How to Become a Welder
Join and fabricate metal across construction, manufacturing, and energy, where certified skill travels well. It typically requires a postsecondary certificate, with a median salary of $53,750 per year and slower than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$53,750/yr
Job growth
1%
Openings / yr
45,600
Majors that lead here
Common majors include Welding Technology, Manufacturing Technology.
Key skills
- MIG/TIG/Stick Welding
- Blueprint Reading
- Metal Fabrication
- Quality Inspection
- Safety Practices
Helpful certifications
- AWS Certified Welder
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Electrical Engineering Technician$78,190 median
- Mechanical Engineering Technician$74,510 median
- Civil Engineering Technician$64,950 median
- Wind Turbine Technician$64,120 median
- Plumber$63,800 median
- Electrician$63,190 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Welder make?
The median pay for a Welder is $53,750 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Welder?
The usual entry point is a postsecondary certificate. Common majors are Welding Technology and Manufacturing Technology.
Is Welder a growing field?
The BLS projects slower than average demand for this role, about 1% over the decade, with roughly 45,600 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Welder use most?
Common skills for this role are MIG/TIG/Stick Welding, Blueprint Reading, Metal Fabrication, Quality Inspection, and Safety Practices.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.