Should You Be a Welder?

[@billietyree2214]

I welded pipe in a nuclear plant under construction. I made sure I got to bed early every night, slept 8 hours, had no more than one up of coffee a day and froze in the winter and burned up in the summer. I managed to get into inspection and things really got interesting. Welding is an are but inspection is a science. Loved my work. 89 now and no regrets.

[@billietyree2214]

Mention to say “welding is an art”.

[@devncross]

Mans 89 just chillin on KZbin lol

[@rileybuske1265]

@@devncross about everyone is chilling on youtube now

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Wow simply awesome!

[@SanDiegoBuckeye]

Inspection. This is the way

[@KeneticOutdoors]

I started welding in 2007, finished school and went to a small shop that did everything from body work on cars to structural steel and heavy repairs. 8 years at that shop and I left for the oil patch and learned how to weld pipe. It took me about 15 years to get to the top. I do well heads and fix drilling rigs now, travel sometimes 6+ hours a day to get to site, 100 hour work weeks and lots of late night calls. I also get to charge basically whatever I want because there's no one else who does the work and certainly no one else available in the time frame they want it done in. It's a lot of hard work, and constant focus to stay on point but it's worth it when the money is there. I will probably do this for another 5 or 10 years then go into inspection or maybe a management position, welding is something you want to get into and make the money and get out as fast as possible. No other trade pays like welding, most don't actively try to kill you either.

[@supermegadong7597]

Lol the elevator trade starts out at like 80K and tops out well into six figures and you don’t need to kill yourself doing it. Not to mention refrigerator service guys make more than welders too

[@speedball23]

you must have watched this video on the toilet

[@somedude2492]

@Will Swift stick is common, mig is quick, tig is pretty.

[@SkooterMcGavin042]

@@supermegadong7597 he really just wanted to let everyone know that he welds and he he doesn’t have a life besides working but tries to make it seem like there’s nothing better/pays as much

[@supermegadong7597]

@WilliamHelstad just look into your local companies, in most cases I’ve seen in California you need to be certified just to start being a apprentice. But Hvac you can start as a laborer for installs then move to service for more money. I wish I knew about Hvac before I had responsibility’s like my wife and kids or else I would have pursued that 100%. In California and Arizona if you do service especially refrigeration service you make into 100,000 after like 3 years or so with most companies

[@timdisinger5694]

Aerospace & Airline welder 33 yrs now . $60 straight time , AC/heat , clean work conditions. Jet engine overhaul exotic alloys. AWS D17.1 Certs every 6 months on 8 different metals

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Oof

[@harmanpawarpawar9673]

60 dollar per hour

[@jeremiahrogers8734]

Union?

[@Theninjadeathhawk]

How did you you get into aerospace welding??

[@erat91]

Buddy you hit the nail on the head. I was well trained, passionate, and certified. Got a job doing one off, prototype, highly cosmetic tig work, ect. I was 1 of 2 guys in a small shop. I quickly realized how much hard work welding actually was. Thankfully i've moved to a semi desk job and my body thanks me for it.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

💯💯

[@donQpublic]

Stay in school!🤣

[@Broxty]

Facts.

[@supermegadong7597]

@@donQpublic college doesn’t mean a job these days

[@chupasmetes2347]

@@donQpublic you do know you still have to work after college right

[@francisjaniewski5990]

During my heyday in the 70s and 80s I was a kick azz welder,I was married with two kids I welded piece work at Allis Chalmers then went to a small shop and was certified with Niles steel tank low pressure filtering units. Tested at 185psi. They hydro static tested. The other day I ordered a AWS code chart for welding symbols go figure. I welded probably 30 years. Never was disappointed by the money. I probably bought 300 cars and trucks off my skill. Good Luck future welders!!!!!

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

That’s so cool!

[@francisjaniewski5990]

@@WesternWeldingAcademy Hey A quick question. Does anybody there use a cheater lens in there weld helmet? How strong a lens and how far away will I get the best results? Thanks

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

@@francisjaniewski5990 It’s all personal preference. Some people use it while some don’t. You would have to find the right one for yourself.

[@donj1325]

300 trucks and cars? lol damn that a lot of vehicles....

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

@@OGecalien 💯

[@vesslewis9166]

I started like most guys, welding in a sweat shop and learning as I went. I was kind of natural with it so I ended up in some machine shops welding fixtures, to union jobs doing structural, a fair amount of production welding (for stability while raising kids) and now I'm self employed with a mobile heavy equipment repair welding business. By far the best way to go. I do linebore work and some mechanical. This has been the most money I've made welding. I love the diversity, the nature, the people and satisfaction of a job well done. My advice? Start there, rather than end there. I'm 58 and starting to show the wear and tear of meanial labor all those years. Too bad...I'm just hitting my stride.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Incredible experience! Thanks for sharing

[@edrake1989]

That's what I want to do. Lots of problem solving. I'm a farmer turned welder.

[@joaquib2723]

you mind sharing where you're working now and a bit more about how your business/ journey?

[@robanderson4137]

well fucking hang in there old man...58 is getting up there but you can do it. press on brother

[@renegade_spores]

I actually did sortof wake up one day and decide I want to weld lol. But that's how I am. I love learning new skills, its a bonus if they're profitable, but I do it for the passion, the passion for learning and the passion for becoming a more valuable and skillful person. I'm just getting started but I am really excited to start welding.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

That's awesome! Learning for the sake of learning is incredibly rewarding. Welding is a fantastic skill to master. You've got the right mindset. Keep us updated on your progress!

[@mrxxxmiseryg9388]

Definitely nailed this, as a iron worker/millwright/mechanic of 10 years, there's Definitely money in welding and the drive has to be there. However the toll on the body is also extreme and the danger is real. I work around some of the most flammable and dangerous gases and in environments most people can't imagine and it always makes you take a moment to think when you hear of a death in the industry. For those that aren't sure what part of the field you want in definitely take a long moment for introspection, iron work can and will cripple you early if you don't have a good head on your shoulders and a strong drive to boot.

[@lonewolftech]

I’m an industrial electrician I am 24/7 at fear for my life because the company keeps allowing non authorized personnel to work in the panels then they call me after they fuck shit up. I’ve seen them blow 2-3 drives out of a panel due to improper wiring… yet this damn company still allows idiots in the panels..

[@mrxxxmiseryg9388]

@@lonewolftech I'm not surprised, I try my best to avoid working on anything electrical due to each mill is different and some places aren't even sure of what the system has been modified into. Common sense is leaving the industry at a rapid rate and companies don't even care.

[@toukendanshiwarrior2846]

@@lonewolftech Then what did you do? At least try to, like, report them?

[@justinlinarez6757]

You're not wrong, but you forgot one crucial part, background experience. I discovered welding in my freshman year at college and fell in love with it. Took every class the school offered, specialized in uncommon skill sets, passed all certifications, graduated with a welding degree and even enrolled in a nationally recognized program sometime later. In the end, every job I found wanted 5+years of experience to even apply. I had to stick with low paying jobs to get the background experience required while looking, applying and testing for unions, iron workers and shipyards while not having the means to follow the work. 10 years later here I am, after exhausting all local options and hitting a wall, I've decided to go back to school for a career change. I still love welding and encourage anyone who wants to be a welder if they have what it takes.

[@tjaydagreat]

Traveling is where the money is.

[@graceperiod720]

Joining a Union and going through the apprenticeship would've served you better.

[@tjaydagreat]

You let experience stop you from 6 figures? Man you better lie on your fucking resume😂 These people aren't calling your last employer and blah blah blah. They wanna know if you can pass these tests and if you're working that day lol. You get with somebody who has experience and you let them guide you. Take old jobs that fell of their resume. When you get on jobs you network and get everyone's info. That way you got 15 or 20 numbers by the end of your 2nd job lol. Other people know where the jobs are. If youre willing to travel, Robinson Construction will probably hire you. I advise you to take your safety into your hands though. Dont listen to people. Always tie off. Always wear your hard hat. Never work underneath people when they're working. They could drop a spud wrench or impact gun... Ladder... Anything...

[@SouthsideHardhead601]

@@graceperiod720 Did u not read what he said..he never got accepted

[@graceperiod720]

@@SouthsideHardhead601 he said he did not have the means to follow the work as in travel if need be, not that he didn't getting accepted. So as long as he can find himself some reliable transportation he'd be fine.

[@LunaWeldz]

I’m 18 and I’m so hyped for welding and the great opportunities it will bring. I’m so hungry for this to get better everyday on trying to get better every single and hope I can continue to be better than my group of kids at my age.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

we’re rooting for you

[@andyreid7274]

You are already ahead of most people if you continue to have a strong work ethic and an unwavering desire to learn.

[@DuriensBane]

@@andyreid7274 thats excatly it, the desire to learn and work ethic. We've had 6 kids come into our shop in the last 3 years all saying they were wanting to learn welding/fab and none of them stuck. Try and teach them, they do well for the first day or so, but eventually revert back into the same habits. And from what ive been seeing, alot of it has to do with the inability to notice their problems (even when you point them out) and lack of effort to self-improve.

[@zemudikat]

@@DuriensBane keep being a mentor to those kids and then you'll find the one that stays. don't rule them hard. support, be fatherly, eventually the right one will find you

[@sandews8564]

@@DuriensBaneI’m 18 any tips I have little experience basically none and I’m going into structural welding in August

[@nicklebac6753]

I work in a welding shop that does almost everything, we do residential structural steel (certified tho in 7018 and dual shield d1.1) ornamental railings, equipment repair, pipe stuff, blacksmithing. Being 3 years in I feel very fortunate to learn all that stuff and do different things often. I think learning as much as you can in the beginning of your welding career will help u decide what you really want to do while having more to put on a resume.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Totally agree

[@Broxty]

You're extremely lucky, bust your ass brother.

[@ZackryRose]

So I graduated from school about 2 or 3 months ago and I've had some little jobs (mainly metal Fabrication) and I recently landed a job at government lab doing Weapons Production. I can honestly say I'm glad I started this career.

[@qrouth7160]

that's amazing dude!

[@deuceparker6921]

Congratulations man

[@Clear224-77]

Thats cool! What's Black Mesa like?

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

That’s awesome!

[@ZackryRose]

@@Clear224-77 lmao. I haven't started just yet but I've received my formal offer and my relocation package and I'm just waiting on a start date now.

[@randygerman2176]

Dude, you really nailed it! One thing that I think needs to be mentioned is that while welders are needed everywhere, the highest paying jobs are definitely not! You have to go to where the work is and that can add to the stress both on the job and at home.

[@thomassullivan1676]

Yes money is not there

[@danielmartin531]

@@thomassullivan1676 it's always there, just gotta be willing to up a go where it is

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

No doubt!

[@kindram]

I'm just starting just journey. In a 9 month course in a community college to get an advanced certificate for welding. Today was my first time welding, was always scared of it, but the right gear and personal protection and just doing it. It wasn't so bad. Until my arms started hurting only 30 minutes into a 2 hour session, made some mistakes that I'm not going to make again. And learned when is the time to blast that sheeeeet in water. Overall I had a lot of fun, I'm an artist and the techniques for painting and welding are pretty similar as you can pick how you want to do it while have a good weld. My welds were dog water and some looked okay. I'll get there eventually

[@ReginaldPennysworth]

You will! Three months into a nine month course myself. That eureka moment is coming for you soon. Then they'll mix it up and change positions or change metals and you get to build and build your knowledge up again! I love learning new stuff lol good luck to you.

[@user-sx4qu4dz9z]

@@ReginaldPennysworth Damn. My course is only 4 months so we’re doing a bit of cramming but it’s pretty smooth. Get 3 day weekends too

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Good luck out there! Cheering you on

[@FREEDOMLOVER1000]

How would being an artist have an effect in being a welder? Sinecere question

[@kindram]

@@FREEDOMLOVER1000 The skills are shared between both. Hand eye coordination, a detailed eye, the stuff that comes as you work in the trade. In TIG it showed the most as the hand motions for pipe were similar to the hand motions I make while painting. So I was ahead in skills especially for TIG due to it, and after the second pipe my welds were looking great.

[@ncjay08]

I've been welding for decades, mostly thin stuff 1/4" or thinner. I never set out to be a welder, I just fell into it and had the knack. These past few years the employers I work for have absolutely killed any fun I got out of welding. I call it just bad luck getting tied in with these people. What I enjoy most about welding is the ability to build and repair cars, race cars, and similar stuff. If you're creative and can weld, you can build all kinds of crazy stuff.

[@soteriamediaproductions6165]

I’ve been welding for 40yrs now. Your description is pretty much spot on…except for the shipyard welding. I built Aircraft Carriers and submarines for 15 yrs and the pay is substandard across the industry for the work done. There was tremendous welding talent there but it just didn’t pay much. It is, however, a GREAT place to learn to weld. Folks with a lifelong yearning to weld, like yourself, usually have the natural ability to stand out above the rest.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thanks for the insight!

[@soteriamediaproductions6165]

Well, nice to talk to another yard dog. I live in Michigan now, so no shipbuilders up here.

[@redloopy]

if you ever want to get back into it down in panama city florida they hire shipyard welders occasionally not good pay like you mentioned though sadly only 20-30 an hour usually@@soteriamediaproductions6165

[@lilly7057]

My grandfather was a welder and traveled for the company. He worked for them nearly 20 years. He's been having me come to the garage having me practice on scrap metal he has. It's been lots of fun and I'm going into trade school soon and I'm excited.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

That's fantastic! Having a welder as a mentor is an incredible opportunity. Practical experience is invaluable, and it sounds like you're off to a great start. Best of luck in trade school! Can't wait to hear about your progress.

[@beaubarkley4002]

This is great info. I had no idea about the different areas of welding. Thank you Western Welding Academy!

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Glad you learned something! You're welcome.

[@jaxonadrain7171]

I have been tig welding aluminum for about three years and a lot of people keep telling me to go into the industry professionally. This video cleared up a lot of questions, thanks!

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

You're welcome! More to come

[@bob-the-Millwright]

Your spot on in your assessment, After 40 years in this industry the one thing that should be emphasized is the money is good but many people starting out welding do not realize how hard the work actually is. it's not like you see on most KZbin videos. Usually it's so hot you can't breathe, so cold you are shaking from hypothermia your soaking wet from rain or sweat. And if you don't take the job someone else will and they get the money not you.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

We agree

[@prototype23a18]

I live in Alaska, got some distant relatives that've been welders on the pipeline for decades. I've lived around craftsmen of all kinds and I've been a painter and sheet rocker my whole life. It doesn't pay a whole lot, and we've always struggled to have enough money to even eat, but I'm a craftsman at heart. I'd rather starve than do work that doesn't involve building or fixing something. I've got a welding internship for pipeline work, working 16h days for 2 weeks and 2 weeks off so I can go travel the world and start on saving up for a house and a good retirement. I come from nothing, and my parents and I still work just to make ends meet, but I hope to make enough money one day to travel the world with them before they go. I've been working out and eating healthier just so I can do this job, but when it comes to experience, all I've got is some minor experience in stick and oxy/acetylene welding. I'm very nervous.

[@MatanicFabrications]

Go for it. You gotta understand and keep in mind that whoever is giving this apprenticeship understands you're exactly just that, An Apprentice. So dont be hard on your self for being Green. We all gotta get our feet wet, some of us just dive deeper than others when going for it. Allow yourself to make mistakes but dont make the same mistakes thrice. Stay the course and know the days are long. Remember why you started this journey and most of all keep your faith in God and know that Jesus and the Holy Spirit will be with you if your heart is true to this you will always be okay brother.

[@TBJK07Jeep]

We are all nervous getting into something new. Some show it others do not. You can’t hit the target unless you take the shot.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing

[@Merlinfoop]

Such a man of principle. I wish I had that in me.

[@michaelrempel6450]

I like ur vids man. I've been a welder for 15 years now up in western Canada. I work in a welding shop now that works on small driveshafts to pulp mills. I agree with most of what your saying. Except the redundancy in a shop setting. I've rarely done the same thing twice here. It's all in what the shop would specialise to. Keep up your vids. I love em.

[@k0edby22]

I am a roll helper over at Edmonton Exchanger manufacturing shop. Lots of redundancy, but it can be a good thing. Example: I’m a first year and I get to weld in 2g position for 3-6 hrs a day, while crane and forklift make up for the rest of my 8 hr shift. It’s great experience for an apprenticeship, but some leave after acquiring their J man ticket. Other stay and do the same thing for 10+ years; head trimming, head press, rolling shells, plate land operator, esab worker, and then foreman. That pretty much sums up the jobs available. The shop guys are union and get paid $45/hr + 6% bonus if they are doing well. Standard 40 hrs a week, 8 hrs overtime on Saturdays easily gets these j man shop workers 100k+ per year before taxes. Not bad if you ask me… pretty decent standard of living with good benefits too.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

We appreciate the kind words! Stay tuned for more videos.

[@graceperiod720]

That's why I love being a Union Ironworker (LU 397). You learn so many skill being that our trade is very multifaceted, and also become a certified welder going through the apprenticeship

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

I agree

[@gmacka6333]

One thing that wasn’t mentioned here is the time commitment. I used to work in a Power Generation plant. I was forever working. I’d make plans for a weekend with the family, my boss would tell us everything is all good. Go get away for the weekend, then on a Friday afternoon we would get a heads-up that one of the units was coming off line for a forced outage, and we were all fully on task 12 hours days and nights until it’s repaired. It pi$$ed of the wife to no end. Almost cost me my marriage and the relationship I had with my daughter. When I was home I was burned out and probably grumpy, the rest of the time I was at work. Sure, it was great money, but you have to balance work life with home life. Don’t forget to work that into your decisions on what field you wish to work in.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

That's a crucial point. Work-life balance is often overlooked when considering a career path. It's essential to weigh the financial rewards against the potential impact on personal life. Thanks for sharing your experience. It's a valuable perspective for anyone considering a career in a demanding field.

[@nuxboxen]

If your little cousin says he wants to be a welder, I suggest you wait for a very cold or very hot day. Take a pad and paper and lead him to the nearest ditch. Have the eager youngster lay down in the ditch on his back and hold the pad of paper up toward the sky. Explain to him that he's to keep writing the alphabet for 15 minutes without putting the paper down. If he can do it, please reply to this comment.

[@rabbitenelnorte4573]

As a hobbyist, I’ll stick to driving a truck. Bless all you welders out there 🙌🏽

[@jessejames7596]

better money in truck driving

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

🙏🙏

[@jojorumbles8749]

I just started in the shipyard apprenticeship program. It's good to hear it's one of the middle tier job areas.

[@SwampthingDUK]

It's a fantastic trade to be in. I started my apprenticeship back in 1998 when I was 16, in a small boatyard doing TIG welding on aluminium handrails, stainless nuts for engine hatches basically anything that wasn't coded. Now I'm coded mig welder up to 20mm mild steel vertical and horizontal, and there is maybe 2 others out of maybe 20 that can Tig weld in the workshop I work in, company I work for put cranes on the back on trucks (Scania, Volvo, Renault, etc)

[@sheluvelii216]

any advice and how is everything im considering going

[@jojorumbles8749]

@sheluvelii216 Well, it's important that you don't quit your day job. The Shipyard application process can take anywhere from a few months to a couple of years. Mine took 3 years from the day I applied to the day I was hired. They do a background check and multiple drug tests, so make sure you're clean and not getting into trouble. Don't lie on your application. If you're in debt and/or in trouble with the law, admit it in the interview process when they ask. It is better to be upfront about it, as hiding it would be grounds for termination. They WILL find out anyway. Also, the number of people applying can be in the several hundreds, yet the shipyard can only accept a dozen or so per year. So if you don't get it, keep trying.

[@aarongravelle7137]

Stared welding in 1977 worked in petrol chemical, shipyard, tank farms, steam generation power plants paper mills etc.. The best jobs shut downs retro fits and turn arounds .

[@someolddude7076]

I picked up welding for the home shop. Mainly to do my own home repair, projects, making tools, parts etc. I never expected that that welding is only like 5 percent of the job. It’s all prepping the materials, with a bit of grinding, and clean up.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Great point!

[@nodaklojack]

Yep, it can be a lot like painting, lots of prep. That's why some jobs have a welder and a helper.

[@xuminati]

makes me want to be a welder even more

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Let's goo!

[@Solivagant0]

It’s been a year. Did you become a welder?

[@xuminati]

@@Solivagant0 I was still in school when I made that comment, but I’m a welders helper on pipeline now. I’m rigging out a truck now I got a f350 and a welding machine. I’m on the right track to become one

[@Solivagant0]

@@xuminati Awesome to hear! Thanks for replying.

[@jefflancaster4423]

The first step in any project.i love it. As a welder and fabricator, i starting by a blacksmith apprentice. I do believe that is safe to say that, metaphorically speaking, the first spaceship was launched from the face of an anvil.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Without a doubt!

[@charleswilson577]

Tyler I don't normaly reply do the comment thing but this to be said. I was the one that said I had 40 years experience aerospace, high pressure steam. Dept of transportation. Welding is a vast field. What I wanted to say is you and your students step back for a second and realize what you are giving them and this vast field. If they take hold and run with it they can make mega bucks and hardly ever be out of a job if they want it bad enough, sky is the limit. Something you should be very proud of. You are doing a great service hope you realize it.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thank you for your support Charles! It is up to all of us to build a better generation 💪🏻.

[@binksy4895]

Currently on my level 2 enhanced engineering course, I have a passion for welding and handy work around the shop. My grades ain’t the best but everyday I keep moving forward and trying to learn and perfect my skills, just know you can do anything in life.

[@i12C.]

I'm 52 years old and have always been fascinated with welding. I'm working on my 28th year of being a correctional officer and plan to retire at 55. Living here in SW-Pa, there has been so much gas well work over the past number of years. It really kicked in after my claws were already set into my career. My brother retired an iron worker after 25 years. Hardest worker I know. If I had to do it all over again, and the industry was picking up around my parts when I was younger, I'd have gotten into welding. Being a correctional officer is an underappreciated low paying gig. I believe it's a little late in the game to become a welder and get started at 55. I do have a drafting degree though...from 1989. LOL!

[@danieltwkcustom9557]

If you are retiring at 55 chances are your life expet will be another 30 to 40 years. You have another few smdecades of opportunity. If you are willing to put some time into it, have a teachable attitude, you can learn to weld and make a few extra bucks. Possibly have a second career

[@i12C.]

@@danieltwkcustom9557 Thanks for the reply 'Daniel TWK Custom'. I do plan on getting into a second career. Just questioning the physicality of what I'm able to do. I'm 6'2" @ 250lbs. Means nothing to most people until you hit a certain age. And lets face it, my career thus far hasn't been the most physically demanding like digging a ditch and such.🤣As far as being teachable. Yes, I'm very teachable. I have zero ego and I am mechanically inclined. Love learning new stuff. Again, thanks for the feed back. Have a great holiday season.

[@danieltwkcustom9557]

@@i12C. always time to start moving and losing the weight. My dad lost over 100lbs and started riding road racing bicycles at 61. You can do it if you want. All the best to you

[@i12C.]

@@danieltwkcustom9557 Whoa...whoa...whoa my man. I didn't say I was fat.🤣🤣🤣I'm big boned.😁

[@joseguadalupe5209]

@@i12C. yeah we dont need any wanna be cop c/os in welding 1312

[@ForgeGiven]

Great info, thank you for putting this out there. Had I seen this 18 years ago; I would have gone to the oil fields instead of the multitude of shops I've been at.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hankimus10]

In a nutshell…..YOU GOTTA WANT IT! All I wanted to do was weld, stayed late after work, came in early, went to school, good ol’ hard work. Not the best, but I give my best every time every day. That’s what my father and my mentors taught me. And that’s what I teach my kids and my apprentices.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Well said!

[@jmbstudio6873]

Material joining is a good skill to have. Like my instructor always said...even a GLAD bag has 3 welds.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Cool instructor!

[@bobsimmons5274]

I'm not a welder, never have been but been around a lot of them, ( Los Angeles harbor ) with a lot of respect for their craft. People really rely on their industrial stuff, you can take a lot of pride in your work... and get paid quite well for a limited formal education. It's hard work and you've gotta be honest and can't be a slacker... but the work you do keeps civilization going, and that's not an exaggeration. Right after Pearl Harbor was attacked, the first thing the government did was fly out every marine welder on the U.S mainland that they could find, to salvage as much of the fleet at Pearl Harbor as they could... One tip : never put a BIC cigarette lighter in your shirt pocket... I heard a story of a welder killed when a spark from his work fell into his shirt pocket, melted through the plastic of a BIC and ignited / exploded the butane inside. Even if you don't make it a career, it's a very worthwhile skill to cultivate, and I suspect it can open a lot of doors to other opportunities. Just about anywhere that you can find erect primates with two sided brains and opposable thumbs, you will find welding opportunities.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thanks for sharing!

[@timothyotoole8224]

man u said it , me stainless tig high pressure, started out welders helper pipe line. definitely had tons to learn& more to come .

[@eliuddegracia1656]

I work in naval shipyard. There two types of welders in the yard. there's the structure welder and the pipe welders. Well I'm a pipe welder. Most structural welder max out at 40 bucks an hour while the pipe welders is 40 and +. I've realized that pipe welder are highly valuable in the industry cause more there more structural welders than pipe welders.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@manosparavida3551]

I know of some very skilled welders whose welding is Picasso like in its appearance, but many of them can't fabricate metal to save their lives. After 38+ years in the trade I consider myself a very good tradesman, but you can never stop learning something new, particularly when your company covers several scopes of the engineering genre. I served an apprenticeship as a boilermaker I've been put to task as a pipe fitter/welder with reasonable success, although obviously not as proficiently as a time-served pipefitter and I've fitted pumps, dynamos and radiators aboard cruise ships and Freightliners on many occasions.

[@shaneand4]

Been welding for 25+ years. This is a pretty strait forward take on the industry. I work in a large press shop now one of only a few guys that can do patch repairs on high pressure schedule 160. Glad I don't have to do it every day but glad I have the skill set to do it.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Way to go!

[@NekoSuave00]

I’m trying to get into welding and I’m not sure don’t wanna pay thousands of dollars to go to school for it and I not like it or it doesn’t pay back my time

[@florenciocastillo4315]

And to make the BIG money you have to travel 90% of the time. You have to be away from the family for weeks or months.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Sacrifices are made to be successful!

[@petersipp5247]

I welded in paper mills, chemical plants and hospital boiler rooms. I did not want to add to the radsioactive waste problem. So, plenty of opportunities out there, everyday was an adventure. I was especially attracted to learning about threaded pipe. I met two guys who showed me the basics. I ran many hundreds of feet on jobs. On scaffolds, ladder tops and on the ground...with not one leak. My favorite pipe work took place in hospital boiler rooms. From welding pipes, making supports for them...out of position welds...running copper & threaded fuel oil lines (that oil is very fine...Don't dare go any more than 2to 2-1/2 turns by hand when testing the threads by hand) Almost had a leak on one joint...Was able to just tighten that one enough . I know my efforts are to the good at a hospital. My fav of faves is VA Hospital boiler room work .

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

It's inspiring to hear about your passion for learning and your commitment to providing essential services. Your work in VA hospitals is particularly commendable.

[@paulmiskell3988]

Welding takes patience , you can’t rush the process

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Precisely

[@robertwatson818]

For sure. There is no "hurry up"--"we need this yesterday"--or "go faster".

[@TheBarrettCompound]

My uncle was a pipe fitter for Local 520 out of Harrisburg area. He worked at a couple different nuclear power plants. He worked on Peach bottom nuclear power plant for a long time. He eventually became the head guy for his company and he got paid real good. Wish I could have seen what he was trying to do for me to set me up with a great paying lifetime career. Well, he's gone now and I'm kicking myself for not taking his offer that he worked hard to make available to me.. I'm going back to school myself to get certified, my current job doesn't require anything like that, one of our welders never welded a day in his life I taught him a few tips and tricks to help him get better and faster

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Salute to your uncle!

[@GickelsGaming]

I hate that I say that i love to share my welding career story, because its so cliche I was 16 when i wanted to enlist in the marines- 17, i was in bootcamp, immediately after graduating HS (kinda graduated by taking advantage of technology being on the uprise and knowing my way around it). broke my wrist twice when i was in boot, and felt like i was in purgatory, saw my brothers graduate from the sidelines and was discharged 5mo later via medical separation as a PFC)- 10 years and many dead end jobs later, i learned to tinker with my civic and did an engine swap, etc and liked watching people make intakes, intercoolers, headers, and roll cages. At that time I was working as a greenskeeper at a golf club and hated it so much. entitled douchers, a snobby knowitall boss, terrible weather conditions every day in the elements and one day the lawn mower maintenance guy was dusting off and trying out the ancient stick welder in the shop and he let me try it for no more than 15 seconds before my boss came in reprimanding me, and asking why i was messing around instead of working- it took me 15 seconds under that hood to know that welding is what i wanted to do with my life, and so i told my boss i needed an extra day off a week for school (i lied, and told him it was for an IT certification, not welding). he refused to give it to me, said this job is more important than computers and asked for my signature on an employee resignation form (so they wouldnt get unemployment hits, and i would be denied unemployment). I smiled, signed the paper, got up and on the way out, i turned and said, "oh josh, by the way, you haven't spelled my name right a single time on the job board in the two years ive been here." and walked out. That same night, i put all my chips on red. i took my entire Covid stimulus check and what left i had in savings and invested it in an intro to a beginner welding course in baltimore. From day 1 i loved everything i learned in that classroom- my instructor was incredible, the environment, the theory. I told him, im really interested in learning to make aftermarket car parts, turbo kits, and love watching stuff being made, and he points straight at my face and says "youre gonna be a tig welder". Day 4 of 6 comes around we try out tig. I absolutely sucked at it- felt like i couldnt figure it out, and my filler just bubbled up and didnt wanna do it. shocked the shit out of myself too. Tony, how do you make it look so easy? "get comfortable and turn your heat up and youre gonna love this stuff". Just like that, i ran a 6" line of uniform beads and i just sat there like.... (o.O)???... fuck?? i showed my teacher and he goes "sweet, dude, now do it again"... did it again!! Little did i know that day would change my life forever- I Went to the bathroom and outside of it, there was a pinboard with a bunch of help wanted ads from local places looking for welders and fabricators. I took a photo of the entire board and that night i started looking at all of the jobs. 6g, 6g, 4G, 6G requirements. Stick welders, iron workers, mig welder mig welder, stick welder------ Tig welder, no certification required?? Sent a very lengthy email telling where i was at in welding, when id finish classes, what i liked about welding and what kinda stuff i was interested in- THIRTEEN MINUTES (precisely) after hitting that send button, i get a call from a random number. reluctantly picked up and eventually lead to a "Can you come in for an interview tomorrow? we mainly do 16-20ga stainless" (i didnt even finish my classes yet, but tomorrow was the day off break we had between classes and ive never welded stainless). SURE WHY NOT! called my dad up "even if you dont pass, you still get to try which is exactly why you wanted to go to class, right?" spent all night watching stainless videos. i show up, talk about America, my ambitions, the work life there and take a weld test- blew a FAT hole in it, immeidately. the guy showing me around goes "oh yeah, dont forget to change your settings"--- i forgot and and he laughed. I drop it from 130 to 45amps and run a beautiful nice yellow autogenous weld all the way across. "not bad, dude, youre already better than X!" boss comes back after a few mins of me messing around on some scrap pieces, sits me down in his office and offers me 20 bucks an hour to start full time that next week! That greenskeeping job was 12/hr by the way. That night i went to the liquor store and show up to class with a case of beer in hand, give it to my instructor, and he asks "whats this for?".... "I landed my new job because of you, sir!" i showed him my weld test and he goes "Duuuuude!" He let me practice on aluminum that day, despite it being an oxy cutting/plasma cutting day. Two and a half years later, ive been welding and fabricating parts and research equipment full time making about 50k+, with three raises so far with fat bonuses, on bigger jobs. Best job ive ever had, and i just started my career. TLDR: worked shitty golf job, mechanic at shitty job turned on a welder, let me try it for 15 seconds, forced into resigning from job 10 minutes later because i wanted to take classes, cashed out my covid check and savings to take welding school that night, found a full time job two days before the course was over by some miracle, and have been a fabricator since. Special shout out to my CWI Tony at Earlbeck, 6061 on youtube for the inspriation to drop mean dimes, and the mechanic at my old job for being the catalyst to my new endeavours. and and fuck josh. hes a dick, and dont ever let someone tell you not to do what you love

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thanks for sharing!

[@luckydoodle1629]

@@WesternWeldingAcademy you didn’t read that 😂

[@FIGGY65]

That’s bad ass! You made your own luck, and are paving your own way. Stay safe !

[@mikealext]

Finally someone being honest about welding. I am so sick of the narrative you can make money just being a trigger puller.

[@RickheadWashington]

Union pipe fitter since 2006. Lots of steam piping heavy industrial. It's brutal on the body. Pay depends on local. Have to travel. But make 45-70 an hour. Sometimes more if it's a big money job. Not a lot of those around anymore.

[@law844]

He’s right. I know pressure guys that work 6-7 days a week, 12 hours and making $300,000+ year. For the loyalty and work ethic a guy was doing pipeline over 100 days straight and need two days to check on his house. They said ok and laid him off the next day for a guy that didn’t need 2 days off. As a pressure welder I made $100k working 6 months but I had to work away from home and job are uncertain and sporadic. All depends on what life style you can handle.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

No doubt about that

[@HappyHarryHardon]

I’m a metal shaper and tig welder now but I grew up in shops with all kinds of welding. Race car shops building chassis, awning shops building the aluminum frames, I was in a job shop for a few years and I didn’t repeat many jobs but I had to be able to fix or build whatever came in that front door. I loved it! Now I build kustom cars for one guy. If we do outside work I charge 140/hr, material deposit, time and material only, no quotes.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Good for you!

[@aaronbuchanan2030]

The company I work for builds ROPS and FOPS safety structures.....we had so many "pipe welders" coming through for temporary work that wash out during testing, or they make it through testing and cant weld what we do on a daily basis. It was so bad at one point I told our weld instructor to wad up and throw away any "pipe welders" application.

[@jeffpistritto9524]

One place many of you young welders should consider looking at when your picking your welding career path is the Rail Road industry! I am a certified welder for a railroad I , we make almost $50 an hour plus overtime and once we reach retirement we go with a pension and health benefits! I only have a highschool diploma and make more money than all my college graduate friends! The second bonus is you don’t have to buy the equipment the railroad has it all ! I work on everything from locomotives, train cars , trucks , structures and equipment so it’s something different everyday ! I highly recommend looking into this career path !

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

That's awesome!

[@Hecanhaveher]

I’m happy working at fab-tech doing my silly tig welds sitting down

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

happy for you my guy

[@mohammedtroy4296]

I have been there and done that and I was always angry with the world until I started working for myself now I can see mother nature I still weld pipe home for practice, for all the welders that looking for a fan for their red Lincoln AC/DC welding machine the microwave oven fan works great it easy the extract from the microwave oven

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

👏👏👏

[@jeffsmith3941]

I thought this video was pretty good. I started welding school in 1991 at NEO A&M College with Doug Lee as my instructor. In high school I had not had a great amount of success, let’s just say that I could never find my stride. Welding School was suggested to me by my brother in law who let me weld for the first time in his Dads garage. The first time that I ever did this I loved it. I loved the light, the way it smelled, the way it looked, everything about it. The success I failed to find in High School I found in Welding School. I learned how to do math I never thought I could do which includes Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Thermodynamics and yes believe it or not a smidge of Physics. I am the 1 percenter that he spoke about. I believe he did misrepresent this area of being a 1 percenter though. Being a 1 percenter is not like breaking into Fort Knox. It does however require something that I have found in my 30 years that a lot of the people just don’t have. They don’t have what it takes to practice, then practice, and then practice some more, and then when your practicer is completely worn slick practice some more. You don’t fish, you don’t hunt, you don’t go chasing girls with your buddies, instead you talk your teacher into lending you the shop keys and you practice. He will say something like “You can weld Jeff but don’t run any grinders that’ll get us caught and you can’t be in here without me. It’ll get me in trouble”. I tell you these stories because you need to hear it said like this. This type of dedication is the difference between 17.00 an hour and being in the 1 percent. Welding is like a pie in that each slice is a specific welding process or something directly related to welding. In my opinion this is an example of how your pie needs to be set up and all of these need to be mastered on pipe in all positions: Slice 1: SMAW, Slice 2: GTAW, Slice 3: GMAW, Slice 4: FCAW, Slice 5: Sub-arc, Slice 6: Positioners, Slice 7: Pipe Fitting (If you can fit pipe you can fit anything it’s just different levels of difficulty and just ask for help, pick the old guy in a bad mood they typically are the best). This is my pie and being able to do all of these skill sets at the mastery level is what makes me a 1 percenter. One percenters work on Pipelines, Powerhouses, Chemical Plants, Fertilizer Plants, Valve Sites, Well Pads and most of its high pressure not all and most all of it is three forms of NDT (Non Destructive Testing) so this could be Visual, Xray and Hydro-test. When you learn all of this or most of it then you can become an inspector which is also fun. Welding is my life and it took me a very long time to learn all of this. I’m 50 on 12-12 and I still need a couple of slices and I most certainly don’t know it all. I really love this trade though, for me it changed my life and maybe it can change yours too, it will however take a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication.

[@wyattsmomandpop]

Thank you for this well thought out and helpful comment. Passing this on the my 16 year old that is wanting to become a welder. Great advice starting out.

[@jimjennings1731]

@@wyattsmomandpop I'm not trying to tell you what to do but if your son could get into a welding class in high school they could get him started with the basics of welding then when he turns 18 he could put his application in a pipefitters union and try to get into the apprenticeship. They will teach him pipefitting and pipe welding among other things. They are usually looking for people that want to weld. He has to have a diploma and it wouldn't hurt to have good math skills. We use math quite a bit. I was a union welder/pipefitter for 30 years. I'm retired now but joining that union was the best decision I ever made. I'll be honest with you most of the time its hard work but rewarding. Good luck to your son.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

This is so helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to share this to us

[@osbaldohernandez9174]

If you are a combo welder and you have really good welds you can make it you can work and make amazing money

[@zerubbabelsbridge]

Which one was the combo welder?

[@osbaldohernandez9174]

@@zerubbabelsbridge a combo welder meaning you can do mig tig stick flux core and use a torch and pass all the tests

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

👌🏻😏

[@staceyswelding]

I miss the pipe welding!!!! I got burned out on the road and opened my own shop still burning just on my schedule!! Great video

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thank you so much!

[@michaelmccamish4008]

Worked in the pressure vessel area and structure steel. Welded everything from mill steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, even titanium and zirconium. Loved my job.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Good stuff!!

[@chadherron5740]

I went and got a welding school certification. First job was welding in a structural steel shop 12 a hour 18 years ago. After a year moved into repairs on rail cars Ana was able to build my life. It's not for anyone who doesn't want to earn a living, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Well said brotha

[@intiaboats]

I didn't hear any mention of underwater welding. I'd probably rate it at the top of the earning scale for welders, in Canada. Back in 2006, I was doing repairs on a freighter & met up with a couple of underwater welders who were paid $200/hour from the time they left their homes, compared to about $27+/hr+Med/dental benefits for my own work (shipyards, union). I knew other non-union welders who were paid $15-18/hr in those days. Personally, I'd recommend a half dozen years or more, then attaining welding inspection certification. Otherwise, you'll wake up to a lot of joint, muscle, & tendon issues in your 40s-50s, like I did.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thanks for sharing!

[@seanprice6345]

Under water welding is more about the under water than the welding. Skilled work that pays well but you need the scuba skills and the physical stamina to spend hours underwater

[@jaredzaragoza1204]

Thank you for explaining the welding industry gave me great motivation im starting welding school next week 💯

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Glad I could help

[@Truth-Seeker777]

Structural welding and fabrication background here; You just told it how it is and I respect that! Too many schools try to sell welding as if they will get rich picking up a MIG welder, when that can be misleading.

[@graceperiod720]

true. Union apprenticeships is the way to go

[@anthonyrivas3523]

@@graceperiod720 I’m a Union apprentice doing structural welding

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thank you!

[@JimmyWelds]

My father and I bill out between 3 and 400k a year as a 2 man band doing mine site structural stuff. Hand rails, ladders, walkways, stairs, etc. All stick welded, in all conditions. I always dreamed of being a TIG boy in a nice clean workshop, but you gotta follow the money at the end of the day.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

True that

[@JonKorpi-o9w]

Retired welder worked 30+ in pressure vessels and pipe did mostly x-ray tig repair work in my 30 years my best year was 200k my worst was 120k big time welding turned down many jobs for insane money cause I was happy not traveling

[@pollepost]

I work at a repair shop for heavy equipment like wheel loaders and trucks. I make 38$ an hour before tax, 6 weeks of vacation, 37 hours a week. Plus various benefits like free clothes, cheap lunch, free doctor and health insurance. Denmark

[@rileybuske1265]

America is quite different!

[@George.did9.11]

I’m 17 and I wanna be a welder for my career. And I just came here to let you know I have what it takes!

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Send us an application at Applytoweld.com 👌

[@thomasdmuchowski301]

I am a fabricator and I get paid way way more than u stated …. I work for myself as well as for a production fabrication shop I use all tooling from oxy/ petroleum cutting ,the track torch , a line bore/welder ,cnc control bandsaw ,cad and operation of vicon plasma table ( one of my favorite tools can draw anything and cut it out out to 2 inch thickness) welding (mig tig stick ) I can read a tape measure apparently a lost art from a massive shear a press I can read all prints and I can reverse engineer anything but a computer hahaha

[@VortekXtiik]

If you have back issues also consider what work you do in this industry, I worked in a shop and it was very hard on the back, repetitive welds in the flat and horizontal position, lots of visits to the chiropractor and putting time into stretching. I’m doing mostly field work now and it has been way better on the back surprisingly. You are never doing the same job, one day you might be splicing piles in the field, the next you might be hard facing a clam bucket.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

That's great advice. Back health is crucial in any physical job. It's smart to consider the physical demands of different welding roles. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@AshleyOnYT]

I'm 15 and about to start welding. I am hyped about all the different possible jobs avaliable, although honestly the lower paying ones sound more appealing. Don't care about money as long as I can live conformable.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Rooting for you ol'son!

[@inhibited44]

I am 62 and I just like learning new skills. I find that the trades teach me stuff I can use. Took so many college classes and never used most of it. Problem with the trades is you can age out much younger. Took auto technology when I was 45. Employers told me I was too old for it. I figure, if I learn how to do stuff and employers don't want it due to age, that's their problem. Took HVAC in 1990 . Used it a few times to work on a fridge, fix a a washer/dryer. I had a busted board on a furnace, so I couldn't fix that.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

respects to you man

[@mauricioantonio7301]

I felt the fun in welding since i took my first class in high school sadly my parents knocked that dream out of my head

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

So sorry to hear that ol'son

[@Godeseternal1]

Right at the end of a four month welding course at a trade school, I welded on some pipe coupons, and from that point, I fell in love with pipe welding. That was in 1976. I went on to learn how to tig, stick, and mig weld on most metals. My favorite was stainless steel sch. 10 x-ray welds. Did it all. Uphill, downhill, around the hill...Lol 😂 Busted a few tests, but passed more. 🙂

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

That is awesome!

[@infamoushacker4chan883]

I work as a repair welder in a car plant, fixing defective welds. You're definitely right about the repetition. Not the most exciting work, but it pays well and I get to list this as job experience.

[@joseguadalupe5209]

rivian? lotta bad welds right

[@infamoushacker4chan883]

@@joseguadalupe5209 Mostly Ford parts. We make car seats predominantly. The automated machines suck and I basically babysit them, fixing all their bad welds, lol.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

That's a solid approach. It's great you're turning that repetitive work into valuable experience. Good for you!

[@ryanprosper88]

I'm just thinking about getting into welding. It's been in my mind for the past 5 months. The biggest thing that concerns me is the risks involved. Breathing in crap for the next 30 years or doing something that could kill me doesn't really appeal to me, but I have an artistic side and an eye for detail so it's that's what interests me. Any thoughts?

[@JimmyWelds]

One of the guys I work with is 83 years old and still welds every day. Being artistic, having an eye for detail and being a bit OCD will get you absolutely left alone.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

What I can say is try it before it's too late! Risks can be avoided if you're careful and with the proper PPE

[@treypelham5515]

Can’t you put a box fan in front of where you’re welding at to decrease the fumes? Or is there some sort of danger added by having a fan near you welding? I have no idea, I’m completely new to welding.

[@RepLicanT00100]

I love being a welder. . Every angle of it , even the worst parts I still find a smile and satisfaction at the end. But I always tell people to never become a welder by trade ha.

[@kamrenwilliams2103]

why not by trade

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Same here lol

[@michaelmiley8265]

soon as I got to the middle of the video I subscribed to you western welding academy. You taught me something new today and I have been learning on how to weld. And I am gonna think about what you said it is useful.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Much appreciated man!

[@illestk24civic]

If you want to be a money making welder get into the oil field, high pressure ammonia systems, nuclear and that’s about it, he nailed it right on point, if you want to be dirty, no money making welder then work local shops

[@Darkworldxl]

I got a job at a sanitary pipe system company right out of school. I TIG weld and fabricate sq stainless and I practice with the pipe for a bit after work (they let me)

[@reterumstrict1091]

Located where

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Cool!

[@Darkworldxl]

@@reterumstrict1091 Maine/NH

[@penjamin69]

Really love the videos. I work in a manufacturing shop on heavier steel stuff like trailers, tractor axels, and more

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

much appreciated!

[@larrymasterspowerbuildingc4477]

This video needs to be the intro to any welder's start. Anywhere. If you listen, You're gonna find out right away where your starts should be. Thanks for your truth today. I am a production welder. That's my get up and go.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thank you too!

[@flintironstag2381]

Redundancy? OMG, you summed up a lot of my 30 years of welding in one word. I've been a shop welder the whole time. I started welding in a mig welding production shop (Mr gasket) in '94. Lots of the same parts done over and over. Did that for over 10 years. These production jobs are great if you want to get a LOT of practice. Lucky for me, I've been able to get TIG welding experience and eventually fabrication experience. From my experience, it's all about timing and how management treats you overall. If they never give raises or treat you like garbage, move on. Not worth the aggravation. If they really need you to stay, they'll give good raises. If you're doing a good job and get the runaround about raises, then they don't care if you leave. You're expendable. Move on. With that said, is pipe welding steady work? I was under the impression that it's lots of hours, great pay, but is temporary and you find yourself unemployed after the job is done. I've been a shop welder this whole time, so I have no idea.

[@adamreside3912]

I have gone from doing light commercial to doing pipeline, coal power plant, refineries, and nuclear plant maintenence. I stopped doing it mostly because I was tired of working as many hours as I did. I will say though, I will never forget working on the nuclear reactor. The only thing separating us from the nuclear rods was a 4ft thick concrete wall. It's kind of a shame that it's so illegal to take any pictures because it was almost surreal. Now I do ornamental fab, and having a blast doing it. My plan is to move into aerospace welding in some years.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thanks for sharing! Good luck on that

[@astarte768]

I’m a union pipefitter and welder just got home from prairie island nuclear power plant made some good money

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

👏👏

[@alexandernelson477]

Not always. I'm an areospace welder, which if you ask me.. I've seen countless union boilermakers pipe fitters ect come in with 10 years experience fail over and over again. Sheet metal fabricating and welding is the hardest of hard of welding it takes a special touch to weld .30 material without fucking it up. Areospace pays very very well. And you don't have to work 80 hours a week. If you want to be a real top dog, join areospace. You get to do different jobs, instead of welding the same pipe everyday. A pipe is a pipe bro. I can show you fitments you'd never be able to do. But I bet your job I can step in day one and do your job.

[@artvandelay837]

I'm a structural welder, traveled all of the USA, and made great money. I'm ready to do something else but the problem is i have no idea lol. Welding inspection sounds good but thats even harder to get into than being a welder

[@franciscov1356]

I’m a welder my self but we gotta be real to is also bout who u know in those 1% jobs . If u ain’t connected u won’t even get to test .

[@kevinperry3699]

Structural is also in the top 1% of earners, especially in the Northeast, I can assure you of that. Also hundreds of thousands per year.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thanks for the insight

[@bige311]

Much respect to all you welders amazing how much knowledge you have to have. I'm a Wireless/Wifi Engineer, but fascinated with all types of welding :)...blame youtube :)

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Much appreciated!

[@aaronparks7579]

Okay, and this is as a Welder/Steamfitter/CWIE! What about AeroSpace? Completely glassed over on that HUGE industry! I'm a full-time instructor nowadays, and have an albeit very good former student working for Northrop Gruman on HVAC parts for the ISS, Space X, Boeing, and others that is making north of 100k/yr two years out of high school! This seems like a western "If all you have is a Hammer, everything looks like a nail" deal. You said Dairy Plants and Breweries a lot!

[@leandresmith-z2b]

I live 10 minutes from a ship yard & its close to the water they make big money out there a regular welder is making $117,000 a year thats good money right there.

[@jackr2287]

Good video. Not selling people on a false promise, laying out the different graduations clearly and concisely. I plan to pick up a set to do hobby welding, and maybe go career from there. I have no illusions at this time I'll get into the big leagues straight off, but no reason not to try.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Great to hear! Welding is a fantastic skill to have. Good luck on your journey!

[@cooksburg]

Pretty good, short and simple. If you work in a shop environment find a style and be great. Most shops take every kind of work 15-25hr. But specialty shops (s.s., aluminum, home decor, industrial kitchens....) these can net you 20-35hr easy. Its the same work as a take all shop but they can charge more for that specialty name.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Solid point! Specializing in a specific area can definitely boost earning potential. It's all about finding that niche where your skills can shine.

[@johnserton7997]

I woke up one day and said I’m going to go weld pipe and I’ve been doing it for 6 years now. It’s not about what you know it’s about who you know in the unions and the building and the companies. Whos cousins brothers sons father whatchamacallit can get you in. Being passionate takes a backseat to nepotism. My uncle knew a guy who was looking for someone to work when I was fresh out of school so I got a shoe in, now I shooed in one friend and one of my brothers 😊

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

That's awesome!

[@RedSiegfried]

Everyone talks about how much money you can make welding but I've never known a single person who welds for a living that made more than someone who works in IT for a living.

[@lonewolftech]

Idk anyone who welds for a living who isn’t a dead beat drug addict or drunk. They don’t make shit for money and are in debt by hundreds of thousand in their rigs.

[@phordguy]

I know a lot of low paid IT workers. Just look at the ones in the primary and secondary school systems. They don't make much more than those who work in restaurants.

[@vpertrailerhd5765]

I am welder for IBEW 111. You are 100% correct sir

[@lonewolftech]

O.0 why tf does the ibew need welders 😂

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thank you so much!

[@thisfool90]

Don't forget about welding for yourself! Custom projects, bardominiums, ranch welding. Can't wait to get my feet wet. Last semester of welding school, going to go out and make the most of it.. if I was 12 years younger I would be top 1%, but not willing to spend 6 + months away from my family. Can't exactly pack up and move a farm into an rv lol.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Good idea!

[@Kevin-mk8wd]

Worked in the boilermakers tig welding boiler tubes for the past 6 years. Just Took a job working in a shop on heavy equipment because it pays better

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

🔥🔥🔥

[@kylezmcgee455]

At 45, thinking about a career change. I've done restaurants and pharmacy technician. Looking into the welding program at a local college as a possibility. (Medical lab technician, radiologic technician or medical assistant were the other choices).

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Go for it man!

[@abndmt]

I work in the nuclear industry in safety and health and I'm always impressed by the professionalism and knowledge of our local union welders. I don't think I've ever heard any of them say "Sorry, I don't know how to do that."

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

😮