2 answers
Mykah
Student
Nebraska City, Nebraska
2
Questions
Asked
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What is it like working as a MIG Welder, as in hours, conditions, type of company, etc
Im considering taking welding classes at the school im at and have become interested in welding as a future job #Welding #MIG Welding
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2 answers
Shane Kinder
Welder
6
Answers
Monroe, Washington
Updated
Shane’s Answer
Depending on the state you work in welding can be a very lucrative career. The work is hard, dirty work but usually pays very well. You can make any where from 18-55+ an hour depending on what skills you have. Every shop you work in will differ as far as conditions, and what benefits you get. Where I work we work anywhere from 45-90 hours a week depending on workload. We like overtime its where we make the most money
Jason Parry
Welder/fabricator and automotive technician
8
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Jason’s Answer
MIG is good used a lot in a production factories as well as fab shops. I did it for many years building tractor attachments. I found it to get a bit boring after a while however. I’ve always like the challenge of TIG welding myself and would highly advise you learn TIG and stick. Trust me, you won’t be sorry knowing how to do them as it will give you more employment options.
As for conditions, and such…. They’re a lot like people in that no two are the same. The place I worked building tractor attachments was a dirty, dank, glorified shed that was brutally hot in the summer and bitterly cold in the winter. It was loud because there was a CNC plasma cutter that ran constantly in addition to the sounds of grinding and hammering of 20 or so welders assembling the attachments and welding them. I’ve also worked at race car shops that you could almost eat off the floor they were so clean and the only noise you heard was the wringing of wrenches occasionally hitting the floor. If you’re new to the game, try a little bit of all of it. Race shops and small fab shops always need part time labor. You can have your day job that pays the bills and side jobs to broaden your horizons and learn other skills too.
As for conditions, and such…. They’re a lot like people in that no two are the same. The place I worked building tractor attachments was a dirty, dank, glorified shed that was brutally hot in the summer and bitterly cold in the winter. It was loud because there was a CNC plasma cutter that ran constantly in addition to the sounds of grinding and hammering of 20 or so welders assembling the attachments and welding them. I’ve also worked at race car shops that you could almost eat off the floor they were so clean and the only noise you heard was the wringing of wrenches occasionally hitting the floor. If you’re new to the game, try a little bit of all of it. Race shops and small fab shops always need part time labor. You can have your day job that pays the bills and side jobs to broaden your horizons and learn other skills too.