Is Welding A Good Career Path? Stability, Good-Pay…

Is welding a good career path? Welding is not the highest-paid or most glamorous job. But it is an in-demand career that can lead to a stable, enough-paying job.

Welding is a domain of metallurgy. It is a critical process in various industries, such as construction and manufacturing.

Is Welding A Good Career Path (Examples 2022)

Not necessarily a well-paying job, but welding is a good career for non-technical and low-skilled individuals.

Welding is an essential skill not only in the construction industry but also in the manufacturing sector. Workers with this skill set are in demand.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts an 8 percent growth in welding jobs from 2020 to 2030.

Here are some types of industries that will have a high demand for welders:

1. Construction Industry:

Construction is incomplete without welding. Therefore, welders have played a vital role in the construction industry since their inception.

They usually work on-site. Their duties include assembling, repairing, and maintaining structures made of metal.

Their work requires them to be physically fit as they often have to lift heavy objects.

For construction welders, the median annual wage ranges from $40,384 to $60,359 per Comparably.

2. Automotive Industry:

The automotive industry also relies heavily on welders. They are responsible for joining metal parts of vehicles and machinery.

Automobiles are made of various metals, such as aluminum, steel, and iron. Each metal has different welding requirements.

So, welders need to have in-depth knowledge of various welding techniques.

They also need to be well-versed in using different machines and tools.

The median annual wage for automotive welders is $26,492 to $39,843, per Comparably.

3. Shipbuilding Industry:

Ships and boats are also welded together. Welding is the most common method used for shipbuilding.

Welders in the shipbuilding industry need to have experience in welding various metals. Such as steel and aluminum.

They also need to be able to work in confined spaces. The median annual wage for shipbuilding welders is $42,834, as per Glassdoor.

Their wages are higher than other welders because of the specialized nature of work.

4. Aerospace Industry:

The aerospace industry also relies on welders to build aircraft. Therefore, they need to have experience in welding various metals.

Aluminum, steel, and titanium are some metals used in aircraft construction.

The work of aerospace welders is critical. Even a small mistake can lead to disastrous consequences.

The median annual wage for aerospace welders is $59,282, as per Glassdoor.

5. Manufacturing Industry:

Welders are also employed in the manufacturing industry. They work in factories and plants. Their duties include assembling and repairing machinery.

They also need to be well-versed in using different machines and tools.

The median annual wage for manufacturing welders is $51,695, as per Ziprecruiter.

Their work is not as dangerous as that of other welders. But it is still a critical process.

6. Underwater Welding:

Underwater welders are a special category of welders. They weld metal objects that are submerged in water.

What sort of objects? Pipes, hulls of ships, and offshore oil rigs are some examples.

The work of underwater welders is very dangerous. Therefore, they need to be well-trained and experienced in welding.

The median annual wage for underwater welders is $65640 per Payscale. That’s the highest among all welders.

What Is The Highest Paying Welding Job

The highest-paying welding job is underwater welding. The median annual wage for underwater welders is $65640 per Payscale.

The underwater one is a certified welder. For objects completely submerged in water, there is a need for someone trained to weld them..

This is not a job for everyone as the work is extremely dangerous. Therefore, only those who are well-trained and experienced in welding should attempt it.

Their training and experience enable them to survive dangerous conditions. And that’s why they get paid so well.

Is Welding A Good Career For The Future

Welding is a good career for the future with stability and good wages. It is a growth industry with plenty of opportunities.

The global welding market will expect to grow to $5.68 billion from 2022-2026. That’s a compound annual growth rate of 4.3%.

There is increasing demand for welded products in various industries. Such as construction, automotive, and shipbuilding.

Welding is a critical process in the manufacturing of various products. And that’s why it will continue to be in demand in the future.

With the advancement in technology, there will be new opportunities for welders. Therefore, they need to keep up with the latest trends and developments in the industry.

For instance:

Robotic Welding Technicians:

Robotic welding is a new development in the industry. And welders need training in operating these robots.

Robotic welding is a process where robots weld metal objects together.

The advantages of robotic welding are higher accuracy and precision. And it is less time-consuming.

With increasing use of robots in welding, demand for robotic technicians will increase.

They need training in operating and troubleshooting robotic welding machines.

The median annual wage for a robotic welding technician is $69,787, as per Glassdoor.

Is Welding Still A Good Career In 2023

As we discussed earlier, welding is a good career for the future. It is a growth industry with plenty of opportunities.

With Covid-19 and economic downturn, short-term outlook for welders is not so good.

The industry will eventually recover, and welders will be in demand again. Factories and construction sites need welders to help with the manufacturing and construction.

So, if you’re considering becoming a welder, don’t let the current situation deter you.

Welding is still a good career in 2023 and beyond.

Pros – Is A Career In Welding Worth It

Let’s discuss why a career in welding is worth it. But, first, here are some pros of being a welder:

1. A Good Job For Non-College Graduates:

Welding is a good job for non-college graduates. However, you don’t need a college degree to become a welder.

A high school diploma or GED is enough. And many welding schools offer certification programs.

While a college degree is not required, you must have basic math and reading skills.

You can earn a good wage as a welder without a college degree.

The training and certification can take only a few months. And you can start working soon after that.

2. It’s A Skilled Trade:

Welding is a skilled trade. And as a welder, you will always have a job. As a result, there is a high demand for welders worldwide.

And the demand is only going to increase in the future. Skills like welding are always in demand.

3. You Can Work In Various Industries:

As a welder, you can work in various industries. Such as construction, automotive, shipbuilding, and manufacturing.

You’re not limited to one industry. And you can find work in many different industries.

So welding is a good career if you like to change things up.

Other Reasons Why Welding Is A Good Career Path

Usually, when people think of welders, they think of someone who is working in a factory or plant. But the truth is, welders are employed in a variety of industries.

Welding is a process that is critical in the construction of various objects. Such as buildings, ships, aircrafts, and machinery.

Reasons why welding is a good career path:

1. It’s A Stable Career:

The demand for welders is not going to decline anytime soon. In fact, it is only going to increase. The reason is simple.

There will always be a need for welders as long as there is a need for construction. And that need is not going to decline anytime soon.

2. You Can Earn A Good Wage:

As a welder, you can earn a good wage. The median salary for a welder is $37,420 per year.

And the top 10% of welders earn more than $60,000 per year.

So, you can definitely make a good living as a welder. Even hourly wages for welders are quite good.

So overall, welding is a good career option. It’s a growth industry with plenty of opportunities. And you can earn a good wage without having a college degree.

Cons – Why Welding Is A Bad Career For Some

For some people, welding is a bad career. Here are some cons of being a welder:

1. It’s A Dangerous Job:

Welding is a dangerous job. You’re working with high temperatures and hazardous chemicals. So there is always a risk of injury.

There should be proper safety measures in place to protect the welders. For instance, wearing the right safety gear.

And the working conditions should be well-ventilated to avoid any health hazards.

2. It’s A Dirty Job:

Welding is a dirty job. You’re working with metal and other materials that can get very dirty.

So you must wear proper safety gear to protect yourself from dirt and debris.

Dirt and debris can also get into your eyes and lungs, which can be dangerous.

Mostly, you need to be aware of the risks involved in welding. And take proper safety measures to protect yourself.

3. It’s A Hard Job:

Welding is a hard job. It’s physically demanding and can be tiring. It would help if you were in good shape to do this job.

You need to be able to stand for long periods. In addition, you will be working with heavy equipment and materials.

So it’s a hard job. But it’s also a rewarding one.

4. The Job Can Be Repetitive:

The job can be repetitive. And it can be boring at times. You’re doing the same thing over and over again.

So if you’re looking for a challenging and exciting job, welding is not for you.

Monotony can be a problem in any job. But it’s especially true for welding.

So is welding a good career path? The answer is yes. It’s a good career for the future.

It’s a growth industry with plenty of opportunities. And it’s a good job for non-college graduates.

Just be aware of the risks involved in welding. And take proper safety measures to protect yourself.

Is Welding A Good Career For A Woman

Now let’s discuss whether welding is a good career for a woman. There are many women welders out there. And the number is growing every day.

However, the percentage of women in welding is still only 3.8% to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. So it’s a male-dominated industry.

Women should be aware of some of the challenges they may face in this career.

1. It’s A Male-Dominated Industry:

As mentioned earlier, welding is a male-dominated industry. And as a woman, you may face some challenges.

You may be differently treated than your male colleagues. There may be some discrimination.

Also, you might not be as physically strong as your male colleagues. So you need to be ready for that.

2. More Risk For Injury:

Women are more at risk for injury in this career. Again, this is because they’re not as physically strong as men.

So they must be extra careful when working with heavy equipment and materials.

The struggle and danger are real. So be sure to take proper safety measures to protect yourself.

3. You Need To Prove Yourself:

As a woman in this career, you need to prove yourself. It would help if you showed that you’re as good as or better than your male colleagues.

This can be a challenge. But it’s one that you can overcome. Your skills and talent will speak for themselves.

So is welding a good career for a woman? If you’re up for the challenge, then the answer is yes.

It’s a great career with plenty of opportunities. And it’s a good job for non-college graduates.

Just be aware of some of the challenges you may face as a woman in this career. And take proper safety measures to protect yourself.

Final Word:

Is welding a good career path? Among other jobs, welding provides many opportunities. The key is to be aware of some of the challenges involved in this career.

And take proper safety measures to protect yourself. If you’re up for the challenge, welding is a great career.

Last Updated on 1 year by Shahzaib Arshad