Welding is a skilled trade involving using heat and pressure to join metal parts. It is considered one of the country’s highest-paying skilled trades with a median entry-level wage of over $40,000 per year or about $20 per hour. This means that the average salary for a beginner in this field is above the national average for entry-level positions.
Another advantage of welding as a career is that it is relatively accessible. To start learning the trade, one usually only needs a high school diploma (or GED), and no advanced degrees or certifications are required.
This means that people with a high school education can enter this field and earn a good wage immediately. Additionally, welding can be learned through on-the-job training or through trade schools and technical schools, making it a flexible option for those who are interested in learning a new skill.
Welders are always needed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that over 20,000 welding jobs will be added in the next eight years, so getting and maintaining up-to-date training will keep you competitive in the market.