Skip to content
SME Logo
/globalassets/sme-masterpage-elements/header/sme-logo-color-100b.png
  • {{result}}
SME SME Blog Posts So You Want to be a Welder

So You Want to be a Welder

by SME Communications

Welding plays a crucial role in the manufacturing industry, but contemporary manufacturing companies are encountering challenges as they grapple with a shortage of skilled welders. The shortage is becoming so pronounced that manufacturers are diverting business opportunities. The American Welding Society anticipates a staggering 360,000 vacant welding positions by 2027. This hands-on career involves the fusion of two or more components through the application of heat and pressure.

So You Want to be a WelderSo You Want to be a Welder Most workers who begin their career in welding have a high-school diploma along with a certificate of completion from an accredited trade school program. While an apprenticeship is not required, this type of experience is suggested.

To excel in this role, one needs a combination of both hard and soft skills. Essential skills include effective communication, proficiency in mathematics, precise hand-eye coordination, and keen attention to detail. Manual dexterity, spatial orientation, and strong time management capabilities are also crucial for success in welding. Additionally, a foundational understanding of tool-handling skills is vital to establish a successful career in this field.

Depending on the certifications one has upon entry into the welding field, entry-level welders start with an average salary of $47,500. After a few years of experience, one can make $68,750. Welders who have matured more in their careers can average around $89,110 annually (note: these figures vary by region). Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for more detailed information about your area.

Welders are highly sought after in diverse manufacturing sectors including aerospace, construction, shipbuilding, petrochemical, and automotive. The impending retirement of over 155,000 welders is creating an increasingly pressing need for this type of skilled professional in the manufacturing workforce.

For more information about what welders do in their profession and welding certifications, visit Tooling-U SME. Once you are ready, visit SME Jobs Connection to search for job openings in your industry.

 

Information in this article is attributed to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Join/Renew