How Much Does a Welder Make? Your Welder Salary Guide

Welding is an enjoyable trade that lets you create and repair items to your heart’s content. This job is exciting and never dull, figuratively and literally. Suppose you like making things with your hands and problem-solving. In that case, welding gives you the perfect opportunity to perform the functions you love. Moreover, welders have high earning potential and opportunities to progress.

If you want to become a welder and have questions such as how much the average welder salary is, you’re in the right place. We’ll go over the specifics of this position, the average welder salary, and how you can start on your welding journey using a proper resume.

What is a Welder?

In the most basic sense, welding is a process that involves joining materials together using high heat or gas. However, welding is more than just enjoining brass, steel, iron, and other similar materials. Depending on the skills and training of the welder, they can take on varying levels of responsibility and penetrate multiple industries.

Welders can work on their own and open a personal business, or they can work in a company. They can create new materials, smoothen, polish them, or repair them. Welders don’t just work with metals and heat; they must also study blueprints, know how to calculate dimensions and monitor workplaces for unsafe working conditions.

Are There Different Types of Welding Jobs?

Many people who aren’t in the welding industry may assume that all welders perform the same functions and have similar jobs. However, this assumption is incorrect. There are several welding jobs, and they have many purposes. Here are the most common:

• Gas Welding: This process is when a welder uses heat generated by gas to fuse metals or separate them. Gas welding is among the oldest methods of this profession used by millions of people globally. Although many industries now use more advanced forms of gas welding, it remains widely used locally and internationally.
• MIG Welding: This term stands for Metal Inert Gas Welding. MIG welding is more accessible for newcomers to learn and apply.
• Stick Welding: This form of welding was the norm in the past, and institutes teach welders how to use it when they start learning the craft.
• TIG Welding: Short for inert tungsten gas, is when a tungsten electrode runs through the objects fused.
• Plasma Arc Welding: This is when the welder strikes the plasma arc between electrodes and base materials. It also uses a tungsten electrode like TIG welding.
• Laser and Electron Beam Welding: This is the process of joining many components using laser beams or electron beams.

Where Do Welders Work?

Welders can work in different industries depending on their level of expertise and training. At the basic level, you can work as a regular welder and in manufacturing plants. The next level is to work in engineering. Welding engineering involves more advanced functions and includes planning and project management. You can also work in instruction, where you receive certification and start helping others on their journey to becoming a welder. Some welders enter the quality control industry and work as certified inspectors.

Is a College Degree a Requirement for Welders?

A college degree is not mandatory if you want to work as a welder. However, you still must have a high school diploma to get into the field, as most employers require this degree.

Additionally, many different certifications exist if you’re looking for specialization. You can study for a bachelor’s degree or a Master of Science in welding if you seek a highly-specialized field.

Besides a degree, you still need to undergo training and know the safety basics because welding can be dangerous.

Is There a Standard Path to Become a Welder?

Once you decide your career choice, start with training and education and work your way up. You can enter a vocational school, community college, or even work as an apprentice to an experienced welder to get the training you need to succeed in this industry.

Depending on the program you opt for, your training can last from a few months to two years. The more training and skills you have, the less likely you are to make errors, and you’ll have a higher earning potential.

Once you have sufficient experience, you can build a resume focused on your specialty. You’ll have all the tools you need to apply to roles that fit your experience level and ambitions.

Do Welders Need to Take Courses or Certifications?

Although it is not mandatory for you to take courses or certifications in welding, learning the basics from professionals is a safer bet. You’ll understand the fundamental roles welders take on, learn about safety, and have some experience under your belt to present to prospective employers.

Remember that for beginners, certifications are not mandatory. However, for more technical jobs, including working with or overseeing people, you may need to seek specialized certifications. Some examples of certifications include:

• Certified Welder (CW)
• Certified Welding Instructor (CWI)
• Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI)
• Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI)
• Certified Welding Educator (CWE)
• Certified Resistance Welding Technician (CRWT)
• Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI)

With so many options and opportunities to branch into within this industry, having more than one certification elevates your chances of getting a good job with an excellent welder salary.

How Much Does a Welder Make?

Based on all the specializations available, you may ask yourself, “how much does a welder make?” The good news is that this career and job have a high earning potential.

The average welder salary in the US is $42,950 per year. This salary amounts to roughly $20.00 per hour. The states with the highest welder salaries are Alaska ($50,930), Kentucky ($51,330), and Maryland, at the top, sits at $56,330.

The average welder salary for a government employee is $69,325 according to Federal Pay.

The welding industry is growing yearly, and the job outlook is positive, with a 6% increase in job demand in the next decade and a growth projection of 8%. Now is the perfect time to start if you want to get into the welding industry.

How Can One Apply to Welding Positions?

Now that you know how to start a successful welding career, the next step is to apply for the certifications and get the training you need if you don’t have experience. Once you clear that hurdle, it’s time to build your resume and apply to jobs online.

One of the hassles of applying online is ensuring that your resume gets to the hands of your hiring manager. Unfortunately, many people format their resumes in a way that doesn’t pass Applicant Tracking Systems. The solution to this issue is to format a CV with Rocket Resume.

At Rocket Resume, building a CV is a straightforward and enjoyable process. By inputting the information for the prompts and questions and choosing the best template for your job, you’ll spend less time and effort formatting and more time applying to jobs. With intuitive tools and an easy-to-use interface, you’ll have a ready resume in minutes that passes through ATS systems without hassle.

Are you ready to start a successful and lucrative welding career with excellent earning potential? Apply using a CV from Rocket Resume today and receive a discount when you create your account.