5 Industries That Are Looking to Hire Individuals With Welding Experience

Welding is a practical skill applicable across a wide range of industries, and job opportunities exist nearly everywhere in the United States. If you want to transition from welding as a hobby to a career, you'll need appropriate training and qualifications for the industry in which you want to work. However, it can sometimes be difficult to identify the best job opportunities requiring hands-on welding or experience in this field. Before choosing new equipment for your next job, you'll want a solid understanding of all possible career paths that await you.

Whether you're interested in welding engineering or want to become a underwater welder, you'll need an introduction to training and experience, as well as a strong understanding of how welding works. Therefore, before applying for jobs at SpaceX or Boeing, you'll need certification in oxy-acetylene welding. If you want to work on the production floor, you'll need similar specialized training or apprenticeship. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the types of industries that hire welders and determine what kind of training may be needed for the positions they offer.

Energy Companies

Energy providers and mining companies hire various welding technicians throughout the United States and Canada. However, most job openings are concentrated in Texas, California, and Florida. Welding fabricators, steelworkers, and pipefitters are in demand depending on the company's specific operations.

You can find work near home or a more lucrative position in remote locations, such as on an oil and gas platform. Many energy companies also hire underwater welders who require specialized training and a commercial diving license. Welding under control is especially important in this industry, as it helps ensure the safety of pipelines and equipment related to company projects.

Aerospace and Spacecraft Manufacturing

Companies such as Boeing and Airbus are always looking for more welders with the right certifications and qualifications. The industry uses a specific type of welding known as orbital welding, where an arc rotates 360 degrees around the item. This type of welding is especially important for joining wings and jet engines, so that an aircraft or spacecraft structure can withstand air pressure during flight.

Construction Companies

The chances of finding a job where your welding skills and experience are used are very high. Many construction companies hire specialists to join metal as part of all infrastructure development projects. High-quality welds are a key component of construction and bridge structures, allowing welders to make a real physical contribution to the local community. If you work in this industry, you'll regularly use gas tungsten arc welding, TIG welding, and flux-cored arc welding.

Automotive Manufacturing

There are many factories that need experienced welders. One interesting area is automotive manufacturing, where you'll assemble the outer body of a car or perform quality inspection functions. The automotive industry gives welders the opportunity to work with luxury products, manufacturing individual body components so they look strong and aesthetically pleasing. Many other manufacturing plants also hire welders, so if working with cars doesn't appeal to you, there are still many similar opportunities.

Pipelines

Pipeline welders repair and assemble round metallic structural elements that support the transportation of energy sources such as oil. Pipeline welders must be able to follow blueprints accurately to join sections of the line that fit together easily when delivered to installation sites.

Pipeline welders play an important role in many commercial and government operations, making them often in demand. You'll need to feel comfortable working outdoors and spend a lot of time traveling to various installation locations. Pipeline work is most in demand in Texas, though it's available across all 50 states.

How to Get Welder Certification

No matter which company or industry you choose for work, you'll need welding education and certification. The American Welding Society (AWS) website is a good place to start looking for programs in your area. Welder certification courses usually last one or two years, depending on the specialization you choose for your career.

For example, underwater welders and orbital welding professionals require specialized training for their industry to ensure workplace safety and final product quality. After obtaining a welder certification, you'll want to consider pursuing an industry-related internship where you can gain a more accurate understanding of daily responsibilities and workload before beginning your official career.

How Much Do Welders Make?

The short answer to this question is: it depends. Welding researchers and weld inspection specialists can earn significant sums, depending on experience. Pipeline workers and underwater welders can also make a good income each year. Pipeline workers and steelworkers are at a lower pay level, but still earn a substantial amount compared to other construction workers. To learn more about potential salary levels, visit the AWS career page on welding.

Conclusion - 5 Industries That Are Looking to Hire Individuals With Welding Experience

Welding is a valuable professional skill applicable across a wide range of industries. This means that if you're interested in turning your welding skills and hobby into a career, you have many options to choose from.