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If you love creating new things, working with your hands and problem-solving, welding could be the right career path for you.
Welders are needed across a wide variety of industries. Keep reading to learn all about different types of welding jobs, salary, career outlook and more!
Types of Welding Careers
Welding serves industries worldwide, which creates a variety of roles within the field.
Most graduates of the Welding Technology program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) are prepared to work as entry-level welders or in other entry-level roles.1 As with any industry, over time, they may be able to advance in their career with experience and hard work.
Here’s a list of 14 exciting welding careers those with advanced skills could pursue:77
1. Structural Iron and Steel Welder
Welding plays a significant role in the construction industry. Welders who choose to go the structural route often work in civil engineering projects that use metal I-beams to construct large commercial buildings and highway bridges. This role isn’t for the faint of heart, since these welders can work hundreds of feet in the air!
2. Oil Rig Welder
Oil rig welding is a highly sought-after skill. Oil rig welders typically work on offshore rig platforms to maintain and repair the equipment and structures used to extract oil or natural gas.
Because oil rigs have structural parts beneath the ocean’s surface, this profession requires underwater welding. Some people use the terms “oil rig” and “underwater” welding interchangeably. However, an underwater welder role presents a wider variety of settings and duties.
3. Underwater Welder
Underwater welding is a specialized career path that requires specific training. These welders often receive instruction in diving and are required to pass a physical exam. They can work inland in local rivers, lakes and dams, or offshore in the ocean.
In addition to fitting and rigging, they perform underwater cutting with heavy equipment, as well as non-destructive testing and inspection. These professionals often work in the naval, shipyard, and oil and gas pipeline industries, completing rigging or salvage operations.
4. Pressure Vessel/Pipe Welder
Pressure vessel/pipe welders use heavy machinery to form pipes before welding them together for a building, vessel or other structure. They may also repair piping systems.
These welders can work in a variety of industries, including construction, oil rigging or at power plants. This role is physically demanding and requires attention to detail, precise work and the ability to work in a confined area. Due to the nature of the material these types of welders work with, they must follow extensive safety measures.
5. Aerospace Welder
This is one of the most advanced careers in welding. Aerospace welders help assemble and repair aircraft and spacecraft bodies and engines. These welders work with a number of materials, including steel, copper, aluminum, titanium, superalloys and more. Aerospace welding requires precise and clean welds that meet strict safety standards.
6. Welding Machine Operator
Welding machine operators use and tend to welding machines that bond components together.
Some job duties include entering operating instructions into a computer to start welding machines, following production schedules and specifications, positioning and adjusting fixtures using measuring devices, observing welding machines throughout the welding process, and inspecting workpieces to ensure they meet specifications.
7. Motorsports Welder
In motorsports, almost everything on the vehicles is created using welding processes.
Welders often work with racing teams and are responsible for repairing and maintaining vehicles to ensure they run smoothly. This can be a great career path for someone who loves to travel and has a passion for racing.
8. Military Support Welder
Military support welders build, repair and maintain the weapons, facilities and vehicles used to support the United States’ armed forces. Welders who use their skills to support the military often work at military bases in the U.S. or travel to other countries.
9. Shipyard Welder
Welders in the ship- and boat-building industry build, inspect and repair ship welds on military vessels, research vessels and cargo ships. They often are on contract and can travel from one shipyard to another in different ports worldwide. Contracts for shipyard welders can run anywhere from several months to several years.
10. Onboard Ship Maintenance
Many cruise lines and passenger ships have welders who travel as members of the crew. These welders monitor the ship and perform any necessary repairs while at sea. It’s a big responsibility but can be an exciting and enjoyable role for those who love to travel and be on the water.
11. Manufacturing
Manufacturing includes any industry that uses metals to create products, from landscaping to agriculture to mining. This could open a variety of welding opportunities for skilled workers who have hands-on training. Going into manufacturing can be a great way to pursue a career in an industry you’re passionate about.
12. Boilermaker
Boilermakers use welding and cutting machinery to assemble, maintain and repair boilers, vats, tanks and other pressure containers. This role is physically demanding as it requires climbing ladders, lifting heavy parts, working in confined spaces and operating heavy machinery.
Boilermakers work in a variety of industries, including power plants and manufacturing companies.
13. Welding Inspector
Welding inspectors guarantee that completed welds are safe and meet the correct specifications. They check for visual and structural defects, undercuts and spatter.
It’s also their job to ensure the right processes and equipment are used for the project at hand. They inspect various welding jobs, arrange mechanical testing appointments, check welding specifications and create reports.
14. Welding Project Manager
Welding project managers demonstrate leadership. They oversee projects from planning to execution and are responsible for ensuring everything runs smoothly throughout the process.
They define projects, develop work plans and manage employees and the budget. This type of role is great for someone with strong teamwork skills, the ability to lead and inspire and a passion for the welding industry.
Welding Careers: Salary and Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers in the U.S. was $48,940 in May 2023.26 This means half earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.
When it comes to job outlook, there are more than 45,000 estimated average annual welding job openings in the U.S.42
Basic welding duties are similar across industries, so depending on the need, most welders can shift from one industry to another. Job prospects vary based on welders’ skill levels but are expected to be good for those trained in the latest technologies.
Top 10 Median Annual Salaries for Welders
If you’re wondering where the highest-paying welding careers are, you’ve come to the right place! Check out this list of annual median salaries* for welders in the United States (reported by the BLS in May 2023) so you can plan your next career move.
*Not entry-level and is dependent on factors like experience, location and employer compensation.
| Rank | Area | Annual Median Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $77,100 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $76,540 |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $65,020 |
| 4 | Wyoming | $62,510 |
| 5 | Washington | $60,350 |
| 6 | Connecticut | $59,580 |
| 7 | Massachusetts | $59,330 |
| 8 | Rhode Island | $58,980 |
| 9 | North Dakota | $58,900 |
| 10 | New Jersey | $57,300 |
For a list ranking median annual salaries for welders for all 50 states and the District of Columbia, read our blog post here.
How Do You Become a Welder?
Most welding jobs require a high school diploma or GED diploma, along with technical training. While high school courses and on-the-job training can help prepare you for this field, attending a specialized program like the Welding Technology training program at UTI can prepare you to become a welder in less than a year.1
FAQs
What types of welding careers are in demand?
As previously mentioned, there are projected to be more than 45,000 estimated average annual welding job openings in the U.S.42 The BLS also suggests that the skills needed for structural and manufacturing welding careers will be in demand.
What are the highest-paying welding careers?
Per the BLS, the highest earners amongst welders, cutters, solderers and brazers in May 2023 were those in the scheduled air transportation; electric power generation, transmission and distribution; and natural gas industries. These types of advanced welding careers require experience and hard work to pursue.
Is welding worth it as a career?
Training for a welding career is worth considering if you enjoy hands-on work and trying new things. It offers diverse opportunities across industries and can lead to personal satisfaction through the tangible results of craftsmanship.
What are the best welding careers?
The best welding careers are the ones where you get to do what you’re passionate about. From motorsports to aerospace to the military, welders are needed across several sectors, presenting opportunities for you to pursue a career in an industry you’re proud to be a part of.
Train For a Welding Career at UTI
UTI’s 36-week Welding Technology program gives the hands-on training needed to prepare students to pursue careers in industries from automotive fabrication to aerospace.1 With total welder employment expected to exceed 463,000 by 2033,50 it’s a great time to get your education.
Plus, UTI’s Welding Technology programs start every six weeks, allowing you to start preparing for your career sooner.