TradeAtlas
Careers

Welding

Welding, cutting, and metal fabrication for construction, industrial, and manufacturing work

$51k/yr median+2% growth (10-yr)45,600 openings/yrFast entry (<1 yr)

Wages & Job Outlook

$51k
Median wage
per year
$38k
Entry wage
per year
$76k
Top 10%
per year
46K
Annual openings
jobs per year
+2% projected job growth over 10 years — about average.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024) and Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024–34 projections.

Work-Life & Stability

Schedule
Full-time, often with mandatory overtime on industrial/shutdown jobs
Environment
mixed
Overtime
common
Physical demand
high
Travel
Travel typically required
Hazard level
High hazard
Moderately cyclical

Overview

Welders join, cut, and shape metal using heat, pressure, or both — for structural steel, pipelines, pressure vessels, shipbuilding, and industrial fabrication. Unlike most licensed construction trades, entry is driven by proven certifications (AWS, ASME, API) and passing a shop's own weld test rather than a state license.

Day in the Life

Morning: review the welding procedure specification (WPS) and set up equipment for a structural steel job. Midday: run a series of test welds and have them inspected. Afternoon: work a shift on a pipeline or shutdown/turnaround crew. Evening: log completed welds and prep gear for the next shift.

How to Get Started

Welding Trade School / Certificate Program

trade-school

Community college or vocational welding program covering SMAW/MIG/TIG processes and blueprint reading

Duration: 7 months – 2 yearsCost: $5,000–$15,000

AWS Certified Welder

certification-first

Pass an American Welding Society weld-test exam in a specific process/position without formal schooling — many employers hire directly off a passed weld test

Duration: Days to weeks of practice, plus the examCost: ~$75 application + $150–$350 exam fee, plus $110/yr maintenance

Union Welding Apprenticeship

apprenticeship

Boilermakers, Ironworkers, and Pipefitters/UA locals run paid, multi-year apprenticeships where welding is a core skill

Duration: 3–5 yearsCost: No cost — paid apprenticeship

Military Training

military

Military welding/metalworking MOS transitions to civilian welding certifications and jobs

Duration: Varies by branchCost: No cost
Find local welding training near you
Programs, apprenticeship openings, and American Job Centers
Find training →

How to Pay for Your Training

Multiple funding programs can offset or eliminate the cost of training. Here are the most commonly applicable ones.

WIOA Individual Training Account (ITA)
Federally funded training voucher for eligible adults and dislocated workers. ITAs pay for approved programs at WIOA-eligible providers (ETPs). Amounts set by local Workforce Development Boards — typically $3,000–$12,000 per year depending on workforce area. Apply at your nearest American Job Center (CareerOneStop).
Up to $12,000
Apply →
Federal Pell Grant
Need-based federal grant up to $7,395/year for eligible students at accredited colleges and trade schools. Does not need to be repaid. Eligible programs include accredited community colleges, for-profit trade schools (UTI, Lincoln, etc.), and union training centers that are accredited institutions.
Up to $7,395
Apply →
Workforce Pell Grant (SAVES Act)
Starting July 1, 2026, Pell Grant eligibility expands to high-quality short-term workforce programs (8–15 weeks) at eligible institutions. For the first time, trade training programs under 600 hours are Pell-eligible — including many HVAC, electrical, and welding certificates. Students earn the same need-based amount as longer programs.
Up to $7,395
Apply →
GI Bill (Post-9/11, Chapter 33) — Apprenticeship
Post-9/11 GI Bill covers On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Registered Apprenticeship programs. Veterans receive a monthly housing allowance (MHA, based on E-5 w/dependents BAH at program location) that scales up as they advance through the apprenticeship. Covers full 3–5 year apprenticeship programs.
Up to $3,200
Apply →
See all programs you may qualify for →

Career Ladder

Welding Helper

$34k/yr
0–1 yrs exp.

Preps material, tack-welds, and assists certified welders

Certified Welder (Entry)

$45k/yr
1–3 yrs exp.

Works production or field welds after passing an initial AWS certification

Journeyman / Structural Welder

$58k/yr
3–8 yrs exp.

Multi-process certified, works independently on structural, pipe, or industrial welds

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) / Master Welder

$75k/yr
8+ yrs exp.

AWS CWI-credentialed or highly specialized (pipeline, pressure vessel) welder who inspects and signs off others' work

Welding / Fabrication Shop Owner

$95k/yr
10+ yrs exp.

Owns and operates a welding or fabrication contracting business

Licensing by State

StateRequired?License typeIssuing body
CAYesC-60 Welding ContractorCSLB
TXNo––
FLNo––
NYNo––
ILNo––
PANo––
OHNo––
NCNo––
GANo––
AZNo––
CONo––
MINo––
WANo––

Time to Enter

Time to journeyman3 yrs
Fast-entry trade — earning wages in <1 year possible

Wages (BLS 2024)

Entry (10th pct)$38k
Median$51k
Top 10%$76k

BLS OEWS May 2024. Wages vary by state and employer.

Compare all trades side-by-side →Find training funding →

Own a welding business?

Coming Q4 2026

What it's worth today — the starting point for weighing any exit.

Valuation data — Q4 2026

We're still sourcing citable multiples for welding. Get a note when it's ready.

Full valuation breakdown →Explore exit paths →

Ways out for welding owners

Compare all →
Sell to Private EquityMaximizing price · Commonly 4–9 months from first conversation to close.Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)Reward employees · Commonly 6–12 months to establish; ownership transfers over many years.Family SuccessionKeep it in the family · Best run over 3–10 years; rushed handoffs are where regret concentrates.

Industry Associations

  • AWS

Physical Requirements

  • Working in awkward positions (overhead, confined spaces)
  • Exposure to intense heat, sparks, and UV light
  • Lifting up to 50 lbs
  • Good eyesight and hand-eye coordination
  • Standing or kneeling for extended periods

Related Trades

General Contracting Concrete & Masonry Fire Protection