Welder

Your Fit

Income

$49K

Preparation

Some

Growth

1.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Welder?

Welders are skilled tradespeople who use various welding techniques to join metal parts in a wide range of construction, manufacturing, and engineering projects. They must possess a strong understanding of welding methods, metal properties, and safety procedures to create durable and secure welds.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Welder.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Welder earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$37K per year	$43K per year	$49K per year	$60K per year	$73K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $880 above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Welder do?

Work environment

Welders typically work in manufacturing plants, construction sites, shipyards, or oil and gas facilities. The environment can be physically demanding and hazardous, often involving working in tight spaces, at heights, or outdoors, and requires the use of protective gear to prevent injury from heat, sparks, and intense light.

Quick task list

Reads blueprints and understands welding plans.
Operates welding machinery and tools to fuse metal parts.
Maintains equipment and ensures a clean, safe work environment.
Inspects completed welds to ensure quality and adherence to specifications.
Adjusts welding methods based on materials and project requirements.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

MIG Welding: Using Metal Inert Gas welding for a variety of fabrication and construction jobs.
TIG Welding: Specializing in Tungsten Inert Gas welding for precision tasks involving thinner metals.
Underwater Welding: Performing welding tasks in underwater environments, often in repair and installation of marine structures.

Description

Welding is a highly skilled profession that requires both technical knowledge and practical skills. Welders must be adept at interpreting technical documents and welding blueprints to determine the correct welding process and equipment for each job. A thorough understanding of the properties of different metals, such as steel, aluminum, and titanium, is crucial, as is knowledge of the various welding techniques, including shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, flux-cored arc, and gas tungsten arc welding.

Safety is a paramount concern in welding, as the occupation involves risks such as burns, eye damage, and inhalation of fumes. Welders must be well-versed in safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment and proper ventilation practices. Regular maintenance of welding equipment is also essential to prevent malfunctions and ensure effective operation.

In addition to technical proficiency, successful welders possess physical stamina and hand-eye coordination. They often work in challenging positions and environments and must be able to concentrate for extended periods. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team is also important, as many welding projects are collaborative efforts.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The pride in performing skilled, hands-on work that contributes to tangible projects.
The opportunity to work on a diverse range of tasks in various industries.
The sense of accomplishment in creating strong, reliable welds.

You might make a good Welder if you are...

Detail-oriented with a steady hand and good hand-eye coordination.
Comfortable with using tools and machinery and able to work in physically demanding conditions.
Interested in technical learning and applying practical skills to solve problems.
Committed to safety and able to follow precise instructions.

Pros:

High demand for skilled welders in various industries such as construction, automotive, and manufacturing.
Opportunity to work on a variety of projects, offering diverse and interesting experiences.
Potential for good wages and overtime pay, especially for specialized welding skills.
Opportunities for self-employment and contract work.

Cons:

Physically demanding job with potential exposure to hazardous materials and environments.
Risk of injuries such as burns or eye damage, necessitating strict adherence to safety protocols.
Often requires working in uncomfortable positions or environments, like confined spaces or at heights.
The job can involve long hours and may require travel to different worksites.

How to become a Welder

Typical education

Most welders have a high school diploma or equivalent, with technical training obtained through vocational schools, community colleges, or apprenticeship programs. Certification in various welding techniques, which can take several months to a couple of years, is highly valued in the industry.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop classes or vocational training focusing on metalworking and basic welding techniques.
Mathematics, particularly geometry and algebra, for precise measurements and calculations.
Physics to understand the principles of metallurgy and heat effects on metals.
Technical drawing or drafting for reading and interpreting blueprints and welding diagrams.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a robotics club or a metalworking club, if available, to gain practical experience.
Volunteering for community projects or local workshops that involve metal fabrication.
Part-time jobs or internships in automotive shops, construction companies, or fabrication shops.

Preparation after high school

Vocational or technical school programs specializing in welding and metal fabrication.
Apprenticeships or on-the-job training programs in welding.
Certification programs from recognized institutions for various welding techniques.
Workshops and courses in advanced welding technologies and safety protocols.

More resources

American Welding Society (AWS) - Offers resources, training, and certification programs for welders.
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) - Provides training and certification in construction-related trades, including welding.
Weld-Ed, the National Center for Welding Education and Training - A partnership program that offers educational resources and industry connections for welding careers.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Provides guidelines and resources for workplace safety, crucial for welders.

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