A welder is a tradesperson who specializes in fusing materials together. The term welder refers to the operator, the machine is referred to as the welding power supply. The materials to be joined can be metals (such as steel, aluminum, brass, stainless steel etc.) or varieties of plastic or polymer.
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Tools of the Trade
Welding Machine
Grinder
Barrel Torch
Hand Torch
Pancake Hood
Stinger
What Pipeline Welders Love About Their Trade
New challenges every day.
Using big cool tools.
It's a great lifestyle.
Characteristics
High Paying
Work Indoors
Not Customer Facing
Variety of Tools
Not Hard on Body
Small Teams
Outlook
Optionality Potential
High
Many fields require welding. Many ways to specialize.
Entrepreneurship Potential
Very High
Very low startup cost and high likelihood of success.
Demand Forecast
Medium
Very dependent on the oil and gas industry.
Reviews
(177)
Jason B.
It's a very good trade you and you can raise your family on a good wage. You will be proud at the end of each day that you've done the job well.
Kris P.
You can make some great money and do a lot of traveling and get paid for it. I learned so much, made good money, and got to see a lot of places with this trade.
Amaya M.
It's hard work, but it's one of the best decisions I've made in my life. It's challenging, both mentally and physically, but rewarding. I'm only 20, but I pay my own bills, own my car and am saving for a house. I don't have to rely on anyone else!
$109,200
/ year *
Estimated Salary
Let schools, unions and employers start competing for you
Compare this to a teacher who only makes $40,000/yr in Oregon Coast, Oregon