Welding has earned its place among reputable careers because of the crucial products, numerous employment opportunities, and the support it gives other industries, including the automotive, aviation, and construction sectors. Although welding may not be a career for everyone, it is a lucrative and rewarding profession for passionate people with no age limit. Here are five reasons it’s not too late to begin a welding career.
Growing Demand
Welding is one of the careers expected to grow at an astounding rate. According to the American Welding Society, welding professionals will have a shortage of 375,000 workers in 2023. Also, 29% of current welders will retire by 2026. Therefore, the field requires more people to replace the retiring populace and meet the labor shortage.
Excellent Pay
High demand comes with better pay and more opportunities for professional development. You can earn between $55,000 and $70,000 per annum as a professional welder. The income grows as you attain more skills, and your experience grows with top-ranking welders earning up to $200,000 per year.
You can earn enough money for your day-to-day needs and attain short and long-term financial goals like buying a home, car, and real estate. As your skills and pay increase, you can invest more, since only 30% of your income should go to monthly rent and utility bills.
Many Opportunities
Welding is a growing profession with countless opportunities for interested people. Skilled welding professionals can get jobs as military welders, underwater welders, pipefitters, and structural steel welders. They can also work as construction welders and build commercial and industrial structures, including skyscrapers, bridges, and buildings. Notably, you can work as a freelance welder or start your welding business.
Doesn’t Require a College Degree
While 64% of private high school graduates in 2010-11 joined 4-year colleges, you don’t have to be among them. You can start a welding career that doesn’t need excessive college years or a university degree. This makes the career a top choice for people who don’t want or can’t afford to go to a four-year college. You can get specialized welding training at a vocational school or enroll in an apprenticeship program instead. Since welding is a craft, you can earn as you develop skills and competency.
Hands-On Work
If you love hands-on tasks, welding is a good occupation. You don’t have to work from an office daily, but you will go into the field to handle different projects. Welding also involves a lot of travel, whether working off-shore with a gas mining company or another state in a real estate project.
With welding, you use your hands to create masterpieces and explore your creativity. One of the most satisfying things is watching a project from conception to completion. You feel proud and fulfilled to see magnificent structures taking shape and making history.
Are You Too Old for a Welding Career?
The simple answer is no. Welding is among the few careers without an age limit. When starting a career in welding, the most important things are a passion for the industry, good hand-eye coordination, and attention to detail. Physical strength and endurance are a must since welding is physically demanding.
Safety is paramount for welders because they work with dangerous equipment and materials and have a high injury risk. For instance, welders are at risk of burns and eye injuries when working with a hot spatter as it can reach 35 feet from the welding area.
Research shows that only 20% of welders in the US are under 35 years old. That means you won’t feel lost in the profession if you join late. In fact, you may be working with people in your age group.
If you’re passionate about welding, it’s never too late to join the industry. You can get tons of employment opportunities, a steady paycheck, and decent job security. Whether in your 20s, 30s, or 40s, welding is a good career path.
