OccupationHQ6 countries · 20 careers

Career profile · Skilled trades

Welder

Pay, outlook, entry requirements and what the work is like.

O*NET-SOC 51-4121.00Welder, Cutter, Solderer and BrazerLocal occupation match
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United States facts

Pay, opportunity and entry

United States figures: BLS OEWS May 2025 and 2024–34 employment projections.

Median annual earnings$51,000May 2025 / 2024–2034
Median annual earnings$51,000May 2025 / 2024–2034
Projected growth2%May 2025 / 2024–2034
Annual openings45.6KMay 2025 / 2024–2034
Typical educationHigh school diplomaMay 2025 / 2024–2034
Training / credentialTechnical training commonMay 2025 / 2024–2034

Missing, suppressed and stale facts are never replaced with another country’s values. Annualised figures and benchmarks are identified in their labels and source notes.

Work characteristics

What the work is like

Occupation percentiles, not ratings. Work signals are native O*NET occupation percentiles.

Social interaction25
contact, teamwork and public-facing work
Physical demand90
movement, posture and hands-on activity
Pressure exposure55
time pressure, conflict and consequences
Analytical content40
analysis, reasoning and problem-solving
People-oriented20
helping, service and relationship work
Technical content65
technology, systems and troubleshooting

Useful foundations

  • Fabrication
  • Quality control
  • Equipment operation

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Choices worth considering

Skilled trades with different precision, licensing and work-environment demands.Welder vs ElectricianCompare these careers →Pipe systems and fabrication compared across training and work context.Welder vs PlumberCompare these careers →Mechanical service work versus metal fabrication.Welder vs HVAC TechnicianCompare these careers →Fabrication and construction trades with different materials and environments.Welder vs CarpenterCompare these careers →Metal fabrication versus vehicle diagnosis and repair.Welder vs Automotive TechnicianCompare these careers →

Career changes

Where this option could lead

See transferable strengths, qualification gaps and the realities of making each switch.

A skilled-trade move from regulated electrical systems toward fabrication and metalwork.Electrician → WelderView career change →A demanding trade transition from fabrication toward licensed electrical work.Welder → ElectricianView career change →

Explore another career

Electrician→Plumber→HVAC Technician→Carpenter→

Other countries

Sources and dates

What this profile uses

See the complete data-source register and OccupationHQ methodology.