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Do you find yourself searching “welding jobs near me” or “what do welders do” only to find an overload of outdated information?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.
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Here are a few welder skill requirements, let’s see if you check all the boxes:
Attention to detail.
Blueprint Interpretation.
Safety first mindset.
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:
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Tests and Training
Gaining Seniority
Welder Career Outlook
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.
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