Welding is a high-demand job that can lead to many different career paths. Welders come in all shapes and sizes, and their jobs are as varied as the people who do them. Some welders work in factories, repairing equipment or building new pieces for different machines. Others may work on construction sites, welding together metal beams and structural support pieces. If you’re interested in becoming a welder, but aren’t sure where to start or what type of welding you want to pursue, read on for more information about the highest-paid welding jobs.
What Is The Highest-Paid Welding Job?
There is no definitive answer to this question since welding salaries can vary greatly depending on factors like experience, skillset, and location. However, some of the highest-paid welding jobs are in the aerospace and defense industries. For example, welders who work on military aircraft can make upwards of $100,000 a year. And welders who work in the oil and gas industry can make upwards of $80,000 a year.
Tungsten Welder
1. Tungsten Welder
Tungsten welders are the most skilled in the world. They’re highly-trained professionals who create intricate pieces of metalwork that hold up buildings, bridges, and other structures. Farmers use tungsten welding to repair metal fences, and it’s also used in the construction of metal beams and columns for many buildings. Tungsten welders are trained to work with tungsten, a metal that is more resistant to heat than any other metal on earth. Once they’ve mastered the technique of welding with this material, tungsten welders apply their skills in many different ways. Their work can be seen all over the world, from skyscrapers to bridges and even water pipes!
2. Heavy Equipment Operator
Heavy equipment operators may not have as much training as a tungsten welder does, but they still have a very important job. These men and women operate heavy machinery like bulldozers and cranes. They’re responsible for demolishing buildings and cutting down trees, which is why they’re also called tree trimmers. Heavy equipment operators spend a lot of time working with heavy machinery and sharp objects, so they need to be very careful about what they’re doing.
3. Pipe Welder
Pipe welders are responsible for creating metal pipes that carry water across the country. These materials can be made from steel or aluminum, depending on where you live. These welders may work in factories or on construction sites, but in some cases, the pipe welder may produce these materials himself! If you want to become a pipe welder, you should have experience welding steel because this is the material of choice for making pipes in most cases. Pipe welders are also responsible for inspecting their own work before it goes into production, so it’s important that they have a good understanding of how to inspect their own work and make sure that it’s safe.
4. Welding Machine Operator
Welding machine operators are responsible for operating the welding machines that make the high-quality metalwork that we just mentioned. They’re also responsible for making sure that their machines are in good working order, which can be a very dangerous job. If you want to become a welding machine operator, you should have experience with welding and working with heavy machinery because this is what will be required to work on construction sites and factories.
Structural Welder
1. Structural Welder
A structural welder does the actual welding on metal structures. They may work on bridges, buildings, or other large structures. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, structural welders earn an average annual salary of $59,390.
2. Tool And Die Maker
A tool and die maker creates machinery parts for manufacturing and assembly lines. In addition to working with metal, they also work with plastics, rubber, and other materials that can be molded into shapes. According to the BLS, this type of welder earns an average annual salary of $53,220 a year.
3. Pipe Welder
Pipe welders use a variety of different metals to create pipes for natural gas lines or other types of utility systems. According to the BLS, pipe welders earn an average annual salary of $56,170 per year. They must possess strong hands-on skills in order to build these types of structures, but the job is generally not high-pressure.
4. Electrician
An electrician installs and repairs electrical systems in buildings, factories, hospitals and other places where electricity is used. According to the BLS, this type of welder has an average annual salary of $55,090. They’re responsible for making sure that the equipment and devices they install are working properly, which can be a high-pressure situation at times.
5. Welder Therapist
Welder therapists work with injured workers who have suffered burn injuries or other types of physical injuries sustained while welding or working with metal materials. According to the BLS, these welders earn an average annual salary of $52,350 per year. Physical therapists are often responsible for treating these injuries as well as helping them to recover from them. If you’re interested in becoming a welder therapist, you might want to consider going into physical therapy first so that you can learn the skills necessary to become a welder.
Boilermaker Welde
1. Boilermaker Welder
Boilermakers are responsible for making sure that the metal parts of a machine are safely welded together. They must be able to read blueprints and schematics to ensure that the pieces will work together properly, as well as be able to weld different types of metal. If you want to become a boilermaker, you’ll need to have at least two years of experience in welding and mechanical or electrical construction. You’ll also need an associate’s degree or higher in welding or mechanical engineering. The average salary for a boilermaker welder is $70,000 per year, with the highest paid earning of more than $93,000 per year.
2. Precision Welder
Precision welders are responsible for making sure that metal pieces fit together properly while they are being welded. They must have excellent eyesight and hand-eye coordination so they can spot glitches easily and make small adjustments without causing any major damage. Precision welders usually work as a team, making sure that the pieces fit together as they are supposed to. They must also be able to read blueprints and schematics, and there are no specific educational requirements to become one. The average salary for a precision welder is $55,000 per year, with the highest paid earning more than $72,000 per year.
3. Sheet Metal Worker
Welders who work in sheet metal generally install and repair metal parts for different machines or equipment in factories or construction sites. A person who works in this field must have at least two years of experience in welding and mechanical or electrical construction. He or she will also need an associate’s degree or higher in welding or mechanical engineering. The average salary for a sheet metals degree or higher in welding or mechanical engineering. The average salary for workers is $45,000 per year, with the highest paid earning of more than $66,000 per year.
4. Welder Operator
Welder operators make sure that control valves and other equipment are operating correctly while welders are working. They must be able to program welding machines and make sure they are functioning properly. Welder operators usually work as a team, making sure that the pieces fit together as they should. They must also know how to read blueprints and schematics, and there are no educational requirements to become one. The average salary for welder operators is $45,000 per year, with the highest paid earning of more than $60,000 per year.
Pipefitter Welder
1. Pipefitter Welder
A pipefitter welder is someone who welds metal pipes together. They may work on construction sites or in factories, repairing metal pipes or building new ones. Pipefitters are responsible for building everything from bridges to buildings to pipelines. In the construction industry, they’re responsible for making sure that structures stay strong and safe. If you want to become a pipefitter welder, you’ll need to get a certification in welding and then go through an apprenticeship program.
2. Pipefitter Apprentice
Pipefitters are responsible for repairing damaged metal pipes in factories or on construction sites, and sometimes these repairs can be lethal if done incorrectly or improperly. Because of this, there is a high demand for pipefitters who have completed their apprenticeships and passed the required tests to become certified as pipefitters. This is often called a journeyman pipefitter because they are considered qualified enough to work as a pipefitter.
3. Pipefitter Journeyman
If you want to become a pipefitter, you’ll need to pass the required tests and then go through an apprenticeship program. After you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you can become a journeyman pipefitter and work on construction sites or in factories. If you want to learn more about this career path, read on for more information about what it takes to become a pipefitter journeyman.
Tips For Landing A High-Paying Welding Job
1. Get A College Degree.
While welding is a relatively low-paying job, it’s still important to have a college degree in the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, welding jobs require an associate’s degree or higher, with entry-level wages starting at $37,600.
2. Get Certified.
Once you have a degree in hand and are ready to take your first steps into the welding world, you’ll need to get certified. There are several certifications available for those who want to work as welders (including an apprenticeship), but some of them require additional training before they can be applied for or earned. An apprenticeship is recommended if you’re looking for entry-level welding jobs and aren’t sure where else to turn for training and certification; this type of training program takes about two years to complete and involves working at a local weld shop under the supervision of an experienced welder until you’re ready to apply for your own certification. There are several different levels of certification, which range from the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to the Certified Fabricator (CFI).
3. Get Experience.
Most entry-level welding jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent level of education, but there are plenty of welding opportunities available for those who have more experience under their belts. If you want to move up in the world of welding, it’s important to build a portfolio by working on projects that demonstrate your abilities and knowledge as a welder. Many welders get their start by repairing equipment at factories or building pieces for construction sites; these types of jobs are great ways to get experience in the field without having to pay exorbitant prices at local welding shops.
Conclusion
Choosing a welding career can be challenging, but there are many options for you to consider. If you’re looking for a high-paying job, tungsten welding, structural welding, and boilermaker welding are all great choices. Make sure you do your research and know what you’re getting into before you take a job. With the right skills and a bit of luck, you could be making great money as a welder in no time.
