Welders bring $55K straight out of college (2 yr. degree)

[DurocShark]

This is just a symptom of a larger problem.

White america thinks of trades as dirty and something minorities do. When I was in high school they offered metal shop (general welding, casting aluminum, etc), advanced metalworking, woodshop, drafting, plastics, auto shop, etc. My son's school offers 4 different tech classes in addition to the standard computer classes and even a theater technology class. Not a single trade.

I find it disgusting. If we as a nation can't make our own sh!t, how will we survive?

 

[homercles337]

Originally posted by: Kalvin00
Welding is a dangerous and crappy job. My father did it for 9 years before he passed away. He was injured a couple times, never seriously though.

Never made enough money. I'm sure he never looked forward to going to work.

However, he could make or fix any thing you could ever want made. He was such an amazing craftsman.

Sounds like my bro-in-law. Except he only welded for two years and hated every minute of it.

 

[Feldenak]

Originally posted by: DurocShark
This is just a symptom of a larger problem.

White america thinks of trades as dirty and something minorities do. When I was in high school they offered metal shop (general welding, casting aluminum, etc), advanced metalworking, woodshop, drafting, plastics, auto shop, etc. My son's school offers 4 different tech classes in addition to the standard computer classes and even a theater technology class. Not a single trade.

I find it disgusting. If we as a nation can't make our own sh!t, how will we survive?

That's because blue collar jobs are considered "lowly" anymore. I too find it a sad and pathetic state of affairs.

 

[lokiju]

Originally posted by: Strk

Originally posted by: Phokus
dangerous jobs tend to pay better.

Not always. Some of the more dangerous jobs really don't get paid much at all. On a recent episode of Dirty Jobs they went to a coal mine out in PA. I believe they said the average miner gets something like $800 a week. That is thoroughly crappy considering the dangers involved.

Well thats still $41,600 a year for something that didn't require schooling.

Not bad considering.

 

[misle]

I work for a power company and one job that pays very well and is in high demand is Linemen. Yes, the guys who work on power lines.

An Apprentice starts at $29/hour plus overtime. Journeymen linemen (4+ years experience) can easily make $100k/year with overtime.

 

[microAmp]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
there are several "blue colllar" skilled trades like that with aging population. the bulk of them are approaching retirement age and will have severe shortages soon because so few kids these days go into that type of areas

Yup, several weeks ago the Austin newspaper had an article on technicians for Austin Energy. Austin Energy said in 5 years, they'll lose 30% due to retirement, 500 of their 1500 technicians. A friend of mine who works for LCRA (Lower Colorado River Authority) which also does energy said they'll probably lose 40% of their technicians in that amount of time. I also remember an article a few years back in a magazine saying they'll be severe shortages of technicians in about 10-15 years. There are just not enough people going for that kind of degree. The degree is pretty easy and is only 2 1/2 year program from a community college here in town.

Now if I just can get one of those two to hire my butt.

 

[Marinski]

One of my friends dads does welding. He's not rich or anything but he makes a living. Only problem is the health effects if you do it over a period of time.

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

the problem with a skilled trade like welding is that sooner or later that process will become more and more automated as our technology advances.

 

[Balt]

I read an article in the WSJ about this. Welders are definitely in demand now and that demand will continue to grow, but I think the outsourcing of welding jobs will also begin to climb. The WSJ article also mentioned that some welding is beginning to be contracted out to workers in other countries and then shipped over, and it's often cheaper than paying someone in the US to do it even after you include the shipping cost.

Obviously a lot of welding has to be done on-site, though.

 

[Rudee]

Took welding in high school for 2 years. It's hot, sweaty, dirty work that is not good for your lungs.

 

[mryellow2]

My dad has been a welder in the states for over 20 years. He's approaching retirement age now and no longer does the heavy work (moved to foreman years ago) but it is still a very physically demanding job. While this type of work isn't for everyone my dad still enjoys going to work as much as possible.


Also like to add that yes it is a sad truth that skilled craftsmen aren't as respected as imho, they should be.

 

[AUMM]

10 Surprising Six-Figure Jobs

 

[Armitage]

Originally posted by: DurocShark
This is just a symptom of a larger problem.

White america thinks of trades as dirty and something minorities do. When I was in high school they offered metal shop (general welding, casting aluminum, etc), advanced metalworking, woodshop, drafting, plastics, auto shop, etc. My son's school offers 4 different tech classes in addition to the standard computer classes and even a theater technology class. Not a single trade.

My own H.S. and the one my dad taught at went similar routes. Talking to him, and some other teachers one of the primary reasons they've gone away was liability concerns. Yes, that's right - the lawyers.

I find it disgusting. If we as a nation can't make our own sh!t, how will we survive?

Agree.

On a related note, what's a good route to learn to weld? No as a career - just general DIY/hobbyist stuff. I did a little bit of arc welding 20 odd years ago with my dad, but that's it.

 

[JS80]

I'm guessing they get capped out at $55k also.

 

[DurocShark]

Originally posted by: Armitage

On a related note, what's a good route to learn to weld? No as a career - just general DIY/hobbyist stuff. I did a little bit of arc welding 20 odd years ago with my dad, but that's it.

Many community colleges still offer it. I'm thinking about taking one myself. It's been years since high school for me and I would love to play with it again.

::strokes arc welder in garage::

 

[JS80]

Originally posted by: AUMM
10 Surprising Six-Figure Jobs

how is salesperson a suprising 6 fig job?

 

[dartworth]

Originally posted by: JS80
I'm guessing they get capped out at $55k also.

It all depends on how much you want to work...

I've made twice that in 10 months...

 

[SP33Demon]

Originally posted by: dartworth

Originally posted by: JS80
I'm guessing they get capped out at $55k also.

It all depends on how much you want to work...

I've made twice that in 10 months...

How physically demanding is welding? Do you need to be able to pick up a lot of weight? Do you need to have good concentration for long periods of time?

 

[Ausm]

Originally posted by: Feldenak
Skilled tradesmen are worth their weight in gold.

Thank You



Ausm

 

[Thraxen]

Originally posted by: JS80

Originally posted by: AUMM
10 Surprising Six-Figure Jobs

how is salesperson a suprising 6 fig job?

Actually, the only one I found semi-surprising was the court reporter. The others I have no trouble imagining earning 6 figures.

 

[Feldenak]

Originally posted by: Ausm

Originally posted by: Feldenak
Skilled tradesmen are worth their weight in gold.

Thank You



Ausm

I work in IT for a construction company. Skilled tradesmen are essential to get projects completed on-time and on-budget.

 

[ruffilb]

Originally posted by: Astaroth33
Welding is a highly skilled job that should pay well...

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: SP33Demon

Originally posted by: dartworth

Originally posted by: JS80
I'm guessing they get capped out at $55k also.

It all depends on how much you want to work...

I've made twice that in 10 months...

How physically demanding is welding? Do you need to be able to pick up a lot of weight? Do you need to have good concentration for long periods of time?

Yes to both in most cases. While you USUALLY have machinery to lift HEAVY pieces, there will be times when you have to life over 50 lbs quite regularly. Also, depending on what you're welding, you may have to work in some VERY uncomfortable positions/places. It's not a job for a "girly-man", but that doesn't preclude women from being excellent welders.
There are several different types of welding, each with it's own challenges and skill set. A GOOD pipe welder is always in high demand, as are those who specialize in rare alloys. I have a friend who is a "rig welder" (owns his own welding truck) and works food grade stainless only. He can usually write his own ticket on welding jobs. I've never seen him make less than $40/hour PLUS $150/day for his truck.

 

[Specop 007]

Originally posted by: BoomerD

Originally posted by: SP33Demon

Originally posted by: dartworth

Originally posted by: JS80
I'm guessing they get capped out at $55k also.

It all depends on how much you want to work...

I've made twice that in 10 months...

How physically demanding is welding? Do you need to be able to pick up a lot of weight? Do you need to have good concentration for long periods of time?

Yes to both in most cases. While you USUALLY have machinery to lift HEAVY pieces, there will be times when you have to life over 50 lbs quite regularly. Also, depending on what you're welding, you may have to work in some VERY uncomfortable positions/places. It's not a job for a "girly-man", but that doesn't preclude women from being excellent welders.
There are several different types of welding, each with it's own challenges and skill set. A GOOD pipe welder is always in high demand, as are those who specialize in rare alloys. I have a friend who is a "rig welder" (owns his own welding truck) and works food grade stainless only. He can usually write his own ticket on welding jobs. I've never seen him make less than $40/hour PLUS $150/day for his truck.

My father in law is a top notch welder whos winding down his career. He now teaches at the local college, and commented once that women make better welders simply because they come in and listen, whereas most of the guys have some welding experience and think their Gods gift to welders and their way is the right way. Which it usually isnt.

 

[SP33Demon]

Originally posted by: BoomerD

Originally posted by: SP33Demon

Originally posted by: dartworth

Originally posted by: JS80
I'm guessing they get capped out at $55k also.

It all depends on how much you want to work...

I've made twice that in 10 months...

How physically demanding is welding? Do you need to be able to pick up a lot of weight? Do you need to have good concentration for long periods of time?

Yes to both in most cases. While you USUALLY have machinery to lift HEAVY pieces, there will be times when you have to life over 50 lbs quite regularly. Also, depending on what you're welding, you may have to work in some VERY uncomfortable positions/places. It's not a job for a "girly-man", but that doesn't preclude women from being excellent welders.
There are several different types of welding, each with it's own challenges and skill set. A GOOD pipe welder is always in high demand, as are those who specialize in rare alloys. I have a friend who is a "rig welder" (owns his own welding truck) and works food grade stainless only. He can usually write his own ticket on welding jobs. I've never seen him make less than $40/hour PLUS $150/day for his truck.

Thanks for the info. I was inquiring b/c my brother is looking for a new job and this might be for him, except he's kinda weak (skinny about 6-0 135). I know he can pick up 50 lbs as long as it's not all day... and he has very good concentration skills (he works in a manuf factory right now). If a female could do it, then he probably could as well.