Here’s How Much Welders Really Make

welders

Are you bored by the prospect of working at a desk all day? Are you looking for an exciting hands-on career? As a welder, your skills will be in demand in a wide variety of industries. The average pay for welders is $44,519 a year, but you can earn more with specialty skills.

The Job Description of a Welder

Welders use tools to fuse metal pieces to repair something that is broken or fabricate something new. They follow blueprints or diagrams to arrange the metal pieces, such as car parts, pipes, or electronic components. 

Training to Become a Welder

Several vocational institutes offer welder training courses. These courses may take anywhere from six months to a year, depending on the intensity of the classes. The classes will include the study of metals, hands-on training, and best safety practices. 

Another great option, sans the classroom experience, is an apprenticeship. These are paid jobs that skill them while they learn. All of this training is hands-on and, since they are working, they often get a bigger picture of the business processes in its entirety. Apprenticeships, while more hands-on, do typically take longer to finish — usually a couple of years.

Either option is an excellent way to pursue this career, but neither will get you to the finish line completely. No matter which training route you choose, you will still need to become certified to be hirable.

How Much Do Welders Make?

Careers in the U. S:

The average annual compensation for a welder was $39,700, as of July 2019. This wage can be higher, depending on your organization. It’s also essential to note that many welders receive paid commission for the number of jobs or pieces they complete in addition to their regular income.

How much do welders generally make per hour?

Welding, like other trade work, pays adequately. The average hourly wage in the US for welders is $20.00 per hour, although you can earn in excess or much less than that depending on several indicators(1).

The going rate for welders depends on what firm you work for, your specific skill set and qualifications, and your geographical location.

Careers in Europe:

An early career Welder with 1-5 years of experience earns(Hourly Pay) an average total compensation (includes tips, bonuses, and overtime pay) of €14.10 (Germany).A mid-career Welder with 5-10 years of experience earns an average total compensation of €14.66. An experienced Welder with 10-20 years of experience makes an average total compensation of €32.00. 

Careers in Asia:

An early career Welder with 1-5years of experience earns(Hourly Pay) an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of S$17.35. A mid-career Welder with 5-10 years of experience earns an average total compensation of S$24.00. An experienced Welder with 10-20 years of experience earns an average total compensation of S$20.00.

The Job Outlook for Welder Positions

If you are thinking of welding as a career, it is likely to be a safe bet. The BLS reports that welding jobs are projected to grow over the next few years. It attributes this growth to the nation’s aging infrastructure (i.e., highways, bridges, and housing) that will need the experience of welders to be repaired, rebuilt, or maintained. Also, there is a massive shortage of skilled trade workers to fill positions in the manufacturing sector. This industry sector, in specific, relies heavily on welders who help them craft their goods.

[ Read: How to Become a Welder? ]

What Is the Career Outcome for a Welder?

If they aspire to climb the ladder as a welder, there is plenty of room to climb if they are willing to learn. There are several advancement opportunities in this domain that can help them grow their paychecks and skills.

Typically, welders become certified in another welding specialty, such as a Combo Welder or Tig Welder. These specialized paths can mean higher pay and job security since they are the next step in knowledge and welding school. They can also go the route of instructor or teacher and certify future welders. 

If they are courageous — or just looking for something out of the box — they can be trained on extremely specialized welding, like military-support welding or underwater welding. These jobs pay exceptionally well, some in the $100,000 range and excess, but — as you’ve probably guessed — these positions are often risky.

No matter which route they take, it is clear there is a lot of opportunity for welders.

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