How to Become a Welder

Welding is one of the most essential and respected skills in the trades. Welders join metal components to build everything from skyscrapers and bridges to submarines, aircraft, and medical devices. It's a career that combines technical skill with genuine artistry — and it pays well for those who master it.

The BLS reports welders earn a median annual wage of $49,490, with experienced welders in industrial and underwater settings earning $80,000–$300,000+. Job growth is steady and the skilled welder shortage is driving wages upward in 2025.

What Do Welders Do?

Welders use heat and pressure to fuse metal parts. The specific processes they use vary by industry and application. Common duties include:

• Reading blueprints and weld symbols
• Setting up and operating welding equipment
• Inspecting completed welds for defects
• Selecting the right filler material and technique for each job
• Operating cutting equipment and grinders for prep work

Major Welding Processes to Know

Different industries use different welding methods. The most in-demand processes are:

• MIG (GMAW): Most common, easier to learn — used in automotive and manufacturing
• TIG (GTAW): High-precision, used for aerospace, food equipment, and artistic metalwork
• Stick (SMAW): Versatile, used in structural and pipeline work
• Flux-Core (FCAW): High-production, popular in shipbuilding and heavy construction
• Pipe welding: Highest-paid specialty — required for oil/gas pipelines

Step 1 — Complete a Welding Training Program

Welding training is available through community colleges, vocational schools, and dedicated welding schools. Program lengths range from:

• Short-term certificate: 6 months — covers basic MIG, TIG, and stick welding
• Full certificate: 9–12 months — adds blueprint reading, metallurgy, and multiple processes
• Associate degree: 2 years — most comprehensive, includes inspection and supervision coursework
• Apprenticeship: 3–4 years through union programs (Boilermakers, Iron Workers, Pipefitters)

Tuition for welding programs typically runs $5,000–$15,000, making it one of the most affordable skilled-trade entries available.

Step 2 — Earn AWS Certifications

The American Welding Society (AWS) offers the most recognized welding certifications in the U.S. The most important for new welders:

• AWS D1.1: Structural welding — required on most construction projects
• AWS Certified Welder (CW): Performance-based certification for specific processes and positions
• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): Advanced credential for supervisors and QC roles — requires 5 years experience

Certifications are position- and process-specific, so you'll typically earn several over your career. Each one expands the job opportunities available to you.

Step 3 — Gain Experience in Your Target Industry

Where you weld matters as much as how you weld. Industries with the highest wages include:

• Oil and gas pipelines: $70,000–$120,000+ for certified pipe welders
• Aerospace and defense: TIG welding on exotic alloys — premium pay
• Shipbuilding and offshore: High demand, excellent union wages
• Nuclear power: Stringent standards, top wages
• Underwater (commercial diving/welding): $54,000–$300,000 for saturation welders

General manufacturing and auto repair are good starting points, but plan your specialty move early to maximize earnings.

Welding Salary Breakdown

• Entry-level welder: $36,000–$44,000/year
• Certified welder (3–5 years): $52,000–$68,000/year
• Pipe welder / industrial specialist: $70,000–$100,000/year
• Welding inspector (CWI): $75,000–$95,000/year
• Underwater welder: $100,000–$300,000+/year (high risk)

Is Welding Right for You?

Welding suits people who are detail-oriented, patient, and enjoy working with their hands. The learning curve is real — building consistent, high-quality welds takes practice. But once you're certified, you're in demand everywhere.

See our Welder career profile for program listings and state-by-state salary data.