Shape your way toward a job that shapes the world.
Careers in welding are rewarding, challenging, and tactile. Welders work across a broad spectrum of industries, building everything from consumer products to the infrastructure that manufactures them. With a growing demand for skilled welders, there’s never been a better time to join the profession. Let’s explore the types of welding jobs available across various industries and how to get started in one of these many in-demand careers.
What is Welding?
Welding is the fusion of two components (usually metal or thermoplastic) using substantial heat or pressure. Common welding tools include blowtorches, electric arcs, presses, and hammers.
In addition to mastering specialized welding principles, welders must be creative thinkers who have a desire to learn. They use math when measuring and cutting materials or when operating complex electronic machinery. Welders also rely on physics, chemistry, and metallurgy when manipulating heat and gas to create durable bonds between two materials.
Acquiring this knowledge requires specialized training and certifications. Depending on their learning styles and career goals, aspiring welders may pursue several different educational paths:
Welding Certificate Programs
Numerous community colleges and trade schools offer welding certificate programs designed to teach various welding techniques and provide hands-on training. These programs often include courses that cover essential topics such as blueprint reading, gas metal arc welding, welding fabrication, welding safety, and welding codes and standards.
Certified Welding Inspector
The American Welding Society (AWS) offers a certification program for those interested in becoming Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs). To qualify for the CWI certification, candidates must possess a combination of relevant welding experience and education. They must also successfully pass a written exam and a practical examination.
Welder Performance Qualification
The Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ) certification demonstrates an individual’s capability to execute welding tasks according to specific standards. To achieve this certification, candidates must pass a welding test administered by their employer or a certified testing facility.
Pipe Welding Certification
Many companies require welders to possess pipe welding certification. To obtain this certificate, welders must pass a test that assesses their skill in welding pipes to established industry standards.
Overview of Careers in Welding
Welding has applications in a variety of industries where fabrication is required, including:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Oil & Gas
- Aerospace
- Automotive
Careers in welding come with numerous advancement opportunities depending on experience level, the amount of training received, and certifications obtained. For example, you can significantly increase your chances of being promoted to an inspector or supervisor position by earning your CWI from the AWS. Stay informed and curious, and you will always be welcomed to roles with greater responsibilities.
Types of Welding Jobs
Careers in welding can take you all over the world, across different industries, and into diverse work environments. Below is a list of some of the most common types of welding jobs and a brief description of each.
1. Structural Iron and Steel Welder
Iron and steel workers build the skeletons of buildings and infrastructure by laying out, fabricating, welding, and assembling metal components that form the backbone of larger structures.
2. Oil Rig Welder
Oil rig welders work in challenging environments to maintain and repair critical rig structures, build new metalwork, and perform equipment maintenance.
3. Underwater Welder
Underwater welders combine specialized diving skills with welding expertise to fit, rig, cut, and inspect equipment in aquatic environments for the naval, shipyard, and oil and gas industries.
4. Pressure Vessel/Pipe Welder
Pressure vessel/pipe welders use heavy machinery to form and join pipes for buildings, vessels, and various structures. They must adhere to strict safety protocols in construction, oil rigging, and power plant settings.
5. Aerospace Welder
Aerospace welders assemble and repair aircraft and spacecraft components using various metals and superalloys. They are subject to particularly strict safety and quality standards.
6. Welding Machine Operator
Welding machine operators program, monitor, and maintain automated welding equipment to ensure precise bonding of components according to product specifications and quality standards.
7. Motorsports Welder
Motorsport welders combine their passion for racing with specialized welding skills to create, repair, and maintain high-performance race vehicles.
8. Military Support Welder
Military support welders build and maintain weapons, facilities, and vehicles for the United States Armed Forces. They may work in domestic bases or travel internationally.
9. Shipyard Welder
Shipyard welders specialize in constructing, inspecting, and repairing military, research, and cargo vessels. They’re typically hired on a contract basis.
10. Onboard Ship Maintenance Welder
Onboard ship welders are essential crew members on cruise lines and passenger ships. They’re responsible for monitoring vessel integrity and making critical repairs as needed to ensure passenger safety.
11. Manufacturing Welder
Manufacturing welders apply their skills across a variety of industries where metal is used to create products. They build products and components that align with their interests and areas of expertise.
12. Boilermaker
Industrial boilermakers fabricate and install large containers designed to hold gases or liquids. To do this, they interpret blueprints, bend materials into precise shapes, and weld them together.
13. Welding Inspector
Welding inspectors are quality control experts who verify materials, monitor repairs, and ensure all welding activities meet applicable safety and quality standards.
14. Sheet Metal Worker
Sheet metal workers specialize in fabricating, installing, and maintaining products made from thin metal sheets. Responsibilities include welding, fastening seams, and creating supportive frameworks.
15. Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welder
MIG welders use electric arcs and inert gas to measure, cut, and join metal pieces for strong, safe connections.
16. Auto Body Welder
Auto body welders restore damaged vehicles by removing compromised sections and installing replacement parts. They rely on specialized cutting tools and welding techniques to ensure proper alignment and structural integrity.
17. Tool and Die Maker
Tool and die makers combine traditional metalworking with modern computer-aided design to create specialized tools, dies, and fixtures essential for manufacturing.
How to Start a Welding Career
Breaking into the welding industry requires focused education, hands-on training, and relevant certifications. If you’re considering a career in welding, here’s what you need to know to get started:
Education
Most welding positions require at least a high school diploma or GED as a baseline qualification. While some entry-level positions might offer on-the-job training, specialized education provides a significant advantage in this competitive field. Technical programs like Erie Institute of Technology’s Welding Technology Program prepare you for professional welding opportunities in just one year, providing a faster route into the workforce than traditional four-year degrees.
Specialized Training
A quality welding program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice. Look for programs that offer equipment training and cover common welding techniques, including:
- MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding
- TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding
- Stick welding
- Flux-cored arc welding
Beyond your technique, welding programs should also teach crucial supporting skills such as blueprint reading, metal preparation, and workplace safety protocols. This complementary expertise can make you a more well-rounded and valuable employee.
Professional Certification
Though not always required for entry-level positions, welding certifications can significantly improve your job prospects and earning potential. AWS offers various certification programs that require completion to work in higher-paying, specialized positions.
Is a Welding Career Right for You? Get Your Next Step With EIT
The welding industry continues to evolve with new technologies and techniques. Successful welders must commit to lifelong learning and skill development. Starting with a solid educational foundation and pursuing additional certifications and specializations as you gain experience can advance your career to higher-paying roles in more rewarding projects.
Programs like EIT’s Welding Technology Program offer career placement assistance, a valuable bridge between education and employment. These courses can help you connect with potential employers, prepare for interviews, and effectively navigate the job market. Receive hands-on training as you develop the skills needed to begin your welding career. Finish in just four short terms and fast-track your way toward a fulfilling career as a welder.
Your future is bright, and it begins at Erie Institute of Technology. Transform your career potential with specialized, industry-driven training that prepares you for success in all types of welding jobs. Take the next step and apply online today!