Welder Career Guide
Welders join metal parts using heat and pressure. They work in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, pipelines, and aerospace. Specialty welders command significantly higher wages.
Median Salary
$47,940
Job Growth (10yr)
+3%
Annual Openings
47,600/yr
BLS SOC Code
51-4121
A Day in the Life
- Reading welding blueprints and specs
- Setting up and calibrating welding equipment
- Performing MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-core welds
- Inspecting welds for quality and code compliance
- Operating grinders and other metalworking tools
Training & Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- 6–12 month certificate program OR apprenticeship
- AWS Certified Welder (CW): industry standard
- API 1104 or ASME certs for pipeline/pressure vessel work
Licensing Path
No universal license required but AWS certification strongly preferred by employers. Pipeline and pressure vessel welding requires ASME/API qualification.
Salary Range
Entry Level$32,000
Top 10%$80,000
Median
$47,940
Advancement Paths
1
Certified Welder → Welding Inspector (CWI)
2
Pipe Welder → Underwater Welder ($75K–$150K)
3
Welding Engineer (with additional education)