U.S. Skilled Trade Career Profile
Welder Career Guide
Start your career as a skilled Welder in the United States
Updated Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team
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Career Overview
Welders are skilled trades professionals who join metal parts using high-heat equipment and specialized techniques.
They work in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, oil and gas, and infrastructure projects.
With steady demand in industrial production and infrastructure repair, welding remains an important skilled trade in the United States.
What Does a Welder Do
- Read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings
- Perform common welding processes such as GMAW/MIG, GTAW/TIG, SMAW/stick, and FCAW
- Inspect and test welded structures
- Maintain welding equipment
- Follow OSHA safety standards
- Repair and fabricate metal structures
How to Become a Welder
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Earn a High School Diploma or GED
Complete high school or obtain a GED. Focus on mathematics, physics, and technical education to prepare for welding training programs.
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Enroll in Welding Training Program
Join a technical school or community college welding program. Training usually lasts 6 months to 2 years and covers welding techniques, metallurgy, and safety procedures.
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Gain Hands-On Welding Experience
Practice MIG, TIG, and stick welding under supervision. Build real-world skills in fabrication, repair, and metal joining in controlled environments.
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Obtain Welding Certifications (Optional but Valuable)
Certification requirements vary by employer, welding process, material, position, and industry. The AWS Certified Welder program uses a performance-based test administered through an AWS Accredited Testing Facility. Some employers require job-specific or code-specific qualifications, while others provide testing after hire.
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Enter the Workforce as a Welder
Start working in industries such as construction, manufacturing, or shipbuilding. Entry-level welders continue developing skills through on-the-job training.
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Advance to Specialized Welding Roles
With experience and additional qualifications, welders may specialize in structural welding, pipe welding, fabrication, robotic welding systems, quality inspection, or supervision. Underwater welding is a separate high-risk specialization that also requires commercial-diving training.
Skills & Requirements
- MIG, TIG, and Stick welding techniques
- Blueprint reading
- Metal fabrication skills
- Equipment maintenance
- Safety compliance (OSHA standards)
- Hand-eye coordination and precision work
- Physical stamina
Salary Breakdown
Entry-level and experienced salary figures are approximate national estimates intended to illustrate potential earning progression. Actual pay varies by location, experience, licensing level, union status, industry, employer, and overtime. The salary figure shown at the top of this page is the May 2024 national median annual wage reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job Outlook & Demand
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers to grow 2% from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite the limited overall growth rate, about 45,600 openings are projected each year, on average, mainly because workers leave the occupation or retire.
Welders will continue to be needed for infrastructure repair, construction, metal-product manufacturing, machinery production, and maintenance. However, increased automation in manufacturing may limit overall employment growth. Job prospects may be stronger for welders who can work with multiple welding processes, read technical drawings, and meet job-specific certification requirements.
Work Environment
Welders work in manufacturing plants, construction sites, shipyards, and industrial facilities.
The job often involves working in confined spaces, outdoors, or at heights.
It can be physically demanding and requires strict safety procedures due to heat, sparks, and heavy equipment.
Examples of Major Employers
Caterpillar
LocationIrving, Texas
John Deere
LocationMoline, Illinois
Boeing
LocationArlington, Virginia
General Dynamics
LocationReston, Virginia
Nucor
LocationCharlotte, North Carolina
Lincoln Electric
LocationCleveland, Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a welder?
Most welders can complete training in 6 months to 2 years.
Do welders need certification?
Many employers prefer welders with AWS or industry-recognized certifications.
Can I become a welder without trade school?
Yes. Some welders learn through apprenticeships or on-the-job training.
What is the average salary of a welder?
The BLS reported a median annual wage of $51,000 for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in May 2024. Earnings vary by industry, location, experience, welding process, certification, shift schedule, and overtime.
Is welding a good career in 2026?
Welding may be a good career for people who enjoy precise, hands-on work and are comfortable working around heat, fumes, heavy materials, and industrial equipment. The BLS projects 2% employment growth from 2024 to 2034, but about 45,600 openings per year are expected, primarily from worker replacement needs.
Career Data Sources
Career information is reviewed using government, certification, and industry sources. Data may change after publication.
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers: Occupational Outlook Handbook — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Data: May 2024; projections 2024–2034) Supports: Median wage, employment outlook, annual openings, training, licensing, work environment, and major employing industries. Accessed July 20, 2026.
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers — O*NET OnLine (Data: Updated 2026) Supports: Occupational duties, skills, work activities, tools, technology, and reported job titles. Accessed July 20, 2026.
- Certified Welder Program — American Welding Society (Data: Current program information) Supports: AWS Certified Welder eligibility, performance testing, testing facilities, and certification maintenance. Accessed July 20, 2026.
- Welding, Cutting, and Brazing: Hazards and Solutions — Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Data: Current safety guidance) Supports: Welding fumes, UV radiation, burns, electrical hazards, PPE, and workplace safety. Accessed July 20, 2026.
Note: Salary figures displayed on this page use the national median annual wage reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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