Take the First Step Toward Your Welding Career Now!
Just like humans need their skeleton system to support their bodies, so do buildings. Many large (and not so large) structures are supported by a skeletal metal frame put together by structural welders. Their expertise allows those supports to keep the building and anything inside of it from collapsing. From factories to power plants to commercial buildings, they’ve all had a structural welder’s touch. Learn how to get started in a structural welding career by reading on.
When a structure needs repair work done to its frame, a structural welder gets involved. You’ll be a huge part of a construction team that's brought in to complete the mission of making the building great. What will your duties look like? Some common job requirements you’ll find on any of those sites like Glassdoor and Indeed are as follows:
The full spectrum of your duties may differ depending on where you work.
There is no straight line toward a structural welding career. Apprenticeships through welding or construction unions are the most popular. If you want to become a structural welder, then you’d follow a similar path as a traditional welder:
In most instances, you’ll get an entry-level job where you’ll be trained to suit the needs of the type of industry you’re working in. There are also programs available, once you’ve completed your welding education, that are specific to structural welding.
Another way to become a structural welder is to become an ironworker:
Structural welder salaries range depending on what state you’re in, the amount of experience you have, and the industry you’re working in.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average annual wage for structural iron and steel workers is $ 61,270 a year, with the top ten percent making more than $98,000.
For ironworkers, average growth is predicted through 2030. There will be 5,400 new jobs opening during that time. If you are a certified welder, and are physically capable of doing the work, then you’ll find many job opportunities for yourself.