Welders bring $55K straight out of college (2 yr. degree)

[Specop 007]

Originally posted by: SP33Demon

Originally posted by: BoomerD

Originally posted by: SP33Demon

Originally posted by: dartworth

Originally posted by: JS80
I'm guessing they get capped out at $55k also.

It all depends on how much you want to work...

I've made twice that in 10 months...

How physically demanding is welding? Do you need to be able to pick up a lot of weight? Do you need to have good concentration for long periods of time?

Yes to both in most cases. While you USUALLY have machinery to lift HEAVY pieces, there will be times when you have to life over 50 lbs quite regularly. Also, depending on what you're welding, you may have to work in some VERY uncomfortable positions/places. It's not a job for a "girly-man", but that doesn't preclude women from being excellent welders.
There are several different types of welding, each with it's own challenges and skill set. A GOOD pipe welder is always in high demand, as are those who specialize in rare alloys. I have a friend who is a "rig welder" (owns his own welding truck) and works food grade stainless only. He can usually write his own ticket on welding jobs. I've never seen him make less than $40/hour PLUS $150/day for his truck.

Thanks for the info. I was inquiring b/c my brother is looking for a new job and this might be for him, except he's kinda weak (skinny about 6-0 135). I know he can pick up 50 lbs as long as it's not all day... and he has very good concentration skills (he works in a manuf factory right now). If a female could do it, then he probably could as well.

Any skilled labor job can pay at least fairly well. Plumbers, electricians, welders, you name it. Hell, even carpeting, drywall and carpentry can pay well.
The difference between a livable pay and truckloads of money in some of those careers is to be your own boss. The plumber gets paid $20 an hour, the company bills out at $100 an hour.
But thats the case with most companies who provide a service such as consulting etc.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: Feldenak
Skilled tradesmen are worth their weight in gold.

about $1,400,000...assuming ~25-30 years of work at $55k a year or so, that's about right

 

[Squisher]

Originally posted by: 91TTZ

Originally posted by: Squisher


BTW-true highly skilled welders are not easy to find. Most are on-the-job trained and become good at some things, but fall short on what isn't done at their shops. College trained welders probably come out of college with good all around skills.

You don't just come out of college with experience.

Welding is like an art, and the skill comes with experience. I'd say that the average welder coming out of college is a pretty poor welder compared to someone who's been in the business for a while. Unless, of course, you're saying that these people can't get any better.

Plus, it comes down to the individual. Some people are just crappy craftsmen and always will be. Not everyone is good with their hands.

I understand that nothing replaces experince, although welding school involves a lot of welding, probably more hands on learning than anything I experienced during my die-making apprenticeship.

I'll never discount experience, it's just that you'll find a lot of good welders will find a comfort zone and stay there, never learning different things. I had a welder the other day who I considered a good welder who felt uncomfortable welding on a piece of thin aluminum that had 180 hrs into it. All eyes were on him and he didn't want to screw it up.

I wouldn't say some people are crappy craftsmen, I'd say a lot of people are crappy craftsmen, maybe even most. Sculpting metal has always been one of my skills.



Tool and Die Welders are probably the top of the heap and there is nothing better than a good welder to make your life easier or ruin your day.

 

[CFster]

Originally posted by: Armitage
On a related note, what's a good route to learn to weld? No as a career - just general DIY/hobbyist stuff. I did a little bit of arc welding 20 odd years ago with my dad, but that's it.

You did stick welding? If so, I would go straight to TIG. It's similar. If you did MIG welding then it's sometimes harder to make the transition to TIG. Not that there's anything wrong with MIG, it's just not as pretty as TIG. Definately easier to learn if you've never welded before though.

TIG is sweet. I've seen guys weld two halves of a soda can back together with a TIG.

Anyhow, getting back to the question - practice, practice. Just get some metal and start burning.

 

[bennylong]

How dangerous is this job? Do people get killed on the job or lose their body parts?

 

[CFster]

Well, there is always the possibility of getting fried...

But mostly it's fumes you inhale from burning metal that takes it toll on you.

 

[Armitage]

Originally posted by: CFster

Originally posted by: Armitage
On a related note, what's a good route to learn to weld? No as a career - just general DIY/hobbyist stuff. I did a little bit of arc welding 20 odd years ago with my dad, but that's it.

You did stick welding? If so, I would go straight to TIG. It's similar. If you did MIG welding then it's sometimes harder to make the transition to TIG. Not that there's anything wrong with MIG, it's just not as pretty as TIG. Definately easier to learn if you've never welded before though.

TIG is sweet. I've seen guys weld two halves of a soda can back together with a TIG.

Anyhow, getting back to the question - practice, practice. Just get some metal and start burning.

Yea, stick welding, but not much of it. I'll probably pick up a unit next summer - I have some projects in mind.