If you enjoy working with your hands and scoff at the thought of a traditional desk job, then a career in welding may be worth considering..
Could a career in welding be your calling? Learn more about what this line of work entails and what to expect as you progress in this exciting field.
Exploring Career Paths in Welding
Welding is a process where two or more materials are joined by applying heat, pressure, or a combination of both. The heat melts the materials at the joint, and pressure is often used to create a strong bond as the materials cool and solidify. While welding is primarily used for metals and thermoplastics, the final product, known as a weldment, represents a solid connection between the fused parts.
So, what kinds of jobs are available in welding, and how can welding professionals work to find their niche?
Outlook of Welding Jobs in the United States
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that most welding jobs are in the manufacturing industry, though specific roles can vary greatly. Some may work primarily outdoors, whereas others may work inside more confined spaces.
Specializations and Their Impact on Your Career
Within the welding field, there are some specializations that professionals may explore as a means of honing their skills and pursuing more niche roles. Some examples of different specializations welders may pursue include those in:
- Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)
- Gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
- Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW)
- Submerged arc welding (SAW)
- Underwater welding
- Oil rig welding
Each of these specialties can offer distinct career paths, but they also demand a high level of expertise, additional certifications, and a commitment to continuous learning. Pursuing specialized roles requires years of hands-on experience and formal training through accredited programs. Many welders pursue advanced certifications, such as Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), to meet industry standards and expand job opportunities. As welding technologies evolve, professionals must stay current by learning new methods, equipment, and materials to remain competitive in these technically demanding areas.
Advancing Beyond Entry-Level Positions
Even for those in entry-level welding jobs, there are plenty of opportunities for advancement in this broad field.
Strategies for Career Progression in Welding
For those starting with entry-level welding jobs, gaining more hands-on experience is one of the best ways to advance in the field. With regular hands-on work, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance and refine your own skills while applying what you’ve learned in different work environments. In addition to building your professional network, this could set you up for advancement and new opportunities.
Continuing Education and Certification for Welders
Meanwhile, taking additional courses and earning special designations in the field can also help you move up the ladder. This may include earning a welding diploma or even pursuing additional in-demand certifications. Because new technologies and techniques are always emerging, the most successful welding professionals are those who can stay up-to-date and keep their skills relevant.
Understanding the Welding Industry’s Landscape
Speaking of new technology, recent welding innovations are changing this line of work’s future, so welders (and aspiring welders) need to be prepared.
The Role of Technology in Shaping Welding Careers
As welding work becomes more automated, the demand for welding professionals who can put their own problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to work in conjunction with robotic welding systems will likely increase. Welders who want to remain relevant in a changing field will need to familiarize themselves with new technologies and find ways to use them to their advantage.
Navigating the Job Market: Tips for Newly Certified Welders
While the job market can be competitive, aspiring welders can enhance their prospects by gaining hands-on experience across different industries. Most certifications require prior work experience, so building your skillset through practical, on-the-job training is key. As you progress in your career, consider pursuing additional certifications or specialized training to set yourself apart and move into more niche roles within the field.
Questions:
Discover answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the welding field below.
How do welders move up in their careers?
There are many potential ways to advance in the welding field, starting with the opportunity to earn specialized certification and/or licenses. For example, many welders will pursue their Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certifications through the American Welding Society (AWS) to enhance their career trajectories. Meanwhile, staying up-to-date with industry trends and new technology can position welders to advance in their careers as the industry evolves.
Are there opportunities for welders in industries outside of construction?
While construction and manufacturing may be the two biggest sources of welder jobs, there are plenty of other opportunities for welding professionals outside of these niches. Some examples of other industries that often employ welders include aerospace, automotive, nuclear energy, and even agriculture. However, breaking into these fields typically requires additional credentials, specialized training, or certifications to meet the unique demands and safety standards of each industry.
What certifications can further a welder’s career?
In addition to the popular CWI certification, some additional in-demand certifications in welding include:
- Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS)
- Certified Welding Engineer (CWE)
- Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI)
Discover More in FTC’s Welding Diploma Program
For those who don’t want to spend years in school but still want to enjoy a career with plenty of room for growth, welding can be a practical choice. Before you can break into this fascinating career, though, you’ll need the right foundation.
Specifically, earning your Welding Diploma from Florida Technical College can be an excellent way to kickstart your career while learning the practical skills you need to work entry-level welding jobs. This 12-month program includes coursework in such relevant topics as safety and craft skills, applied math, shielding metal arc welding, flux core arc welding, and much more at the Kissimmee campus.
Learn more about our welding program by reaching out today.
This article presents a general overview of the field of welding, including job opportunities within that field; it does not describe the educational objectives or expected employment outcomes of a particular Florida Technical College program. Florida Technical College does not guarantee that students will obtain employment or any particular job. Some positions may require licensure or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular career you desire.
Sources
https://ftccollege.edu/program/diploma/welding-diploma/
https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/blogs/blog/-welding-jobs
https://theweldinginstitute.com/What-is-Welding-A-Definitive-Guide
https://www.arccaptain.com/blogs/article/how-much-does-a-welder-make
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm
https://www.aws.org/standards-and-publications/codes-and-standards/#numberOfResults=5
