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Welder/Cutter

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AVG. SALARY

$47,370

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EDUCATION

High school preferred +

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JOB OUTLOOK

Increasing

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Energy cluster Production pathway.

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

High school preferred, plus moderate length, on-the-job training

A high school diploma or equivalent, combined with technical and on-the-job training, is typically required for anyone to become a welder or cutter. High school technical education courses and postsecondary institutions, such as vocational–technical institutes, community colleges, and private welding schools offer formal technical training. In addition, the various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces operate welding schools.

Insider Info

Additional Information

Education is important for welders.

"The skills demanded for today's welders demand training," says Bill Komlos. He began his career as a welder and is now a welding inspector.

"You're dealing with such exotic alloys," says Komlos. "Even when welding the mild steels, the most common type of steel, heat input must be controlled, the electrodes must be correctly manipulated, and the finished weld must be free of rejectable flaws. You can't pick up that technical understanding just working on the job.

"We have workers we call 'rod burners,' and then we have welders," Komlos adds. "Welders are true craftsmen who combine their knowledge of welding electrodes, power sources and welding metallurgy with the practiced hand-skills needed to join metals that can meet design requirements. Rod burners just strike an arc, lay down a weld bead and hope the weld's OK. From the time the joint is fit together, a welder knows how good the final weld will be. To be a true welder, you're going to need training no matter what craft you choose to branch into."

The amount of training and education needed for a career as a welder depends upon the type of work being done. Some welders need only on-the-job training.

Many other welders -- such as those who weld parts at electric power plants -- need both a classroom education and time as an apprentice welder. These apprenticeships involve several years of work and testing and certification (this process usually takes two to four years).

Basic and advanced welding courses can be found in technical high schools across North America. Welding courses are also offered at trade schools and community colleges. The American Welding Society also offers in-house and long-distance training courses that can lead to certification.

Once you're working as a welder, you'll need to keep learning. If you know about new processes, you will be a valuable worker.

Try to figure out if you really like welding before you commit to the field. It's tough work. If possible, you should spend time with welders to see the typical working environments.

"It is demanding," says Steve Mattson. He's a district director for the American Welding Society and a repair technician for welding equipment.

"It's hot, it's dangerous," says Mattson. "You've got to wear all the protective clothing, so you're uncomfortable... It is a hot, dangerous profession."

Extra Requirements

Some employers require general or specific certification for particular jobs. The American Welding Society offers the Certified Welder designation. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) offers certification in practical welding technology for workers seeking to enhance core competencies.

For additional information, visit these websites:

Contact

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  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.