According to AWS data, there were approximately 771,000 welding professionals in the U.S. in 2024, spanning six key occupational categories, including welders, boilermakers, and sheet metal workers. The majority of demand—61%—is for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers.
Job postings from 2022 to 2024 revealed that 35% of openings were for welder/fabricators, followed by ironworkers (18%) and pipefitters (17%). Employers are increasingly seeking entry-level candidates with three years or less of experience, signaling a shift in hiring trends.
Key qualifications include AWS certifications, welding certifications, and, for some roles like shipfitters, security clearance. Skills in MIG and TIG welding, blueprint reading, and fabrication are highly valued, along with critical thinking and hand tool expertise.
Welding salaries vary by role and region. Median annual earnings range from $45,000 for machine operators to $71,000 for boilermakers, with higher wages in regions like the Great Lakes, where demand is concentrated. For example, boilermakers in this region can earn over $84,000 annually.
Cost of living also plays a role in compensation. For instance, welders in lower-cost states like Mississippi may find their earnings stretch further compared to national averages.
To meet the growing demand for welders, AWS is investing in education and training. The AWS Foundation awards $2.5 million annually in scholarships and provides grants of up to $25,000 to institutions expanding welding programs.
AWS also offers resources like its Welding Workforce Data platform, free student memberships, and apprenticeship tools to help shops develop training programs. These efforts aim to attract new talent, including women, who now make up 25% of AWS scholarship recipients, outpacing their representation in the workforce.
With rising demand and evolving industry needs, welding offers promising career opportunities. AWS continues to support the industry through education, training, and resources, ensuring a skilled workforce for years to come.
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