MANUFACTURING & PRODUCTION
BECOME A
Welder, Solderer, and Brazer
"A good weld is like a good friendship — strong, unbreakable, and built to last."
— Proverb
Program Start:
Coming Soon
Program Duration:
TBA
PAY SNAPSHOT
2023 Median National Annual Pay
$48,940
2023 Top Decile National Annual Pay
$72,970
6 Month Advertised Salary Growth
4%
12 Month Advertised Salary Growth
3%
What Is A Welder, Solderer, and Brazer?
A Welder, Solderer, or Brazer operates welding equipment to fuse or bind metal pieces using heating and soldering techniques. They work in construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding, strengthening metal structures with arc, MIG, TIG, or gas welding processes. They interpret technical drawings, follow blueprints and specifications, inspect welds, and ensure compliance with safety standards. Welders require attention to detail, dexterity, and metallurgy knowledge to achieve precision and quality. They may also cut metal components, repair damaged structures, and apply finishing treatments to welded materials.
What Could I Earn?
National median annual pay (2023) for welders and solderers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows
How Do I Become A Welder, Solderer, and Brazer?
Becoming a Welder, Solderer, and Brazer requires a combination of education, hands-on experience, and technical skill. These can typically be acquired through a trade school or vocational program, community college, or 4-year university, depending on the breadth of knowledge and experience required. A short curriculum may read as follows:
Welding Fundamentals & Safety
Students learn welding principles, metallurgy, and industry safety standards. Training covers OSHA regulations, PPE usage, and fire prevention for a safe work environment.
Flux-Cored & Submerged Arc Welding
Students learn high-deposition welding techniques for heavy-duty applications. Training covers flux-cored wire processes, shielding gases, and automation in welding.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding
Training includes stick welding techniques, electrode selection, and metal preparation. Students practice welding on various positions and materials for structural and industrial applications.
Gas Metal & Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
Technicians master MIG and TIG welding for precision joining of metals. Training includes working with aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel for fabrication and repair.
Brazing & Soldering Techniques
Training focuses on joining metals using lower temperatures and filler materials. Students practice soldering and brazing methods for plumbing, HVAC, and electrical applications.
Certification & Career Advancement
Students prepare for AWS and ASME welding certifications. Training includes blueprint reading, weld inspection, and career pathways to pipefitting, aerospace, and structural welding.
Students learn welding principles, metallurgy, and industry safety standards. Training covers OSHA regulations, PPE usage, and fire prevention for a safe work environment.
Training includes stick welding techniques, electrode selection, and metal preparation. Students practice welding on various positions and materials for structural and industrial applications.
Technicians master MIG and TIG welding for precision joining of metals. Training includes working with aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel for fabrication and repair.
Students learn high-deposition welding techniques for heavy-duty applications. Training covers flux-cored wire processes, shielding gases, and automation in welding.
Training focuses on joining metals using lower temperatures and filler materials. Students practice soldering and brazing methods for plumbing, HVAC, and electrical applications.
Students prepare for AWS and ASME welding certifications. Training includes blueprint reading, weld inspection, and career pathways to pipefitting, aerospace, and structural welding.
What Could I Earn?
National median annual pay (2023) for welders and solderers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows
$53,250
Specialty trade contractors
$50,610
Repair and maintenance
$48,110
Manufacturing
What Skills Are Important?
Welder, Solderer, and Brazer
Welding
# of Trailing 5 Month Job Postings:
12,276
Welding is a specialized skill that involves fusing metal pieces using heat and pressure, requiring training, specialized equipment, and strict safety protocols. It's vital in industries like construction, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.
Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding
# of Trailing 5 Month Job Postings:
9,769
MIG welding is a specialized skill used to join two pieces of metal together using electric current and a wire electrode, shielded by inert gas. It's versatile and fast, popular in automotive, construction, and manufacturing. Mastery requires training, practice, and proper equipment for quality welds.
Fabrication
# of Trailing 5 Month Job Postings:
6,663
Fabrication is a specialized skill that involves creating products or structures from raw materials like metal, plastic, or wood. It requires precision, technical skill, and creativity, using manual and automated processes to meet specifications and ensure quality.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
# of Trailing 5 Month Job Postings:
6,642
GTAW, or TIG welding, is a welding technique that uses a tungsten electrode and shielding gas to fuse metals. It requires precision and skill, ideal for thin materials like aluminum and titanium, and is used in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries.
Welding Equipment
# of Trailing 5 Month Job Postings:
4,666
Welding equipment is a category of specialized tools used to melt and fuse metal to create strong bonds. Using them requires training, precision, and attention to detail. Welders are essential in construction, manufacturing, and repair industries, with skills in high demand globally.
How Are Job Postings Trending?
Welder, Solderer, and Brazer
What Industries Are Experiencing Growth?
Welder, Solderer, and Brazer
Administrative and Support Services
2,191
Postings
20%
Change from last year
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
267
Postings
-10%
Change from last year
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
257
Postings
-30%
Change from last year
Machinery Manufacturing
186
Postings
-24%
Change from last year
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
147
Postings
-23%
Change from last year
Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods
138
Postings
-20%
Change from last year
Specialty Trade Contractors
121
Postings
-1%
Change from last year
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing
72
Postings
31%
Change from last year
Repair and Maintenance
71
Postings
-14%
Change from last year
Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
70
Postings
19%
Change from last year
What Industries Are Experiencing Growth?
Welder, Solderer, and Brazer
Top Companies
Where Are The Top Companies Hiring?
Welder, Solderer, and Brazer
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