When college isn’t an option, and you’re discussing trade school, why not consider welding?

What Do Welders Do? 

Welders fuse pieces of metal using powerful, heat-generating tools. Metal must also be polished, smoothed, and maintained. It can be precise, detailed work or part of a framework for massive structures and everything in between. You might find yourself implementing shop mechanics, reading blueprints, and working with basic chemistry, physics, and metallurgy from day-to-day.

Common industries include:

  • Construction
  • Industrial Maintenance & Repair
  • Shipbuilding
  • Automobile Manufacturing & Repair
  • Aerospace Applications
  • Railroad Manufacturing
  • Electrical Power Generation, Transmission & Distribution
  • Natural Gas Distribution
  • Pipeline Transportation
  • Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills

Skill Sets 

The skill sets required in welding are diverse, including:

  • Deciphering blueprints and calculating costs
  • Closely monitoring heat levels, so the metal doesn’t overheat
  • Spatial orientation
  • Manual dexterity
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication skills
  • Excellent vision
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Commitment to safety

Educational Requirements 

  • The educational requirements to become a welder are minimal. There are multiple paths to achieving your goal. It begins with a high school diploma or GED, followed by a basic welding certificate. Most companies accept candidates with certification from the American Welding Society. You can grow your certification portfolio as you mature in your career. Most certifications take 6-18 months to complete, offering you more experience and paving the way for higher pay.
  • Apprenticeships are also a fantastic way to move into welding. An apprenticeship lasts 1-3 years and allows you to “earn while you learn.” It also allows you to work towards a certification in the meantime.
  • If desired, you could also earn an Associate of Science degree in welding engineering technology. This two-year degree teaches you more about specialized welding industries within other industries/careers, such as the military and nuclear power.

Pay Level

As with many other high-demand trade skills, welding can be a high-paying role in the labor force. The national average hourly rate (for welding in general) is $17.90/hour. However, this varies from state to state. In Alaska, the average hourly rate is $31.00. In Indiana, it’s $14.35.  In Connecticut, it’s $18.54.

But also like any other type of industry, experience plays a heavy hand in salary.  You won’t make that average $17.90 as a single certificate, high school graduate, just starting. It takes some years on the job to earn an experienced welder’s salary of $35+an hour.

Plus, there’s different types of welding jobs and roles — something else that affects salary. For example, a welder helper may only make $13-14/hour, while a pipe welder might demand nearly $25/hour.

Welding is a terrific career opportunity. Connecting with the team at Gillmann Services is your first step. Contact us today.