What is a welder and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
introduction image

A welder is a skilled tradesperson who uses heat and pressure to fuse metal parts together. They work in a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and repair. Welders must be able to read and interpret blueprints, use a range of welding equipment, and ensure that safety protocols are followed at all times. They may work with steel, aluminum, or other metals, and must be able to adjust their techniques accordingly.

ScoreWelderUS Average
Salary
3.1

Avg. Salary $39,696

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.8

Growth Rate 2%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.74%

Asian 2.99%

Black or African American 10.04%

Hispanic or Latino 17.97%

Unknown 4.10%

White 63.15%

Gender

female 6.09%

male 93.91%

Age - 40
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 40
Stress Level
5.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
7.5

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.9

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Welder?

Pros

  • Job security

  • High demand

  • Potential for high salary with experience

  • Continual learning opportunities and advancement potential

  • Potential for self-employment or owning your own business

Cons

  • Risk of injury from burns, fumes, and electrical shock

  • Physical demands of standing, bending, and lifting for long periods

  • Work can be dirty and uncomfortable

  • Limited ability to take breaks during projects

  • Can be affected by economic downturns or fluctuations in demand

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Welder career paths

Key steps to become a welder

  1. Explore welder education requirements

    Most common welder degrees

    High School Diploma

    46.3 %

    Associate

    18.2 %

    Diploma

    16.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific welder skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Arc Welding8.02%
    Aluminum7.24%
    Hand Tools6.77%
    Tig Welding6.21%
    Stainless Steel5.45%
  3. Complete relevant welder training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New welders learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a welder based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real welder resumes.
  4. Gain additional welder certifications

    Welder certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific welder certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for welders include Certified Welder and Certified Welding Engineer.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research welder duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and run production parts through the brake.
    • Weld with oxyacetylene, MIG, and brazing all kind of materials like bronze, platinum, aluminum, and flux.
    • Experience TIG, plasma cutting, brazing, torch cutting, shears press, bending and manipulating heated metal.
    • Fabricate and weld car carrier trailers using MIG welding method, used overhead cranes to lift weld pieces up.
  6. Prepare your welder resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your welder resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a welder resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Welder Resume templates

    Build a professional Welder resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Welder resume.
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  7. Apply for welder jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a welder job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Welder Job

C

Curtis NunezII

Welder

3rd generation welder. My dad and papa taught me. Nothing real interesting just following family footsteps Was around it from an early age since I was 3rd generation. Naturally when high-school rolled around picked it up and started dabbling in ag class.

Once I graduated they asked if I wanna learn and I accepted. Learned stick tig then mig. Picked up fitting along the way. Now with a helper we are the whole crew. Learned at 18 now I'm 47.

Average welder salary

The average Welder salary in the United States is $39,696 per year or $19 per hour. Welder salaries range between $29,000 and $54,000 per year.

Average Welder Salary
$39,696 Yearly
$19.08 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do welders rate their job?

4.25/5

Based On 4 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Welder reviews

profile
4.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2020
Pros

Good job for a person like me. Just put my hood down and weld without much instruction. I am quiet and welding fits good with my personality.

Cons

I don't like getting burned, but as long as I wear proper protection, it is very preventable.


profile
4.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Pros

It's challenging it keeps focused

Cons

Not to be appreciated, when we work hard, l love my work ND l wana learn more


profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Pros

The skill level required to properly join metal together. Pride in your work and skill

Cons

Being Hot. The concentration level can be very tiring. Can be hard on the eyes.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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