Welders and Welding Technicians

Welders operate a variety of special equipment to join metal parts together permanently, usually using heat and sometimes pressure. They work on constructing and repairing automobiles, aircraft, ships, buildings, bridges, highways, appliances, and many other metal structures and manufactured products. Welding technicians are the link between the welder and the engineer and work to improve a wide variety of welding processes. As part of their duties, they may supervise, inspect, and find applications for the welding processes. Approximately 438,900 welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers are employed in the United States. 

Salary Range

$25,000 to $75,000

Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

About as Fast as the Average

Personality Traits

Conventional

Hands On

Technical

Career Ladder

Welding Supervisor, or Inspector, or or Instructor

Welder

Welding Technician

Apprentice or Trainee