What is a Welder & Ironworker?
Welders and ironworkers cut, fit, and fuse metal to build and reinforce structures — from skyscraper frames and bridges to pressure vessels and stadium steel. Certified welders are highly mobile and well paid.
What you’d actually do
- Weld with MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-core processes
- Read fabrication drawings and weld symbols
- Rig, hoist, and connect structural steel safely at height
- Inspect welds to meet code and pass testing
How to get started
- Earn a welding certificate or enter an ironworkers' apprenticeship
- Pass certification tests (e.g., AWS) for the processes you'll use
- Specialize — structural, pipe, underwater, or aerospace
Common questions
How long does it take to become a welder?
You can earn an entry-level welding certificate in six months to two years, then build pay quickly by passing certifications. Ironworker apprenticeships run three to four paid years.
Can welders really earn six figures?
Specialty and traveling welders — pipe, underwater, and shutdown work — can reach six figures, especially with certifications and willingness to travel.
Your future is hiring.
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