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!

Ironworker

Ironworkers, sometimes referred to as The Cowboys of the Sky, erect and dismantle the metal framework of a wide range of structures, from bridges and antennas to skyscrapers and stadiums. Ironworkers also often erect the cranes and derricks that are used in the construction of these structures, and install and repair the catwalks, elevators, ladders, fire escapes, railings, and fences for commercial and industrial structures. The type of work that an Ironworker performs can usually be categorized into one of the following designations: reinforcing, structural, and ornamental.

High School
Minimum Education

High School

Demand by State

Pipeliner

Pipeliners, also known as Pipeline Welders, join and repair tubular products and metallic pipe components and assemblies as part of the construction of buildings, vessels, structures, and stand-alone pipelines. They use a variety of welding processes and equipment, in a wide range of industrial, commercial, and construction environments. Because pipes are routinely set up in fixed positions and situated in ways that make welding difficult, pipeline welders must be well-trained and versatile. As such, they are among the most highly skilled and sought after welders.

Associate’s Degree
Minimum Education

Associate’s Degree

Demand by State

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

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.

Apprenticeship

Ironworker

Welding Certification & Experience

Shipfitter
Welding Educator
Robotic Welding Technician
Foreman
Artist
Welding Inspector
Technical Sales

Welding Certification & Experience

Welding Inspector
Welding Supervisor
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.