Is Welding a Bad Career Choice?
In a recent editorial column in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=537390), columnist Michael King argues that young people are not seeking careers in manufacturing because job security and long-term earning potential don’t match that of other sectors of the economy – specifically the technology sector.
“These highly desirable workers have a world of options open to them,” King says. “Why would they choose to fight a losing battle against Chinese manufacturing wages when they can pursue more promising careers in information technology, telecommunications, medical technology or retailing?”
The shortage of qualified manufacturing employees is well documented, but is it really a result of poor job security and long-term earning potential? And even more to the point, what can be done to fill these vacancies with skilled employees?
Job security can be just as precarious in other sectors of the economy as it is in manufacturing. Just ask the million or so people who lost their jobs in the dot-com bust.
Poor long-term earning potential is largely a myth derived from studies that compare four-year university educated people with high school graduates. Looking at long-term earning potential between university graduates and the skilled work force (people who attended a tech school or were trained through an apprenticeship program) reveals a much narrower earnings gap.
But if job security and earning potential aren’t the sources of the welding labor shortage, what is the source? Is it strictly the image of welding? Is it lack of awareness about career paths?
Please share your thoughts about why this problem exists and what you think can be done to reverse it by leaving a comment below.
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January 9th, 2007 at 10:39 am
This is a very interesting topic for many companies and individuals graduation. I appreciate the discussion initiated by miller.
January 9th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
Definitely a lack of education out there in regards to the opportunities working in any of the trades. Many of these jobs can not be outsourced, particularly in the areas of building and repair.
And where is the public school system? Sure, college is great, and everyone who wants to go or is so inclined should have the education and the opportunity to go, but there should also be a push towards offering more vocational training in schools.
January 9th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
This is a great topic of conversation initiated by miller electric. I grew up in a small rural country type town down here on the Texas gulf coast where the petrochemical industry is huge. Welding is a big thing where I grew up. I would venture to say that for every 20-30 vehicles you passed on the highway, one of those would be a rig welder, racing to the next jobsite in his “rig”. As I was going through middle school and high school, I was steered away from the notion of pursuing welding or any of the skilled trades by my parents and grandparents. Ironically, my uncle and grandfather were union electricians and my stepdad an insulator. Now that I’m older, wiser, and pursuing what I want to do, I’m pursuing my pipe combo certification. I’ve learned (and seen firsthand) that there is tremendous earnings potential as a highly skilled welder, especially in working those shutdown/turnaround jobs (i.e. 7×12’s for 30-45 days). You got to be a hustler, chase those jobs, and chase those dollars. Learn everything you can, and stay one step ahead of (skill & education) the competition, that Chinese (Asian american) welder ready to take that primo job from you. Beat them to the punch!
January 9th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
I feel that the public school system needs to start educating students as early as junior high. As a recent high school grad and welding apprentice, I experienced a lot of pressure from school and society to attend university.
I caved to the pressure and did attend university for one year. It definitely wasn’t for me and I didn’t return for a second year.
The school system portrays “trades” as grunt work for uneducated dropouts. To bring this to a close, I just feel that trades need to be shown to young students, as a good career choice just as university.
January 10th, 2007 at 6:05 pm
Anything you can work on or at in the US that can not be taken overseas is a good career. Not all college grads rack up big money. It takes years to raise your earning level even when you graduate college.
It is all about reliabilty and doing a good job. I feel like in the hands on type jobs that require skill such as welding takes. Once an employer finds out you do a good job and show up to work they will keep you as an employee. There is such focus on going on to college that the sudents that don’t go on to college feel like they are left out and sometimes get in the down and out / unreliable loop. There needs to be a refocus on training the next generation of skilled vocational workers.
January 10th, 2007 at 11:49 pm
I am currently in grade 11 and continously run in to the same problem as what HotRodz has mentioned, being taken as a dunderhead because I want to be a welder. I have the grades to go to university, but I want to be a welder. It seems that the only people encouraged to go into the trades are the ones who cannot make the grade. I think that if the image can be overcome and more people can be introduced to this sort of work the labour shortage would soon end. The problem is in the perception.
January 11th, 2007 at 8:21 am
Hi,
I have done both, I have had the white collar and the blue. The blue collar ALWAYS made me more money. I ALWAYS enjoyed the work when wearing the blue collar. My coworkers were ALWAYS better (Honest, ethical, hardworking, etc.) I have gone to college and I actually liked it but the promise of a perfect future is up to you and not the degree you hold. If you are able to learn and willing to learn you can earn a good pay and move up in the industry. Be proud of what you do, no matter what it is. I have more respect for my garbage man than I do for my banker. A welder is a true craftsman. Most are very very intelligent and more capable of solving problems than most people. When you go to work you must enjoy the work..Nevermind the job you will always hate the job. Be good at your trade and ou will do well. And remember to be proud of what you do and who you are. Good Luck.
January 12th, 2007 at 8:27 am
I have been working in the welding field for 35 years and have never been without a job for very long.
My advise to people entering the field now is to attend a vocational or tech school and get a good understanding of the technology and common practices that are being used today.
As far as job security,there will always be plenty of work for someone that has skills and is dependable.
January 12th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Agreed in my mind already after talking to several guys in the industry for some time that you can make a great living welding and working in the blue collar fields. A friend of mine did some research on the subject, and concluded that workers in tech fields make as much money as college grads. Money isn’t everything though, i had to ride a desk and shuffle paperwork for 14 months as a Marine in Iraq. My job was a heavy equipment operator, needless to say i had a lot more fun the first 8 months i was deployed pushing dirt and loading convoys. You got to follow and do what you want to.
January 12th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
Hey there everyone , I was very fortunate when I was growing up to have a very caring father . I knew at a very young age that I did not want to go to college ,my father in all his wisdom sugested for me to join the trade school program through high school . My choice was welding I started at 14 years old most of the kids at my school teased and taunted me for that choice at the time . I thoroughly enjoyed working with metal and creating different items crafted of all metals . I was certified in several different aspects of welding before graduating high school . as soon as I did graduate the search was on to find my career path working with metal . having already been certified in my school showed all the places I applied that I had a great understanding and the drive to even further my welding experience . That was my answer to getting my foot in the door . At 17 years old I took a job building stainless steel toll boothes . This was very different , stainless steel has some very unique charactoristics when welding especially with thinner gauges such as 12 gauge ,14,16,18,even 20. I was very determined to develop a method of my own for welding all of these thin sheet metals and finishing them so that nobody could tell that they had been welded . I soon started welding and fabricating kitchen equipment this is a very specialized field and not for just anyone . To shorten this story I am now 33 years old , I have been welding stainless steel and fabricating basically my whole adult life not to mention my younger years welding other types of metals . I now travel around the country installing kitchen equipment and welding that equipment together in the field better than most people can in a controlled environment such as the fabrication shops . I have an immence pride in my work and everybody with whom I do jobs for are totally amazed that someone as young as myself can be as talented with stainless steel as I have become over the years . I believe that any young person that puts there mind to it can really do the same thing that I have. And in less time than going to college they can make more money and certainly have more pride and scence of accomplishment in there work . Welding has been the best thing that has ever come into my life and I will never go without anything because of this . I owe great thanks to my father for leading me in this direction .
January 13th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
Let me begin by saying that I appreciate everyones’ comments and viewpoints on this topic of conversation. As an entry-level pipe welder, I am very optimistic about what the future holds since I have chosen welding as my professional career. I was discouraged from pursuing skilled trades by family members ever since I can remember as a kid. I live in the Texas gulf coast area, where the petrochemical industry is immense. As I see it, I have a wealth of opportunity surrounding me. The welding jobs are plentiful, and the job security is good with the vast amount of new construction projects in this area. I am 5-months short of finishing my combo pipe certification program at my local community college, and have already had some preliminary wage quotes working shutdowns and turnarounds (7×12’s at $20-30/hr. plus per diem). So the tremendous earnings potential are there, and remember that you yourself are in control of your destiny. You can land a great job as fast as you want to. Just be prepared to pass the welding test. The school prepares you to pass the welding test. What you lack in real-world experience, you can learn quickly on the job, because you have demonstrated your skill and ability when you passed the test. And always stive to learn all you can-and be equally knowledgeable (or “book”smart) with your mind just like you are skillful with your hands performing a skilled trade. The two complement each other. And stay one step ahead of your competition! Best of luck to everyone and the future welders coming up!
January 14th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
I AM A GRADUATE FROM A LOCAL COLLEGE OF WELDING AND MAKING A MEDIAN INCOME AROUND 36 TO 40 THOUSAND. I SPENT ABOUT 4 SEMISTERS AT THE COM COLLEGE USING GI BILL TO PAY MY WAY AND PALE GRANTS IVE BEEN WELDING NOW FOR ABOUT 4 YEARS IT HAS CERTAINLY IMPROVED MY LIFE AND INCOME NO MORE DO I HAVE TO STOCK STORE SHELVES AND DIG DITCHES. LIKE MY GRAND FATHER TOLD ME AWHILE BACK GIVE SOMEONE MONEY YOU FEED THEM FOR A SEASON TEACH SOMEONE TO WELD FEED THEM FOR LIFE..
January 15th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
First of all i dont feel like im fighting a losing battle against anyone(chinese or mexicans) for that matter that end of being raped for your pay is strictly what politicians allow into our great country.I have worked for many companies and yes they do not want to pay what i think i am worth, so I chose to go out on my own, and i earn more than most in the tech fields now than i could ever dream of employed by any company.If you take pride in your work and strive to be the best and make every bead that you lay the best or better than the last then people will recognize the quality in your work.I have a motto that i work by,and it is this quality or quantity,you simply cant have both.i chose qualitybecause if you want quantity then go to china cause thats not what my customers expect or deserve from me.Anything made well was made by a craftsman who takes pride in their work.i wouldnt want to deal with anything welded by anything less than the best welder money can buy.the biggest key is education though and with that you can build knowledge ,power, and confidence and that is worth more to me than any sub quality mass produced junk that anyone can have for the cheapest price.take pride in your work and there simply wont be any competition left.
January 15th, 2007 at 11:19 pm
I wholeheartedly agree with Grant (read above) in that the welders I have known and worked alongside are incredibly intelligent people with precision in problem-solving to the point that they put the more “well-educated” types to shame. I worked for many years at a commercial-vessel shipyard where I learned from experience that it is not who you know, it is merely WHAT you know that gets you through the shift.
January 16th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
welding be it mechanical, structural or whatever is still very competative probably more so in the south (open shop). welding is more than striking an arc, it’s all about technique. each has his/her own. to get to the point i’ve been in the mechanical industry for somewhere around 25 years, and to make decent money year round don’t limit yourself to being a welder or fitter only, learn both. If you are really in to the profession as a career learn rigging and equipment setting it all depends on the indivdual. watch, learn and get involved. the only time i’ve ever been out of work is when i wanted to be. welding is repetative once you’ve learned, learn more.
January 16th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
After being a labourer for 18 yrs.+, i decided to become a tradesman. So i went for a career of my choice (WELDING). I joined up with a local trades school and learned all i could. After finishing, i have been employed since but am unable to find a welding position for more than and just coming out of school, employers don’t even want to look at you. I have found it very difficult and extremly misleading when they advertise “WELDERS IN DEMAND” . Right now i’m cutting steal for welders because thats all anyone will offer ME!(been out of school since June 2006). 12 BUCKS an hour just ain’t cuttin’ with a wife and 2 children. Might have to find a new carrer soon. Thank you
January 17th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
It all comes down to the pay. Robots have taken a lot of welding jobs; but job shops are hurting for welders; they need to pay more.
January 19th, 2007 at 12:05 am
This topic is a poignant one in today’s day and age. But equally as poignant would be something that the above commentary article did not mention. More and more, Americans are not taught and/or encouraged to go into work for themselves. The way in which a technically-skilled individual (college degree or not) can better be ensured job security is to not have a “job” in the first place….(read on before jumping to conclusions…)…but in fact to have one’s own company/operation. Less and less Americans are willing to start up their own businesses and/or are not having success in it. Maybe it is for lack of inspiration, courage, know-how, drive, or a combination of several of those. Children are being raised by parents who sadly think that the only way to become wealthy and/or have long-term security is to have a college degree. This is not the case. Sure, Chinese are performing manufacturing tasks more inexpensively than in the US in an ever growing rate, but do you think the guys at Orange County Choppers (not 100% sure of the name) are suffering financially? There are some all-American, hard working, highly experienced and motivated business partners that have taken a niche market by storm. Think about it!
January 19th, 2007 at 1:00 am
In my opoinion it starts with the employer. Every employer wants that crew of top notch welders.and you guys know the rest…Dont want to pay. SO they hire less skilled workers to do the job thus creating a subpar product. Making others look for jobs else where ,were they dont have to put up with the NATURE OF THE BEAST when it cmes to welding.Heck you can go drive a fork lift in home depo nights and get 12$ a hour. LETS be real. IF you want to keep the jobs in America and keep the money American….Then employers act like it. stop taking American blue-collar workers for a ride. A gallon of milk is close to five bucks in N.Y.C.
ONE more news flash…ALL these thrid world countries industrialy are on the come up… SO we better hold on to what we got before we have not.
Take pride in every arc you strike.REMEMBER THAT WELD YOU MAKE IS YOURE SIGINATURE!
January 19th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
I have worked for myself for 16 years and want to keep it that way. Iwas told early on that the only way to make money is to work for yourself,they were right. I have just started a welding class so I can learn it .who knows I may start another bussiness.the sky is the limit! work hard and don’t try to get out of it you can’t…..God Bless
January 21st, 2007 at 10:07 am
I can relate to all the posts in regard to the primary schools pounding into kids heads that if they don’t attend a 4 year school and get a degree, they will not have the life they want. How do they know that? I like banging around copper and welding and all that goes with it. The trick is to find something you enjoy that is in demand and do it! That’s the trick….of course you will only earn $12 an hour if 100 or so are willing in an area to get that to weld together handrails. Develop your skills into something more specialized and see what happens! Lets face it….we will always need skilled craftsmen, not everything can be point and click at a desk in a tie. What’s the fun in that?
January 23rd, 2007 at 9:32 am
In my experience, I would say that many young people are no longer seeking jobs in manufacturing is but a combination of reasons and not a singular cause. Although I would not be willing to claim that the reasons for slack in manufacturing employment is strictly limited to the causes stated in this article, but merely the slack is caused by the perception of the lack-luster employment prospects previously stated.
January 23rd, 2007 at 9:53 am
I cannot count how mant times I have had family members, high school councellors, teachers and the occasional ask me why i would rather take a job in manufacturing than accept a career in what was characterized as a stale field in the medical,engeneering, or educational fields (notice endorsements come from people or schools specializing in those fields… WONDERFULL) Not one to take up the initiative in frivialous affairs, I generally avoid the question wit a cavalier response. Most outside of the manufacturing andconstruction industries do not understand the inate satisfaction that arises from producing an object of good use, or building to be put to good purpose. (When was the last time an english major built a hospital?) The job is not all happy-fun-teddybears. Each year thousands are injured from all that is associated with the career. Do I need to remind myself one time me and one of my classmates were called (WELD TARDS) I think not. Companies need highly skilled and safe workers working for them.
January 27th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
I am currently in the final phases of voc training for AA in Welding Tech and am getting a backup AA in Machining. I wish someone HAD steered me towards the vocational trades long ago. I do not see a lack of work just a lack of skills. I see working welders come into test in the shop. What I can say is that so far it has been my experience that it is no longer ok to be marginal in the trade and the push is on to have related skills to the trade to enhance what you can offer. My first love is welding but I realize that may or may not be enough today to get where I want to be. I chose this field because of the on-going advances, the ability to create. I too am of the belief that the 4 year degree “carrot” is misleading to our children. As the mother of 4 boys, I encourage them to look outside the box. I believe like any trade that skill and passion for what you do is the key. Money is important and I see that coming as I advance in the trade. There are always going to be technical advancements but that is true in ANY field. How you roll with them is going to be the key to your longivity in any career.
January 28th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
I find it interesting that the original author compared a “hard” business to
IT (Information Technology: software).
There will ALWAYS be demand for people who possess the hard skills.
I should have ignored the advice of my parents who recommended a
university (uvi-nursery?) degree. I see much more potential for people
who can actually create or build something,
Electricians and plumbers will always be in demand. So will competent
welders!
January 29th, 2007 at 2:46 am
I have always been into earning my money. I grew up in a town that was basicly a retirement community. Fast food, PoliceDept.,sales clerk at the local conveniance store was the only things available in my home town. I was twentysomething when I went to welding school in Tulsa Oklahoma. That was the biggest RIPOFF ever. I was single at the time and the 8.00 hr. job I was working to put myself through school just wasn’t making it. I was called into financial aid office asked to sign the student loan checks and did so. They let me make it back to my area in phase 5 pipe booth then called me back into the F.A. office and told me that I need to make a payment of 80.00 I said I didn’t have it at that time so they had an Instructor take me to get my things and walked me to my car and stood there until I left the parking lot. I got thousands of dollars into debt and was unable to get any kind of welding job. I went back to work as a laborer for several years until I went to a different welding school in Tulsa in 1997. I was married by now and was able to get enough money from student loans to go back and finish school. I took a test in a boiler shop and started to work 30 days before graduating school. That job lasted four months before the company filed bankruptcy. I was another two years trying to find a good paying job. Some years later I still have 20,000+ of unpaid debt to two different welding schools for student loans that are in deferment at this time. My credit rating is JUNK statis because when you are in debt you have to pay more for everything you by, even car insurance. I am 37 years old now I am employed as a Header Welder in Oklahoma which is a good paying job just between 17.48 hr. and 20.00hr. range. The bulk of my money goes to paying high intrest on the junk I can get to drive to work so I can fix it to make it back to work another two weeks to buy the gas to get back to work for another two weeks and pay 450.00dollars more a year on auto insurance just because I have bad credit. My driving record is very good I have not had any tickets ,accidents, since I was 19 years old. I have even e-mailed Miller Electric and asked if they would donate my family a Trailblazer 302 engine driven welder because I could never afford to buy one on my own. I even said I would offer to anyone who wanted, the chance to use one of the best machines around. Anyway I am sure that the folks at Miller Electric are still puking after laughing for so long. What big name company is going to help a 37 year old with a wife and four kids anyway. I still love Miller welding machines no matter what. I guess just a PIPE DREAM. You know what I started this with the best of intentions but I somehow have gone on a different tangent. I guess if anyone has made it this far I love welding and I don’t want to do anything else. My son has told me he wanted to be a Welder. I said I will teach him everything I know. He is going to be 15years old in July. I am a very good shop welder I only have quality on my mind. I am taking classes on Monday night at the Pryor, Ok vo-tech for field service welding it is mainly stick and tig on pipe and structure. This will help me to get better pay at my fulltime job as a Header Welder. I will do field service for local companys on some weekends. I believe that the shortage of people in the welding industry has to do with todays kids being lazy and unwilling to sweat for a good living. I do not blame the kids for this. You are a product of your society. If you are considering going to WELDING SCHOOL don’t waste your money. Run don’t walk to your local VO-TECH SCHOOL it is better, it costs around 190.00 to maybe 300.00 for everything even brush-up time for a test. You will be able to take your state cert. test at your VO-TECH
January 29th, 2007 at 2:53 am
I hope the very best for our future welders and please remember quality is always beter than quanity. This industry has no place for lazy slackers or poor quality welders. God bless you all.
February 12th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
Would I recommend to my kids to persue welding (trades), how could I? Having welded for 15 years and then retrained for Information Technology, the wages have no comparison. Yes there are highly paid welders, probably working the most dangerous conditions, long hours, no family life, degrading there health while the guy in the tie, pushing the keyboard makes more (hour for hour remember), has more benefits, more family time, healthier. Was I a lazy welder or poor quality, never…just faced facts; the trades were and still aren’t reinburshed for the skill, knowledge, risk to health they bring to the table.
PS I still weld as a hobby and love it, just not my bread and butter
February 17th, 2007 at 12:35 am
to be truthfull I am 15 years old, and I think that welding is an awsome job for a life long career. You can get jobs anywere, there’s always people looking for welders. Anywere from small buisness to large companies like: besirorus erie, ladish. p&h etc. (Milwaukee) I gotta say welding is very interesting!! Welding is more then just a job its a good way to learn new stuff and youll have the experience for a life time!! All i know is that im going to persue welding i mean its an easy trade i mean yea oh your hands get dirty but thats the joy and fun of it its something you love its easy and you have good benifits and awsome pay! Who would not like that???
March 2nd, 2007 at 10:06 am
I’ am 17 and in a trade school. I am taking welding I do not think welding is a wast of time or a back up plan if u are not the brightest crayon in the box. it takes real skill I have found out to be a welder and to fabricate some thing. the job is not an easy one to do but what do I know Iam only 17 and in 11 grade and still takeing welding. I just want to let you older gentalmen Know that Iam the next genaration iam hared working. And I will make the welding and fabrication trade cotinue!!!!!!!
March 5th, 2007 at 8:15 pm
I’ am 30 and have been welding for 12 yrs. I now have my owe welding rig and work on pipeline in Alberta Canada. The wage I’ve earned in the last 3 yrs is from 100000 too 300000 per yr, thats a pretty good career choice for me.
March 12th, 2007 at 8:30 am
Don’t forget there are many good colleges that teach BOTH hands on welding skills, and engineering/technical theory. That is a combination that will place your skills in demand for a very long time. You can start out with a certificate, earn an AS, and even move up to a BS, MS, or PhD in welding. I have a BS in Welding Engineering Technology and have worked as a welder, inspector, and now Senior Welding Engineer. No regrets at all.
March 13th, 2007 at 10:01 am
If you have the chance to go to colleges, go into welding engineering. Get a summer job welding. The hands on will get you ahead of the people just going to school. I have been welding for almost 30 years and that is something I wish I would have done.
March 13th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
POOR CHOICE! GO INTO ACCOUNTING OR BUSINESS MANAGEMENT IF YOU WANT TO SUPPORT YOUR FAMILY IN THE US. LOOK AT THE BACKGROUNDS OF THOSE WHO ARE RUNNING COMPANIES THAT ARE WELDING OR EVEN THIS ONE!…..JUST TRY TO FIND SOMEBODY WHO HAS ACTUALLY MADE A LIVING WELDING. ARE THEY REALLY RUNNING COMPANIES? OR RUNNING THEM INTO THE GROUND? OR RUNNING THE WORK OFF TO FAR AWAY LANDS?
March 14th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
I am not fresh out of high school. I am a 30 year old mother of 2. I am just starting out in my welding career. I mean just starting out. I am so very excited! I started taking my welding classes at the community college. I will become highly skilled in the Pipefitter’s union. There is no doubt. The opportunities are so obvious. I cannot tell you enough (especially if you are around high school age) that the potential to create the life you want does exist in the trades careers. There is no cieling in these fields. Don’t be persuaded out of an excellent opportunity. The stigma is the problem, not the industry. You don’t have to have a degree to feel your worth. Some of the best people in this country are trades people. Don’t miss out on being one of them. You will learn and earn and achieve real satisfaction. What you put into your career, you will get back. This industry is thriving and there is plenty for everyone. I wish I would have started out in this business 10 years ago! Don’t be fooled by what others think. You CAN make bank and hold your head up high while being a part of a group of people that are rock solid. Welding is so versatile. Most trades need skillful weldors. You can’t go wrong. Go for it!
March 15th, 2007 at 9:59 am
I have a BS in Industrial arts and worked for many companies as a draftsman, designer and in R&D. These jobs do not really offer any long-term security. After working many years in those fields, the market for these types of jobs dropped to almost nothing since most of the prime jobs went overseas. Years ago as as teenager, I took a welding class in high school and enjoyed it. After several years of working in low-wage jobs just to barely make ends meet, which also meant no job security, I decided to persue a career in welding. So I went to a AWS welding school, completed the course and recieved my certifications. I landed a decent paying welding job just before I finished school so now with the certs under my belt, I don’t have to worry about job security or where my next paycheck is coming from.
For those who think welding is for dummies that cannot get into college, I have a college degree but never felt more secure in any degree-related job than I have in welding. Welding will always be around, high-tech jobs that require a college degree won’t.
March 17th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
I don’t know half of what you guys are talking about. most of the people i know who have a bachealor degrees from college or universties make less money than a welder and most of them end up working at futureshop or become a labourer for construction with huge dept or have to go back to school. right now i work with a guy who has a degree in criminal science, couldn’t find a job so went back to school to become a welder. i am only 21 and have been weldng for 2 years, making $55,000 a year and it only goes up from here.
April 18th, 2007 at 6:43 am
Have you bumped your head IRAWELDER? I am a third generation mechinical corporation business owner and make that money baby! Thanks to the welding/piping business my whole family lives comfortably. I would encourage anyone seeking a vocational career to choose this line of work.
April 18th, 2007 at 11:03 am
Only fools and Individuals with no other choice can make bad career moves! The bottom line is if you love what you do and can make a differance then I say your choice was worth making! Is it really all about the money? Enjoy your time here on earth because before you know it your time is up!
PS. I want to learn how to weld thin sheet metal like the pros. before I go?
April 26th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Welding is also a huge plus when combined with other skills.
I’m going through pipe school now just to be a better welder, and will seek continuing welding education. I find welding to be FUN. I can make a bunch of the shop equipment I’d otherwise (not be able to) buy.
Labor shortage:
I want the welding labor shortage to continue! Why should I want it flooded with wannabes like IT was in the dot-bomb era?
Leave the trades for people who WANT to be welders or mechanics or technicians because they ENJOY it.
September 19th, 2007 at 6:29 am
i MY SELF AM NOT A WELDER , BUT MY OLDER BROTHER jOHN IS HE HAS BEEN WELDING FOR OVER 25 YEARS ON AND OFF. HE IS EXTREMELY GOOD AND WHEN EMPLOYED IS IN HIGH DEMAND, HE IS USUALLY SENT TO OTHER COMPANIES FOR FABRICATION , BREAKDOWN AND SET UP, WHAT WE HAVE BEEN FINDING HERE IN THE EAST COAST IS THE SALARY IS QUITE LOW FOR THIS IMPORTANT TRADE. fOR GODS SAKE SOME OF THESE WELDS HOLDS SOMETHING OR SOMEONE. WHAT ABOUT THE BRIDGES AND STUFF/ WELL THAT IS MY TAKE ON THIS. I HIGHLY APPRECIATE THE TRADE AND PRAY MORE IS DONE FOR YOU . d.c.