Welding has a history that dates from the Bronze Age when metal fusing was first discovered. Since that time, welding has played a big role in our lives…from what we drive to where we live.
More than half the products made in the country need to be welded – everything from cars, bridges, ships, computers and medical devices to oil rigs, farm equipment, cell phones, scooters and MP3 players. That’s half of the United States’ total gross national product – a big chunk of our economy.
Welding Career Options
Welding is a big part of nearly everything you see and use every day, meaning there are a lot of jobs and careers open to trained welders. Whether in the military, or construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and energy industries, welding plays a significant role. From pipe and steamfitter, a sheet-metal worker, cutter, solderer and brazer to materials engineer, structural fabricator or fitter, commercial diver, welding technician, sales representative and welding inspector, the options…and opportunities…are virtually limitless.
Welding Potential Salaries
And salaries for welders generally are very good. Median salaries for welders typically run from around $40,000 to more than $80,000, with annual paychecks in excess of $100,000 not out of the picture. Of course, you’d need to be the “Tom Brady of welders” to command such top salaries…but, it’s possible.
With welding being done everywhere, from the bottom of the oceans to outer space…and everyplace in between…as you might imagine, demand for good welders is strong. According to the American Welding Society, the nation’s workforce will need more than 400,000 welders by 2025 just to satisfy industry demands. That doesn’t even take into account the artistic demand.
Yes, you can even be an artist and build artistic creations as a welder. Baltimore artist Derek Arnold turns highway equipment into sculptures and, on the side, makes great looking fences, railings and furniture…as a welder.
From creating dinosaur sculptures to constructing nuclear power plants, welding can turn into a wide range of career options. Where might welding take you? As they say…that’s completely up to you!
Fortis offers welding programs at campuses in Georgia, Ohio and Pennsylvania that provide the education and training needed for entry into the field as industrial welders, welding apprentices, or as check welders through a foundation in industrial welding techniques, craft skills, welding mathematics and career development skills. Visit our site to learn more about preparing for career opportunities in welding with a Fortis College or Fortis Institute education.
