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Becoming a skilled welder opens up a range of career opportunities, including many high paying welding jobs2. As you build your skills, you can take on more complex projects and increase your earning potential. If you’re thinking about a welding career, there are plenty of well-paying roles to explore.
What Are the Highest Paying Welding Careers Today?
Here’s an overview of six general, high-paying welding positions:
Materials Engineers
Material Engineers develop and test metals used in welding and other manufacturing processes. They make sure materials can handle stress and heat using non-destructive testing methods. For example a materials engineer may complete could involve designing a lightweight metal for airplane parts that must withstand high pressure and heat.
Boilermakers
Boilermakers install and maintain boilers and pressure vessels. They are responsible for welding, assembling large parts, maintaining boilers and making necessary repairs. For example, a boilermaker may replace sections of a steam boiler at a chemical processing plant. They assemble and repair boilers and vats.
Pipefitters and Steamfitters
These trade professionals install and repair piping systems that carry steam, water, gas, or chemicals. Their job includes cutting and welding pipes and pressure testing systems. For example, they may install high-pressure steam lines in a food processing facility.1
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Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Also called ironworkers, they build steel frameworks for infrastructure like bridges, towers, and large buildings. They bolt or weld steel beams into place, often working at heights. A structural iron and steel worker may erect the steel skeleton of a new sports arena.
Sheet Metal Workers
These workers fabricate and install items made from thin sheet metal, like air ducts and roofs. They use hand tools and machines to weld, braze, cut, bend, and shape metal. Some specialize in installation while others focus on fabrication. For example, they may measure and cut metal sheets to build custom ductwork for a new office building.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
These workers use hand-held tools to join or cut metal parts. They work in industries like construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and repair. Their job consists of reading blueprints and choosing the right welding technique. For example, a welder might build custom gates in a metal shop or repair heavy equipment on a job site.2
Salaries across industries can vary based on factors like certification level, experience, location, and demand. Pursuing specialized certifications and gaining experience can enhance your earning potential.
Want To Learn More?
Learning about arc welding preparation and safety starts with enrolling in RSI’s Welding Specialist program. We offer hands-on training with classroom lectures to prepare you for entry-level structural, alloy, and pipeline welding job opportunities. To learn more, contact us.
- 10th percentile & median wage for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (472152) is respectively $36,830 & $48,940 in the U.S., and $40,510 & $56,880 in AZ. Reported as of May 2023 – http://data.bls.gov/oes. Data pulled April 2024. Visit https://www.rsi.edu/oes for specific details and data backups.
- 10th percentile & median wage for Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers (514121) is respectively $36,830 & $48,940 in the U.S., and $38,640 & $48,330 in AZ. Reported as of May 2023 – http://data.bls.gov/oes. Data pulled April 2024. Visit https://www.rsi.edu/oes for specific details and data backups.
