Skilled Trades
Welder
Welders are skilled, hands-on craftspeople who enjoy working with metal and creating strong, lasting structures. This role suits detail-oriented people who like precision, problem-solving, and seeing their work in bridges, buildings, and equipment. You should be safety-conscious and comfortable in shop or outdoor settings. No college degree is needed. It’s a solid path for job seekers wanting stable, well-paid trade work with high demand.
Median wage
$25.84/hr
Physical demands
medium
Drug test
Varies by employer
National wages & job outlook
National figures for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, shown as published by the source below.
Entry (10th–25th pct)
$18.87–$22.5/hr
Median
$25.84/hr
Experienced (75th–90th pct)
$30.29–$37.28/hr
Projected openings / year
45,600
+2% growth, 2024–2034
Wage data: 2025. National figures; local pay varies.
Source: CareerOneStop (careeronestop.org), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration (DOLETA), and the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED).
Starting requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Good hand-eye coordination and eyesight
- Physical stamina for standing and bending
- Willingness to learn safety practices
- Interest in tools and fabrication
Training structure
Welder training is often short and practical. Many complete 3- to 12-month programs at trade schools or community colleges. You learn different welding techniques, blueprint reading, and safety. Apprenticeships and on-the-job training are common. Certifications can help you qualify for better jobs faster.
Top credentials
- AWS Certified Welder
- NCCER Welding
- AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- OSHA 10
Licenses & certifications
Licenses are state-specific and certifications vary by specialty. Look up the exact ones for this path in your state.
Open the license & certification finderAdvancement path
Entry: Welder or apprentice
Mid-Level: Certified welder (multiple processes)
Advanced: Welding supervisor, inspector, specialist, or business owner
Additional certifications in specialized welding lead to higher pay and opportunities.
Typical employers
Fabrication shops, manufacturers, construction firms, pipelines, shipyards
A day in the life
You start by reviewing blueprints and preparing materials. Your day includes measuring, cutting, and welding metal parts using various techniques. You may work in a shop or at job sites. The work is focused and rewarding, ending with pride in building strong, functional products that last.