Due to advances through research and development, it now includes matellurgy, ceramics, physics, heat transfer, electrical engineering, engineering mechanics, lazers, thermal spraying, micro-joining and robotics. Welders and joining technicians are skilled craftsmen with a future. Employment Opportunities Starting wages for trained welders are roughly three times minimum wage depending upon location and skill levels. Welders in western states earn approximately two dollars more per hour then welders' in northeastern states. Skilled welders, working with corrosion resistant pipes and tubes for example, can earn up to eight times the minimum wage in some cases.
Attractive salaries are also available for welding engineers, with a four-year degree.
According to a follow-up survey, Clark graduates from the past five years have consistently found work in the welding profession and are using blueprint and layout knowledge as well as acquired welding skills. The majority are journeymen welders with experiences gained in a variety of shops. Program Options Welding allows you to begin a career at one level and then expand to other levels with additional training and education. This program prepares the student for entry-level status in the field of welding. This fact sheet requires that you have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader installed.