According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the coming years expect to see a rise in job openings for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers. With this increase, we’re excited to partner with programs that offer training for this growing field. What can a career as a welder mean for you, and how can you get there? This industry spotlight is here with the answers!
What's the outlook for welders?
According to the BLS, employment of welders is expected to grow by 8% from 2020-2030, matching the national average across all occupations. Aging infrastructure across the country will necessitate this increase, as the expertise of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is needed to help rebuild and repair bridges, highways, and buildings.
Overall, an average of about 49,200 job openings for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers are expected each year over the next decade!
Data from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm#tab-6
How can you become a welder?
To become a welder, cutter, solderer, or brazer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as technical and on-the-job training. While you could pursue a degree in welding, which can take at least two years and cost between $40,000–$100,000, another option is to enroll in a career training program. These can take less than two years to complete (some spanning as little as seven months) and cost $5,000–$15,000.
This type of training can be found at vocational–technical institutes, community colleges, and private welding, soldering, and brazing schools — including several that Climb partners with for payment options!
What could your career trajectory look like?
Choosing to become a welder can set you on a variety of career paths. Below are three typical trajectories, according to Payscale!
To view the full career trajectory flowchart for welders, visit https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Welder/Hourly_Rate.
How can we meet the demand for welders?
There are many valuable career training programs across the US — they even managed to keep classes going during remote learning in the midst of COVID-19! However, the cost of attending a welding program can cost an average of $6,850, alongside the cost of books, equipment, and living expenses. Offering diverse payment options, such as payment plans or loans, will help open the door to more people. This is why Climb partners with welding schools — our mission is to increase access to career-focused education! By working with them to provide payment options, we hope to open the door for more people to reach their education and career goals.