Education and Training

In order to earn welding certification, you will need to complete coursework in areas such as shop mathematics, blueprint reading, physics, mechanical drawing, metallurgy and chemistry. Other courses you may take in order to earn your welding certification include coursework in electricity as well as computers, as welders are increasingly being called upon to operate robots and other computer-controlled machinery. Although there are no legal licensing requirements for welders, some employers do require certification for certain types of welding positions.

Employment Opportunities

After completing your welding certification, there are several different career paths you may pursue. These include:

• Standard arc welding
• Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding
• Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding
• Soldering and brazing

A standard arc welder is uses to large metal alligator clips to weld with the help of a strong electrical current. The electrical circuit is created when the two rods touch together and create massive heat, which causes the steel rod to melt together with the two pieces being welded.

A Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welder uses a welding rod and an electrical torch to melt the rod and the piece at the same time. TIG welding is most commonly used with aluminum and stainless steel welding.

A Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welder uses a spool of wire, which provides a continuous feed, rather than a rod. This makes it possible for the welder to join longer pieces of metal without needing to stop to replace a rod.

Soldering and brazing specialists join two pieces of metal together with molten metal. Since the metal that is added has a lower melting point than the piece, only the added metal is melted in this process.

Job Outlook and Salary

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for individuals with a welding certification are expected to grow slower than the average occupation. Most welding positions cannot be replaced by automated processes, which means those who obtain positions in the field and demonstrate a high level of skill are likely to enjoy significant job security. The Bureau reports that the median hourly wage for welders in May 2006 was $15.10.