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

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

Welding Educator

Welding Educators - also known as welding instructors, trainers, or teachers - educate students in the theories and practical methods of welding. Welding educators use their conceptual and practical understanding of welding and welding instruction in order teach a wide range of welding knowledge and skills, including, but not limited to: welding techniques, positioning, fit-up, equipment set-up, welding theory, metallurgy and weldability of metals, print reading, utilizing welding codes and standards, and even inspection of welds.

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.

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

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.