With the expected job growth, salary, and ability to move up in the profession, welding is a career worth looking into. By 2020, opportunities for welders are expected to grow by quite a bit. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 26 percent growth in the welding profession. This alone makes it a career to look into.
How to Become a Welder
You must obtain a high school diploma or GED to become a welder. Some school districts offer them at the high school level at no or minimal costs. After high school, there are various programs for welding. Some companies will even offer free programs and training for welders, especially those that choose to go into off-shore welding. After you have completed a welding program, the next step is generally an apprenticeship ranging from about three or four years of full-time work or 6,000 to 8,000 hours. Most apprenticeships are paid, even if starting at minimum wage. After completing the needed hours, there is a test to finish becoming a welder journeyman.
Earning Potential
The program and apprenticeships can seem overwhelming in the beginning, especially earning such a low salary. One way to look at it is that you are getting paid to learn. Instead of going into debt for four years at a university, you will be earning money while you learn and work in your field. Besides having an increase in job growth, welding is a job that is easy to find side work as well if you so desire. The average welder currently makes $40,970, but those with higher certifications and experience move that average up to $47,919. There are a few fields of specialized welding, like underwater welders and military support welders that have the potential to make over $150,000.
Variety of Careers
Whether you want to work on motorboats or spaceships, welding has a variety of careers that may suit your interests. If you love the ocean and water, underwater welding can be a very lucrative career. There are many positions for welders in engineering and robotics as well as with the government and military. As you search for careers in welding, also reach out to schools and talk to teachers for their input. It is a lot more expansive then most believe. And with so many choices, it is easier to find something that suits your needs and interests.
Welding can be a physically demanding job. It is a job where you use your hands and will get dirty. At times it can even be dangerous compared to other sedentary professions. Yet, welding is a career with great potential in the ability to move up, earn a good salary, and move into areas that suit your interests. It definitely has the potential to be a rewarding and meaningful career and worth looking into.
For more information about welding jobs, reach out to a welding staffing service in your area.
Share19 March 2020
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