4 answers
Enrique
Student
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
3
Questions
Asked
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What is the growth potential in the welding career path ?
I want to know if the welding career path has growth opportunities and longevity because I want a career I can continue pursuing for a long time, And what is the usual entry-level welding pay?
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4 answers
Janis Ransom
Resume Writer, Interview Coach and Career Strategy Consultant
23
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Janis’s Answer
Your question is an interesting one, and while I'm not a welder myself, I have some options for you on how to find the answers you are seeking.
Here are a few suggestions:
1) Reach out to a school specializing in welding via call or email.
2) Contact the Workers' Union that welders are part of by phone or email.
3) Call a welding company.
It will be better if you speak to experts, Speaking directly to experts will not only provide you with accurate information, but it is also likely to impress them.
Here are a few suggestions:
1) Reach out to a school specializing in welding via call or email.
2) Contact the Workers' Union that welders are part of by phone or email.
3) Call a welding company.
It will be better if you speak to experts, Speaking directly to experts will not only provide you with accurate information, but it is also likely to impress them.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3844
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Enrique,
Growth Potential in the Welding Career Path
The welding career path offers significant growth opportunities and longevity for individuals looking for a long-term career. Welding is a skilled trade that involves joining metal parts together using various techniques such as arc welding, gas welding, and resistance welding. It is a critical process used in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and shipbuilding.
Industry Demand and Job Outlook
The demand for skilled welders is expected to remain strong in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is projected to grow by 3% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth can be attributed to several factors:
Infrastructure Development: As infrastructure projects continue to expand worldwide, the need for welders will increase. Bridges, buildings, pipelines, and other structures require welding expertise for construction and maintenance.
Manufacturing Industry: The manufacturing sector relies heavily on welding for the fabrication and assembly of metal products. As manufacturing processes evolve and new technologies emerge, skilled welders will be in demand.
Retirement of Skilled Workers: With a significant portion of the welding workforce nearing retirement age, there will be a need for new welders to fill their positions. This creates opportunities for individuals entering the field.
Repair and Maintenance: Welding skills are essential for repairing equipment and machinery across various industries. As older infrastructure and machinery require maintenance or replacement, skilled welders will be needed.
Career Advancement Opportunities
In addition to job security and industry demand, the welding career path offers several opportunities for advancement:
Specialization: Welders can specialize in specific techniques such as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, or underwater welding. By acquiring expertise in a particular area, welders can become highly sought after and command higher salaries.
Certification and Training: Obtaining certifications from reputable organizations such as the American Welding Society (AWS) can enhance career prospects. Welders can pursue certifications at different levels, including entry-level, advanced, and specialized certifications.
Supervisory and Management Roles: Experienced welders have the potential to move into supervisory or management positions, overseeing teams of welders and managing projects. These roles often come with increased responsibility and higher pay.
Entrepreneurship: Some welders choose to start their own businesses, offering welding services to clients or specializing in niche markets. This path allows for greater control over work schedules, projects, and earning potential.
Entry-Level Welding Pay
The entry-level welding pay can vary depending on factors such as location, industry, level of experience, and education. According to the BLS data from May 2020, the median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $44,190. However, entry-level wages may be lower than the median due to limited experience.
It is important to note that with experience and additional training/certifications, welders can significantly increase their earning potential. Skilled welders who specialize in high-demand techniques or work in industries with higher wages may earn above-average salaries.
In summary, the welding career path offers growth opportunities and longevity due to industry demand, infrastructure development, manufacturing needs, and retirement of skilled workers. Advancement opportunities exist through specialization, certification/training, supervisory roles, management positions, and entrepreneurship. While entry-level wages may vary, experienced welders have the potential to earn higher salaries.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications/Domain Names Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive data and analysis on various occupations, including welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers.
American Welding Society (AWS): The AWS is a professional organization that sets industry standards and offers certifications for welders. Their resources provide valuable insights into the welding profession.
Welding Journal: Published by the AWS, the Welding Journal is a reputable source of information on welding technology, industry trends, and career development.
There is a segment in autobiography about James at the end that talks about the foods that are high in the nutrients that support academic and mental activity so you would do well to have all of that.
Blessings From God,
James.
Growth Potential in the Welding Career Path
The welding career path offers significant growth opportunities and longevity for individuals looking for a long-term career. Welding is a skilled trade that involves joining metal parts together using various techniques such as arc welding, gas welding, and resistance welding. It is a critical process used in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and shipbuilding.
Industry Demand and Job Outlook
The demand for skilled welders is expected to remain strong in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is projected to grow by 3% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth can be attributed to several factors:
Infrastructure Development: As infrastructure projects continue to expand worldwide, the need for welders will increase. Bridges, buildings, pipelines, and other structures require welding expertise for construction and maintenance.
Manufacturing Industry: The manufacturing sector relies heavily on welding for the fabrication and assembly of metal products. As manufacturing processes evolve and new technologies emerge, skilled welders will be in demand.
Retirement of Skilled Workers: With a significant portion of the welding workforce nearing retirement age, there will be a need for new welders to fill their positions. This creates opportunities for individuals entering the field.
Repair and Maintenance: Welding skills are essential for repairing equipment and machinery across various industries. As older infrastructure and machinery require maintenance or replacement, skilled welders will be needed.
Career Advancement Opportunities
In addition to job security and industry demand, the welding career path offers several opportunities for advancement:
Specialization: Welders can specialize in specific techniques such as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, or underwater welding. By acquiring expertise in a particular area, welders can become highly sought after and command higher salaries.
Certification and Training: Obtaining certifications from reputable organizations such as the American Welding Society (AWS) can enhance career prospects. Welders can pursue certifications at different levels, including entry-level, advanced, and specialized certifications.
Supervisory and Management Roles: Experienced welders have the potential to move into supervisory or management positions, overseeing teams of welders and managing projects. These roles often come with increased responsibility and higher pay.
Entrepreneurship: Some welders choose to start their own businesses, offering welding services to clients or specializing in niche markets. This path allows for greater control over work schedules, projects, and earning potential.
Entry-Level Welding Pay
The entry-level welding pay can vary depending on factors such as location, industry, level of experience, and education. According to the BLS data from May 2020, the median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $44,190. However, entry-level wages may be lower than the median due to limited experience.
It is important to note that with experience and additional training/certifications, welders can significantly increase their earning potential. Skilled welders who specialize in high-demand techniques or work in industries with higher wages may earn above-average salaries.
In summary, the welding career path offers growth opportunities and longevity due to industry demand, infrastructure development, manufacturing needs, and retirement of skilled workers. Advancement opportunities exist through specialization, certification/training, supervisory roles, management positions, and entrepreneurship. While entry-level wages may vary, experienced welders have the potential to earn higher salaries.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications/Domain Names Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive data and analysis on various occupations, including welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers.
American Welding Society (AWS): The AWS is a professional organization that sets industry standards and offers certifications for welders. Their resources provide valuable insights into the welding profession.
Welding Journal: Published by the AWS, the Welding Journal is a reputable source of information on welding technology, industry trends, and career development.
There is a segment in autobiography about James at the end that talks about the foods that are high in the nutrients that support academic and mental activity so you would do well to have all of that.
Blessings From God,
James.
Ed Kaniho
Solar Service technician
3
Answers
Honolulu, Hawaii
Updated
Ed’s Answer
A trade is always a good idea to fall back on or as a career path. Firt try to register at a trade school if possible, if not like any trade on the job is another option but won’t guarantee you’re able to to learn with ALL basics there may be some gaps it depends on your journeymans knowledge and the work your doing. The last option is to join a local Union, you will be able to learn some class room time and in the field as an apprentice student. I personally have had a great experience as a NON-union tradesman although I may get paid less than a union worker, I always worked year round. High school might have welding program or auto shop which has some welding. But once you are a certified welder you can work in HVAC, underwater navy welders, in the auto industry and build or modify vehicles even in the commercial kitchen welding brazing stainless steel.
Finally as stated earlier a trade is a great idea in Hawaii an apprentice $18-$25 starting , journeyman $30-$50 per hour. Hope this helps, good luck!
Finally as stated earlier a trade is a great idea in Hawaii an apprentice $18-$25 starting , journeyman $30-$50 per hour. Hope this helps, good luck!
Thank you so much!
Enrique
Joel Sprague
Welding/materials engineer
11
Answers
East Bernard, Texas
Updated
Joel’s Answer
Being a welder, for me, was a golden ticket to gain valuable experience while also funding my college education. It's a great strategy to alternate between work and university, especially if you're studying engineering. The experience you gain from welding dovetails nicely with an engineering degree. Even if you're not on the engineering track, welding is a skill that's always in high demand.
Starting off, you might find yourself assisting a seasoned welder while you learn the ropes. The pay for beginners is usually around $10 an hour, but don't let that discourage you. As you hone your skills and pass the welding test, you could see your hourly wage double or even triple!
Pair this with a university degree, and you might find yourself earning a six-figure salary in no time. It's a rewarding path that can lead to financial stability in a relatively short span.
Investigate colleges in your area to see what you might be interested in that fit your level of competency - I started at a Junior college near my home.
Starting off, you might find yourself assisting a seasoned welder while you learn the ropes. The pay for beginners is usually around $10 an hour, but don't let that discourage you. As you hone your skills and pass the welding test, you could see your hourly wage double or even triple!
Pair this with a university degree, and you might find yourself earning a six-figure salary in no time. It's a rewarding path that can lead to financial stability in a relatively short span.
Joel recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, Joel for the advice.
Enrique