Welder
Join metals using heat and pressure to build structures and industrial equipment
About the profession
Welders join metal parts using heat, pressure, and various welding processes (MIG, TIG, stick, flux-core). They work in manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, automotive, and aerospace. Specialized welding certifications (underwater, pipeline, aerospace) command premium wages. The trade offers solid career stability with growing demand as experienced welders retire.
How to Get Started
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Jump to Learning Path →Career Path
Your career progression roadmap with salary growth at each level
Career Ladder
Apprentice Welder → Welder → Senior Welder → Welding Supervisor → Welding Inspector
Where are you on this career path?
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Salary Growth
5
Levels
0K
Top Salary
15+ years+
Years
Learning Path
Skills you need to develop and courses to get there
🚀
Set your current level first
Go to the Career Path tab and select your current level to see your personalized learning plan.
Go to Career PathCareer levels
Timeline: 0-2 years | Entry Base: $32,000 - $40,000/year Timeline: 2-5 years | Growing Base: $40,000 - $52,000/year Timeline: 5-10 years | Expert Base: $52,000 - $68,000/year…
Skills used in this career
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Learning Path 0 → Junior
Step-by-step plan from zero to first job
Complete welding certification program or apprenticeship Learn MIG, TIG, and stick welding processes Obtain AWS D1.1 structural welding certification Pursue advanced…
Market 2026–2030
Trends, AI impact, prospects
Growth Rate: Average through 2030 Remote Trend: Primarily on-site — hands-on fabrication work Top Industries: Manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, oil & gas, aerospace…
💰 Salary Range
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