Welding

Fuse metal. Build what lasts.

A highly portable trade that can start hands-on and advance into inspection, fabrication leadership, automation, or specialty code work.

Common Industries

Aerospace

Construction

Energy

Infrastructure

Manufacturing

Shipbuilding

Primary Jobs

Combo Welder

Fabricator

Pipe Welder

Structural Welder

Welder

Welder Helper

Related Jobs

Welding Engineer

Welding Inspector

Welding Supervisor

Primary Technologies

AWS Codes

Blueprint Reading

Fit-Up and Layout

Flux-Cored Welding

MIG Welding

Oxy-Fuel Cutting

Plasma Cutting

Stick/SMAW Welding

TIG Welding

Weld Symbols

Welding Safety

Emerging Technologies

Additive Metal Manufacturing
AI Weld Inspection
AR/VR Welding Training
Automated Cutting Tables
Cobots
Digital Weld Documentation
Laser Welding
Robotic Welding

Career Path Examples(for education purposes only)

Non-Union Path

Welder Helper → Welder → Senior Welder → Lead Welder → Welding Supervisor → Welding Manager

Union Path

Welder Apprentice → Journeyman Welder → Lead Welder → Foreman → General Foreman → Superintendent

For education purposes only. The career path examples, progression descriptions, and role information on this page are provided by BuildEm as general guidance to help you explore career options. They do not guarantee or promise any specific career outcome, advancement timeline, or employment result. Career progression varies by employer, industry, location, individual performance, and other factors. Always verify this information directly with a prospective employer or a qualified career advisor before making any career or employment decisions.

Career Progression Examples

For education purposes only — actual progression varies by employer.

Entry Level

Starting Strong

Assists with prep, fit-up, grinding, material handling, shop safety, basic blueprint reading, and supervised welds using common processes.

Mid Level

Building Momentum

Performs production welds independently, reads weld symbols, controls heat input, passes common certifications, and repairs defects.

Senior

Leading with Expertise

Handles complex structural, pipe, pressure, or coded welds; mentors junior welders; improves productivity and quality.

Expert

Setting the Standard

Owns welding procedures, inspection strategy, automation adoption, code compliance, and high-consequence weld quality.

Relevant Certifications

6G Pipe Qualification

ASME Section IX

AWS D1.1 Structural

AWS D1.6 Stainless

CWI (Inspector)

Related Career Areas

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