YOU CAN GO PLACES WITH A CAREER IN WELDING
Opportunities in a variety of industries mean career flexibility and a competitive salary for skilled welders
Are you aware of the benefits of a career in welding?
You probably have an idea what a welder does but do you know what a career in welding looks like? Can you see yourself working as a welder? Before you answer, see how many statements in the following list describe you:
- I’m not inspired by a desk job.
- I like to work inside and outside.
- I want a job that’s innovative.
- I want a job that has variety.
- I like to see the results of my work.
- I want a job that offers independence.
If you agree with those statements then you should consider training for a career in welding because those are some of the job perks the modern, skilled welder can expect. But that’s not where they stop. You’d be surprised what a dynamic future that welding can offer.
There’s a future for welders in a variety of industries
From the tallest skyscrapers to tiny electrical components–if metal is being used, welding likely is, too. The industries most people associate with welding, like construction, will continue to see a demand. But there are many more that rely on welders. For instance:
- Agricultural, industrial and manufacturing machinery
- Shipping and maritime
- Oil, gas and pipeline
- Motor vehicle and motorsport
- Bridges, highways and other infrastructure
- Military
- Aerospace
It’s the specialty welding applications that can offer the most opportunity and highest welding salaries. Automated welding processes that use robots, lasers and electron beams are becoming more common, so welders with advanced skills will be in higher demand.
Welders who are willing to travel or work in more extreme conditions also earn higher pay. Underwater, traveling industrial pipeline and military support welders can earn upwards of $150,000 annually.
Location can also drive how much a welder can earn. You can find a list of the the ten states that have the highest average welder salaries here.
Welding combines science, skill . . . and creativity
Welding requires more than just heat and muscle. Like many careers in the skilled trades, welders work with their heads, as well as their hands.
Successfully bonding two pieces of metal together requires some pretty cool science, powerful tools, advanced technology—and an artist’s eye. Not only must welds be strong but in cases when they will be exposed, painted or coated, welds also need to be clean and tidy. It’s a skill that requires training and practice to master.
Welders must also be able read blueprints and construction documents, inspect structures and materials, and maintain equipment. Welders are an important part of the manufacturing team and process, so they must have an understanding of the role they play and the importance of their work.
It takes less than a year to train for a career in welding
You’d think it would require years of training to start a career path in welding but that’s not so. You can prepare for that career in just 36 weeks in UTI’s Welding Technology program. In those 36 weeks of training, you’ll learn about the most common welding techniques and applications, giving you a solid foundation from which to pursue a job1,2 or to continue specialized training. Arc welding methods you’ll learn during your training with UTI include:
- Gas Metal
- Shielded Metal
- Flux-Cored
- Gas Tungsten
Graduates of the program will be prepared to apply for certification from the American Welding Society, the worldwide leader in welding industry certifications.
We’ll talk in more detail about the welding techniques listed above in a future post, so stay tuned.
You can learn more about or enroll in UTI's Welding Technology Program here.
