Welder Career Path

Do you find yourself searching “welding jobs near me” or “what do welders do” only to find an overload of outdated information? We’ve got you covered. Here at NCW, we’re always looking for someone to get the job done and we’re here to help you along the way.

of welders are still working their first welding job after 5 years.

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welding jobs as of 2021.

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projected job growth over the next 10 years.

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Let's get Started.

Here are a few welder skill requirements, let’s see if you check all the boxes:

Attention to detail.

Working as a welder requires a lot of precision whether you are measuring or cutting. Steady hands and good hand-eye coordination are keys to success when working with welding torches and other equipment.

Blueprint Interpretation.

You'll have to be able to read a two-dimensional blueprint and understand how the pieces and products fit on a three-dimensional level. The ability to visualize the desired outcome of a project shows the highest understanding of blueprint interpretation.

Safety first mindset.

Whether you’re in a warehouse or on a jobsite, completing daily tasks with a safety-first mindset is the number one requirement. The welder work environment will always have hazards around and being sure you are aware of them and know the best practices to avoid injury is crucial.

Welder Job Overview

We think you have what it takes to be a welder… do you?

As an integral piece of the manufacturing/construction industry, welders work with many other technical skilled trades to complete a product/project. When others are relying on you to do excellent work it is vital that you have confidence in your ability to complete the job.

Key requirements to be a great welder:

Keep an eye out for changes – every job posting is different, and every employer has their own preferences. Roles and responsibilities in almost every welding career description include:

Unsure of next steps to become a welder? We got you:

Getting Started

A Few Years In

Ramping Up

The Future

Jump Right In

Anyone with a high school degree or GED can become a welder! As an entry level welder, you can expect to report to a supervisor for most of your work. If you are not familiar with equipment and tools, you should anticipate a hefty amount of on-the-job training to improve your skills and understanding of all materials.

Tests and Training

Each welder completes a weld test during their training. Weld tests will vary depending on company industry, but always have the purpose of gauging your skillset as a welder. You will be tested on your knowledge and capabilities using tools and equipment specific to that jobsite.

Gaining Seniority

As you continue to gain experience and build your knowledge you have the opportunity to grow in the industry. Depending on your company's structure and titles, you can advance anywhere from Welder III to Welder IV (or the company equivalent of these) with accumulated years of success and experience. The most effective way to advance is to expand your welding repertoire to involve experience with as many types of metals as you can.

Welder Career Outlook

A welder career path can take many different turns that are dependent on your unique experiences, skills, and desires. Becoming a welder opens many doors, you just need to have the courage to walk through. The total number of welding jobs is projected to increase 2% over the next ten years.

Here are some trends we’ve noticed in the manufacturing industry:

It is important to keep up with trends relating to welders and the manufacturing industry. So, we did fact finding for you. Look out for these related jobs:

01

Welder trends

The states with the highest number of employment per thousand jobs as welders: South Dakota (7.48), North Dakota (6.79), Wyoming (6.74), Louisiana (6.33), and Oklahoma (6.06).

02

Hiring trends in Manufacturing Industry

The U.S. manufacturing industry has recently reached all–time highs in production and technological advancements.

03

Related jobs

These jobs are similar to welder: assembler, boilermaker, fabricator, ironworker, machinist, and metal fabricator.

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So, how much can you earn?

Let's Talk Welder Salary

A welder’s salary can fall between $45,000-$70,000 on average based on factors like experience, company, geographic location, and economic conditions. We know that’s a big range, and we know how daunting it can feel starting out.

Let’s break it down a little more.

Entry level avg. salary: $47,500

Intermediate level avg. salary: $56,200

Senior level avg. salary: $65,900

Some of the highest paying welding jobs often involve working long hours to get to the top. However, as mentioned above, the biggest impact on salary in this field is experience. You may have to work those grueling hours early on in your career but recognition and advancement will follow.

Unsure of next steps to become an welder?

We're Here to Help!

Let us show you why NCW should be a part of your journey to becoming a manufacturing hire:

We specialize in helping manufacturing professionals find their dream role. Do you have experience in metal inert gas (MIG) welding, tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, or good manufacturing practices (GMP)? If so, we are here to help you find your next job as a welder. Have another specialty? Don’t worry, we do more than hire for manufacturing welders, so let us know how we can help you.

Our recruiters have years of experience working with top talent, just like you. Our goal is to get to know you, understand your aspirations, chat through your experience, and connect you with a position that aligns with your wants and needs.

Connect to Opportunitiy

Our team puts your resume directly in front of hiring managers' eyes.

Expanded Network

NCW expands your network to uncover opportunities that may not have been available otherwise.

By Your Side

Our recruiters prep you for the interview process and guide you through every step of the way.

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