Career path
Welder
Build the structures of tomorrow
Welders fuse metal parts together using heat and pressure. From ships and bridges to aerospace and pipelines — if it's metal, a welder built it.
Median salary
$47,010
Job growth
+3%
Training time
6 months–2 year program
Work style
Hands-on skilled work
Next step
Turn this career path into a practical next step.
Use this page to understand the work, then compare training programs or look for real jobs and apprenticeships connected to this direction.
Earning potential
$32,000 – $85,000
Pay can vary by region, experience, certifications, union status, employer, and whether the worker becomes self-employed.
Typical preparation timeline
6 months–2 year program
Day in the life
What the work can look like
Fabricate custom steel components for a construction project, do structural inspections, weld pipeline sections on location.
Key skills
- MIG/TIG/stick welding
- Blueprint reading
- Metal properties
- Safety
- Precision
Credentials to research
- AWS Certified Welder
- OSHA 10
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
Common work settings
- Caterpillar
- Boeing
- Pipeline companies
- Fab shops
Why this path can be a good fit
- Fast to certify
- Artistic + technical
- High-demand specializations
- Outdoor adventure
- Strong union path
Things to consider
- Physical hazards if careless
- Eye protection critical
- Fumes management
Career seeker next step
Compare preparation options before applying.
Once a career path looks promising, compare training programs, build your readiness profile, and then review real jobs or apprenticeships that fit your direction.