SO MUCH MORE THAN A JOB

Forge Your Own Path

Your career will be as unique as the awesome stuff you’re going to create, shaped by the things that matter most to you. Choose what matters most from the options below, and we’ll ignite the career in welding that’s perfect for you. Your choices, your torch—let’s light it up!

Welding Fabricator

Metal fabrication is the process of creating or building a usable product out of metal. Raw materials are bent, shaped, welded or cut to complete the final product. All of the tasks during the fabrication process, from start to finish, are completed at the hands of a welder fabricator. Many welder fabricators possess the skills, knowledge, and passion to fabricate custom cars, motorcycles, metal art, and much more!

High School
Minimum Education

High School

Demand by State

Welding Inspector

Welding Inspectors employ their extensive knowledge of welding processes, test methods, discontinuities, materials, qualifications, and standards to ensure that weldments and welding-related activities comply with all applicable quality and safety criteria. The role of the Welding Inspector is critical to the safety and structural soundness of the vast number of buildings, vehicles, machinery, and consumer products that require strong, secure welds.

Associate’s Degree
Minimum Education

Associate’s Degree

Demand by State

Underwater Welder

An Underwater Welder uses many common arc welding processes to weld and cut in a wide range of aquatic environments. They must use their welding know-how and intricate knowledge of diving procedures and protocol to effectively lay down strong welds, often in tight spaces and less-than-forgiving surroundings. Hyperbaric chambers and cofferdams are used for dry welding, while wet welding is performed in open waters up to several hundred feet deep.

Associate’s Degree
Minimum Education

Associate’s Degree

Demand by State

Shipfitter      Pipefitter      Pipeliner      Welding Fabricator      Boilermaker      Ironworker      Robotic Welding Technician      Underwater Welder      Welding Inspector      Welding Supervisor      Welding Engineer      Welding Research Scientist      Technical Sales      Welding Educator Shipfitter      Pipefitter      Pipeliner      Welding Fabricator      Boilermaker      Ironworker      Robotic Welding Technician      Underwater Welder      Welding Inspector      Welding Supervisor      Welding Engineer      Welding Research Scientist      Technical Sales      Welding Educator

Shipfitter      Pipefitter      Pipeliner      Welding Fabricator      Boilermaker      Ironworker      Robotic Welding Technician      Underwater Welder      Welding Inspector      Welding Supervisor      Welding Engineer      Welding Research Scientist      Technical Sales      Welding Educator Shipfitter      Pipefitter      Pipeliner      Welding Fabricator      Boilermaker      Ironworker      Robotic Welding Technician      Underwater Welder      Welding Inspector      Welding Supervisor      Welding Engineer      Welding Research Scientist      Technical Sales      Welding Educator

Your Welding Journey

Choose a starting point from the options to see how the advancement opportunities can play out over time with the right education and experience.

University Degree

Welding Engineer

Welding Certification & Experience

Welding Educator
Welding Inspector
Welding Research
Technical Sales
Additive Manufacturing Metallurgist
Materials Engineer

Welding Certification & Experience

Welding Research
Welding Program Administrator
Professor
Consultant
Owner

Associates Degree

Welding Technician

Welding Certification & Experience

Welding Engineer
Robotic Welding Technician
Foreman
Artist
Aerospace Welder
Welding Inspector
Heavy Equipment Welder

Welding Certification & Experience

Technical Sales
Welding Supervisor
Owner

Start Your Future

AWS connects thousands of students to tools, training, and opportunities that support every step of their welding journey. Explore the resources below to get started.

The AWS education and business directory helps you explore accredited schools to begin your journey, and find employers in your area who may offer apprenticeships or on-the-job training.

The AWS Foundation has awarded more than $15 million and 12,000 scholarships to welding students. Turn your passion for welding into a rewarding career today.

This AWS job platform is tailored for passionate job seekers and employers. We also recommend exploring Indeed.com and other top career sites for the latest and most comprehensive list of opportunities in your area.