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Spark a New Path with a Career in Welding

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Person wearing protective welding gear and gloves using a welding torch on a metal surface, with bright sparks flying in a workshop setting.

Welding has become one of the most in‑demand trades, with companies across industries looking for skilled professionals, creating many opportunities to make welding your new job. Working as a welder often means you experience a faster track to work than traditional education offers, job stability, good income, and opportunities to work in diverse environments.  

In the U.S., 320,500 more welders will be needed by 2029, and an average of 80,000 open welding jobs is projected annually until 2029, according to the American Welding Society. In Canada, welding job openings are expected to total 25,600 by 2033, according to the Canadian Occupational Projection System.

Welding Training and Education  

Formal training is needed to become a welder. A high school degree or GED is often required. Additional certifications may be required and can expand your job prospects. A welding certificate can typically be earned in 6–18 months and training can be accomplished through:

  • Certificate program
  • Career Tech
  • Community college
  • Apprenticeship
  • University

What Do Welders Do?

There are many types of welding and specialties, each requiring their own specific skills. The certifications, licenses, and experience required for these roles vary. Generally, welders fuse metal materials together. Welders work in all kinds of industries, from manufacturing and construction to oil and gas, automotive, and more. Precision, reading blueprints and measurements, and safety are all skills welders need.

Get a look at a day in the life of a welder from Indeed.

Common Types of Welding

Different types of welding require different equipment, skills, and processes. Common types of welding include Stick, MIG (metal inert gas), and TIG (tungsten inert gas). Muggly Weld breaks down the differences.

Infographic titled “3 Common Types of Welding Processes: Stick, MIG, & TIG.” The design uses blue tones and includes simple illustrations of welding tools. Text sections describe: 1. Stick Welding – Equipment needed: Stick welder, ground clamp, electrode holder, electrodes, chipping hammer, protective gear. – Commonly used for: Steel fabrication, maintenance, construction, structural welding, field repair. 2. MIG Welding – Equipment needed: MIG welder, wire feeds, solid or flux-core wire, MIG gun, gas hose, ground clamp, gas regulator. – Commonly used for: Maritime equipment, farming, construction, railroads, sculpture, auto repair. 3. TIG Welding – Equipment needed: TIG welder, tungsten electrode, shielding gas, filler metal, grinder, foot pedal, power sources. – Commonly used for: Nuclear industry, aerospace, aircrafts, aviation, bikes, lawn mowers. Footer text: “For more information, visit www.muggyweld.com.”

Welding Jobs

There are many types of welding and specialties. The certifications, licenses, and experience required for these roles vary.

  • Boilermaker
  • Pipefitter
  • Robotic Welding Technician
  • Sheet Metal Worker
  • Structural Iron and Steel Worker
  • Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter
  • Welding Fabricator
  • Welding Inspector
  • Welding Supervisor
  • Welding Technician

Each welding role plays a crucial part in supporting infrastructure and driving innovation. For job seekers, the options are diverse and promising, with room for skill advancement and fulfillment.

About Express Employment Professionals

At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, employing more than 11 million since its inception. For assistance with your job search, visit ExpressPros.com/Job-Seekers or ExpressPros.ca/Job-Seekers.

Promotional image for Express Employment Professionals featuring text and a welder in a workshop. Transcribed Text: Companies filling roles that require specialized talent need qualified Skilled Trades workers. Work with Express to find the right company that fits your needs! Contact your local office to find your next job.

Last Updated on March 18, 2026

Jessica is a Senior Content Marketing Specialist at Express Employment International creating content for employers, leaders, and about the workplace of today. She is an accomplished former social media professional and award-winning writer. When Jessica isn’t writing about key leadership characteristics or best workplace practices, she’s spending time with her dog and planning her next road trip.

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