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Is a welder a good career choice?

im thinking of becoming a welder and possibly thinking of becoming a union welder but I'm unsure about it is it better to be a contract welder or are those 2 the same thing?

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S’s Answer

Hello Brandin, it's advisable to weigh the advantages associated with both a union job and a contractor role. Key factors to consider include health coverage, insurance for injuries at work, disability insurance, and retirement savings plans. Although these might not appear crucial at the moment, they are absolutely vital for your future well-being as you age.
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Ed’s Answer

Hi, Brandin. I'm glad to hear you are interested in the welding trade industry as it can be a very rewarding career path. Regarding your specific question, the first thing to understand is that whether union or contract, the work of someone with the title of welder will be the same relative to the sector of industry in which you are working (i.e. construction, manufacturing, maintenance, etc. ). The difference will be whether you belong to a trade union. When you belong to a trade union, you will pay membership dues. In return for these dues, you will receive certain benefits such as prescribed work rules for both yourself and your employer and a very structured pay scale. Generally, the rates of pay for union trades is very competitive. In a contract arrangement, you may or may not belong to a union. The difference will be in your relationship with the employer as you will likely have the latitude to negotiate a pay rate directly with your customer (employer).
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Jasmine’s Answer

Union and contract welding aren't exactly the same, though they can overlap.
1. Union Welders: As a union welder, you’re part of a labor union, which can offer job security, benefits, better working conditions, and set wages. Union welders often have the advantage of networking, more predictable jobs, and protections, but it can come with membership dues and rules to follow.
2. Contract Welders: Contract welding can be union or non-union. Contract welders often work on a project-by-project basis, which may offer flexibility and sometimes higher pay on short-term jobs. This option often requires you to hustle for work between projects but can be great for someone who values freedom and varied projects.
Would you prefer a steady, union-backed position, or more independence and potential pay variation with contract work?
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