Category
Trades
What It Is
Joins metal parts using heat and specialized equipment for construction, manufacturing, or repair.
Best For
Detail-oriented people who like precise, visible craftsmanship and don’t mind protective gear in varied environments.
Avoid If
You have concerns about heat, fumes, or working in shipyards/outdoor industrial sites.
Degree Required
No degree. Trade school certificate (6-18 months) is the common path.
Skills Needed
Steady hands, spatial visualization, blueprint reading, safety discipline.
Training Path
Welding certificate program at a trade school or community college, often followed by an on-the-job apprenticeship.
Certs / Licenses
AWS (American Welding Society) certification in specific processes (MIG, TIG, Stick) improves pay and mobility.
Time to First Job
6-18 months of training, entry-level hiring is common immediately after.
Cost to Enter
$3,000-$15,000 for trade school (financial aid often available).
Income Range
General estimate: $40,000-$50,000 entry, $60,000-$100,000+ for certified/specialized (pipeline, underwater, aerospace). Verify local data.
First Job Titles
Welder Trainee, Fabricator Helper.
Companies Hiring
Manufacturing plants, shipyards, pipeline/construction contractors, fabrication shops.
Best Next Step
Enroll in a local welding certificate program and pursue an AWS process certification.
Real Training Providers Near You
- Advanced Trade School – Brentwood, New Hampshire (5★, 229 reviews)
- Arc Academy – Chicago, Illinois (4.9★, 46 reviews)
- PHAZE Welding Technology Center – Peterborough, New Hampshire (4.8★, 18 reviews)
Verified via Google Business listings, 2026-07-06. Always confirm current pricing, schedule, and enrollment requirements directly with the provider.