You are probably considering a new career, and being a welder seems to be an interesting choice. Welding can be a brilliant career choice if you are not scared of physical labor. However, like any other profession, welding also has some advantages and disadvantages.
Becoming a welder does not require a high educational degree, and you can start working quickly. It can be a secure job with a decent salary. However, many welding jobs can be physically challenging and risky. You may also have to work long hours in harsh weather conditions.
In this article, I will talk about the pros and cons of becoming a welder. It will help you decide whether you should choose welding as a career or not. I will also give you some tips on how to make welding more favorable if you decide to choose this career.
7 Pros Of Being A Welder
There are many reasons why welding might be a suitable career for you. Let us look at the most common advantages of becoming a welder:
No Need For A University Degree
First of all, you do not need a higher degree from a college or university to become a welder. All you need is a high school or equivalent degree. There is no need for you to spend thousands of dollars to become a graduate. You can choose a welding school and start learning to weld right away.
Short Training Period
If you want to learn to weld, get admitted to a vocational training program. These courses take only 7 to 10 months to complete. During the course, you will learn practical skills in welding. You do not have to spend time memorizing theories.
The cost of learning welding is also less than obtaining a degree. You can also get an entry-level job right after you complete the course. If you want to minimize the cost, you can become an apprentice under an expert welder instead of enrolling in a course.
Job Security
Welding is a highly demanding job. On top of that, not many people are up to taking the physically demanding job. Therefore, you will find a lot of working opportunities in various sectors of welding, such as engineering, construction, mechanics, architecture, mining, military, and marine sectors.
The future demand for welding will not be low anytime soon. So, you will always have opportunities to work in companies or on contracts. You do not have to worry about getting unemployed.
Average To High Salary
According to indeed.com, the annual income of a welder is about $40,000 and $19.03 per hour. How much you can earn depends on your skills, experience, location, certification, and company. Entry-level jobs will not pay much, but gradually your salary will increase.
Besides, you can do overtime and work on additional projects that will add to your income. Your salary will also depend on your working sector. Welders who work in marine construction can even earn six figures annually.
Work In Diverse Industry
Many people think welding has very limited space for career growth. They believe so because they do not know how diverse the welding industry is. You can work as a welder for years and then change your career path. Here are some other jobs you can do with your experience:
- Teaching welding
- Manufacturing
- Engineering
- Repairing
- Research
You can also work in different sectors that require constant welding services. Some of the important sectors that need welders are:
- Construction
- Architecture
- Mining
- Engineering
- Machines
Flexible Work
Welding is a flexible job. You can work as an employee of a company and enjoy weekdays and vacations as per company policies. Or, you can work on contracts. You might work for days to finish a job, but you can take days or weeks off.
You can decide where and where to work. Hence, you will be able to maintain a balance in your professional and personal life.
You Can Start Your Own Welding Business
After years of working, you can become an expert and start your own welding business. You can start your own welding company. You can hire other welders and teach them to work for you. Thus, you can become independent and financially secure.
7 Cons Of Being A Welder
Welding is a challenging job. Therefore, few people are so involved with this job. You may find a few aspects of welding challenging as well.
Risky Work Environment
Welders often have to work in risky situations. For example, you may have to work on high-raised structures or underwater construction. When you work with heavy instruments and materials, you have a high chance of getting injured.
Physically Demanding
Welders have to depend a lot on their physical strength. You have to work for hours with heavy tools and equipment. Also, you need to carry around heavy materials from one place to another.
Hazardous For Health
During welding, you will come into contact with hazardous materials and fumes. The sparks from the metal are stressful to the eyes. The loud noise of welding also irritated welders.
Also check out this article: Do you need a Respirator for TIG Welding?
Long Hours Of Work And Travel
Welding can be flexible, but you may have to work long hours. When you are working on a project, you have the pressure to finish it in due time. Companies can send their welders to remote places to work, which means you have to travel a lot.
Salary May Not Be Always Satisfactory
People often get frustrated while working as welders. Many welders get minimum payments, which are not enough for all their monthly expenses. The starting salary of welders is sometimes so low that welders have to work on side businesses.
No Opportunity To Learn Digital Skills
Welding is all about physical labor. You will have no opportunities to learn digital or soft skills from the welding profession. But in the modern age of technology, it is important to learn digital skills.
Working In Unfavorable Weather
Welders often have to work outdoors. To finish a project on time, you will have to work in different weather conditions, like heat, rain, or snow. Moreover, you have to halt the work when conditions are too bad. This means more work pressure for the next day.
7 Tips For The Best Welding Experience
If you are passionate about welding, you can take steps to improve your welding experience. Here are some types you will find helpful:
- Pick a Welding Method: You must choose a welding method first. You can learn the TIG or MIG method. Or go for Stick or Flux welding methods. After learning one method, pick another.
- Stay Safe: While working, your safety should be your first concern. Take safety measurements while working on high-rise projects and in harsh weather.
- Take Protective Measures: Also, protect your health from the hazards of welding. Wear eye protection, hand gloves, and masks to avoid the flame, sparks, and toxic fumes.
- Stay Healthy: Keep yourself physically healthy. You need strength and stamina to weld for long hours. Take short breaks so that you do not feel exhausted.
- Learn New Skills: If you want to increase your income, learn new skills and get certificates. These will help you get better jobs and projects.
- Follow Welding Guide Line: Newbies should always follow the guidelines of welding provided to them. Use tools and equipment the way you are taught to use them. Following rules will keep you from harm’s way.
- Keep on Learning: To become an expert welder, you must keep learning new skills. Educate yourself about different materials and use new tools. Keep practicing your skills until you become an expert in a specific field of welding.
Conclusion
By now, you must have learned about the pros and cons of being a welder. Hopefully, the article will help you decide. Welding is a promising career. It is also secure and well paid. So, if you have the spirit to work hard and build new things, you should consider becoming a welder.
