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Welder

Welder

A welder is a skilled professional who joins metal components by melting and fusing them together using various welding techniques, ensuring structural integrity and creating durable connections in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and fabrication.

Avg pay/year

low
Apprentice

$35,380

med
Journeyman

$47,540

high
Master

$68,750

Months apprentice

48

Number of jobs

431,800

Projected Yearly Job Openings

42,600

Figures based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Featured videos

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Featured articles

SkillHero Spotlight: Cal (Welder & CTE Instructor)Cal Manning, a welder and CTE instructor, believes that a career in the trades isn't just about getting a job; it's about doing something that matters, with skills that are in demand and essential to our world.
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Trade paths

8

General Welder
A general welder is a skilled tradesperson who joins metals together by melting and fusing them, typically using techniques such as arc welding, MIG welding, or TIG welding. They work in various industries, constructing and repairing metal structures, equipment, and components, ensuring structural integrity and durability.
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Arc Welder
An arc welder is a welding professional who uses an electric arc to create a high-temperature fusion between metals. This process involves the use of an electrode to generate the necessary heat and is commonly used in construction, fabrication, and manufacturing to join metal pieces together.
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Energy Beam Welder
An energy beam welder is a welding method that uses a high-energy beam, such as a laser or electron beam, to melt and join materials. This precise and efficient welding technique is commonly used in industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics manufacturing for its accuracy and minimal heat-affected zones.
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Fabrication Welder
A fabrication welder is a specialist who welds metal components to fabricate structures, machines, or products in various industries. They use welding techniques to create strong and durable connections between metal parts, contributing to the assembly of complex and functional items.
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Gas Welder
A gas welder is a skilled professional who uses a gas flame, often generated by a mixture of acetylene and oxygen, to heat and melt metal surfaces, allowing them to fuse together. This welding process is used for various metal types and thicknesses, particularly in maintenance, repair, and fabrication tasks.
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Resistance Welder
This type of welder uses electrical resistance to join two pieces of metal by applying pressure and passing a high current through the spot where the materials meet. It is often used in the automotive industry for joining sheet metal components.
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Robotic Welding Operator
A robotic welding operator oversees and manages automated welding machines, ensuring precision, setting up programs, and maintaining equipment for optimal production and quality.
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Solid State Welder
A solid-state welder is a skilled professional who specializes in using solid-state welding techniques, such as friction welding or ultrasonic welding. These workers operate machinery that creates solid-state bonds between materials without melting them, often in manufacturing and aerospace industries.
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Skills

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Certifications and Credentials

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