Welding & Fabrication

Getting Started

Entry Point: Most welders start through vocational high school programs, community college certificates (6-12 months), or union apprenticeships (3-5 years).

First Steps: Learn MIG welding first—it's the easiest to master. Practice on scrap metal. Get AWS D1.1 structural certification (entry-level standard).

Key Insight: Welding is 80% practice, 20% theory. Expect to burn through hundreds of pounds of practice material before you're job-ready.

Prerequisites

• Physical: Good hand-eye coordination, ability to stand for long periods, comfortable with heat/sparks
• Education: High school diploma or GED minimum
• Math: Basic arithmetic, ability to read tape measure, understand fractions
• Safety: Must pass eye exam, comfortable wearing PPE

No prior experience needed—most programs start from zero.

Timeline

• 3-6 months: Basic MIG/TIG proficiency, entry-level job ready
• 1 year: Multiple processes, AWS certifications, mid-level welder
• 2-3 years: Specialized processes (pipe, aluminum), lead welder
• 5+ years: Welding inspector (CWI), supervisor, or specialized (aerospace, underwater)

Reality Check: Most welders are productive after 6 months of full-time practice.

Time Investment

Certificate Program: 6-12 months full-time (600-1,200 hours)

Associate Degree: 2 years (includes blueprint reading, metallurgy, codes)

Apprenticeship: 3-5 years (8,000+ hours on-the-job + classroom)

Certification Prep: 40-80 hours per AWS certification test

Continuing Education: 20-40 hours/year to maintain certifications

Costs

Certificate Program: $5,000-$15,000 (includes materials, equipment use)

Associate Degree: $8,000-$25,000 (community college to technical school)

Apprenticeship: Usually free (union) or employer-paid

Equipment: $1,500-$5,000 for personal setup (welder, helmet, tools)

Certifications: $200-$500 per AWS test, $50-$200 for renewals

ROI: Median salary $48K; specialized welders (pipe, aerospace) earn $60K-$80K+

Equipment & Tools

• Welding Machine: MIG welder ($400-$2,000), TIG welder ($800-$3,000)
• Safety Gear: Auto-darkening helmet ($100-$400), fire-resistant clothing ($200-$500)
• Tools: Angle grinder ($100-$300), clamps, chipping hammer, wire brush
• Consumables: Wire, gas, electrodes (ongoing cost, $200-$500/month for active practice)

Note: Many schools provide equipment; you may not need to buy until you're working.

Construction

Structural steel, bridges, buildings. AWS D1.1 required. Union jobs pay $35-$50/hour.

Shipbuilding

Hull construction, pipe systems. Shipyards in VA, MS, AL, ME. Often requires multiple certifications.

Pipeline

Oil & gas pipelines. API 1104 certification. Travel required, high pay ($60K-$100K+).

Aerospace

TIG welding aluminum, titanium. NADCAP certification. Precision work, $50K-$80K.

Automotive

Robotic welding cells, spot welding. Manufacturing plants. Steady work, benefits.

Fabrication Shops

Custom metalwork, gates, railings. Small businesses. Varied work, entrepreneurial path.