Welder

Welders are skilled craftspeople who join metal parts together using intense heat. They work on everything from skyscrapers and bridges to ships, pipelines, and even artwork. Welding is part science, part art — it takes steady hands, sharp eyes, and serious technical knowledge to create strong, clean welds.

Welders earn between $35,000 and $70,000 or more per year, with underwater welders and pipeline welders earning significantly higher. You can get started with a welding certificate program in as little as 6 months, or complete a more comprehensive program in 1 to 2 years. Some welders also learn through apprenticeships.

Important certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS) can boost your credentials and pay. Different certifications qualify you for different types of welding jobs — the more certifications you have, the more doors open.

Welding is perfect for people who love precision work and want a trade that's both practical and creative. From building the structures of New York City to fabricating custom metalwork, welders literally hold the world together. With infrastructure spending increasing across the country, welders are going to be more in demand than ever.