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Is welding a career that can pay off?
I am currently studying to achieve my welding certification and would like to pursue a profitable career and overall a successful life. #welding
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8 answers
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Jeffrey’s Answer
If I were to start over again I would begin the same way (12-week local welding school) and work for a structural steel manufacturer for 5 years. Then, after much study, I would sit for the AWS-CWI exam (American Welding Society - Certified Welding Inspector). I never considered it until an employer required it (at that point in my career I had been a welder for about 20 years, and managing a shop for 6), and I wish I had done it years sooner. Many career doors open up for you with that one little card...
I am now a Certified Welding Inspector (AWS), Certified Welding Supervisor (AWS) and Certified Quality Auditor (ASQ-American Society for Quality).
Find a local welding school...
Be a diligent and reliable employee...
Learn about welding, metallurgy, inspection, etc in your free time...
Take the AWS-CWI exam...
Rocket to the top of the welding industry career paths!
I am now a Certified Welding Inspector (AWS), Certified Welding Supervisor (AWS) and Certified Quality Auditor (ASQ-American Society for Quality).
Jeffrey recommends the following next steps:
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jason’s Answer
School time and on the job experience is the best way to get the best pay. Seek out union shops and apprenticeships. They are how I started out in my welding and fabrication career. Pay attention to your elders and the ones that stand out. I have never gotten anywhere near being rich but have lived a comfortable life style and remained employed even in the economic downturn times. Make yourself needed and you will be rewarded.
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Nicholas’s Answer
It's definitely possible and it's a good profession, but it is a demanding field that requires a lot of focus and practice. It's a great skill to have, but if you're thinking "I'll be a millionaire by the time I'm 30"... I'd set the expectations a touch lower. Not that it's impossible, but it is difficult. Here's an article I read recently:
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Kiel’s Answer
Its a good Profession and welding demand always increase in future , its not like other profession , You must need a good welders for multiple repairing in daily life. You can also read below article all about welding career.
https://migweldertech.com/welding-as-a-career-option/
https://migweldertech.com/welding-as-a-career-option/
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Dallas’s Answer
Ive been in the industry for 12+ years, it rewards skill, hard work and efficiency. I received on the job training, I was paid to learn a skilled trade. I make as much as some peers and even more that other peers that attended college. I had no college debt and have a nice 401k now, health benefits etc.
If YOU want to make money in this industry it’s very possible
If YOU want to make money in this industry it’s very possible
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Christopher’s Answer
It most definitely can pay off!!!!! This is the case whether you choose to go union or non union. Welding is a very lucrative career. You are paid for the dangers as well as being paid for your knowledge and ability to weld and what forms of welding you know and are proficient in
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Shane’s Answer
Absolutely, it can and will pay off. Welding is a high demand skill that is needed anywhere you go. Pay is directly correlated with what you path you choose and how much you are willing to work.
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Stephen’s Answer
Welding defiantly can pay very well, but like all things its risk vs reward. There are great careers out there with excellent fabricators and erectors, that will provide a good living and stability for your entire career. Also there are opportunities in remote area's or if you're willing to travel were you can make a lot of money, but they are typically short contracts that will be less stable.
For a large refit/turnaround welder certified for pressure vessels, or a good pipeline line welder there pay can be shocking, but you're away from your family in remote locations a lot of the time and working 60-80+ hours a week.
The thing to understand that you wont learn in school is if you want to make a lot of money in this industry, its important to make a lot of connections with people. Almost all of the best jobs never get posted anywhere, you need to meet people and build a reputation as a good welder and have lots of references. Also because you will have less stability, you will need to be able to call people up and sell yourself and always treat people correctly.
For a large refit/turnaround welder certified for pressure vessels, or a good pipeline line welder there pay can be shocking, but you're away from your family in remote locations a lot of the time and working 60-80+ hours a week.
The thing to understand that you wont learn in school is if you want to make a lot of money in this industry, its important to make a lot of connections with people. Almost all of the best jobs never get posted anywhere, you need to meet people and build a reputation as a good welder and have lots of references. Also because you will have less stability, you will need to be able to call people up and sell yourself and always treat people correctly.