for big pay bumps!
Being a welder can lead you to the depths of the ocean or to working on rockets. They can experience a wide array of projects that can even start from just an idea. There is a real-world need for experienced welders, as the world's infrastructure still needs to be built and repaired.
What training do I need to be a welder?
You can begin your welding education during high school, as most schools offer basic classes where you can learn about different metals and how to use welding equipment properly. After that, you'll have the option to continue down that path at a trade school or community college. In pursuing a career as a welder, your post-secondary education will include a variety of physics and math courses, as well as a lot of hands-on training.
After receiving your associates degree or welding certificate, the next step may be to find an apprenticeship or internship program. There is still a lot of hands-on learning that will come into play as you enter the beginning stages of your career. The average welder in the United States is 57 years old and there will be a lot to learn under your mentors.
How do I find welding career opportunities near me?
By completing the Skill Evaluation with Paid for Trades, we can connect you with businesses and trade school programs near you in Iowa to set up opportunities such as:
Job shadowing
Part time work
Apprenticeships
Course enrollment
Full time job offers
The skilled trades can offer opportunities to earn faster with little to no student loan debt. We want to help you find the best career for your talents!