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!

Pipefitter

Pipefitters are sometimes more specifically known as steamfitters or gasfitters. They fabricate, install, maintain, assemble, and repair piping systems. These systems include cooling, hydraulic, pneumatic, and high-pressure assemblies that transport water, steam, chemicals, or fuel for commercial, industrial, or marine use. In addition to welding, pipefitters often utilize a wide range of other processes throughout the course of their work, including cutting, threading, brazing, soldering, bending, and grooving.

High School
Minimum Education

High School

Demand by State

Welding Engineer

Welding Engineers employ their extensive knowledge of physics, engineering, metallurgy, materials, welding, and standards to design, examine, and evaluate welds as well as to plan, supervise, and document welding operations in accordance with relevant codes, contracts or drawings. The role of the Welding Engineer is critical to the integrity of the vast number of buildings, vehicles, machinery and products that require welds.

Bachelor’s Degree
Minimum Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Demand by State

Welding Research Scientist

Welding Research Scientists are professionals who specialize in the joining of metals such as steel, aluminum, iron, and copper. They often work with unique metal alloys, where the research and studies they conduct are applied to help solve problems, develop new methods, and broaden the overall application of welding. A welding research scientist generally works in a lab environment, where all necessary equipment can be utilized to properly conduct testing and research for welding applications.

Master’s Degree
Minimum Education

Master’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

Apprenticeship

Pipefitter

Welding Certification & Experience

Boilermaker
Shipfitter
Pipeliner
Welding Educator
Robotic Welding Technician
Foreman
Artist
Aerospace Welder
Welding Inspector
Technical Sales

Welding Certification & Experience

Welding Inspector
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.