Welding is a process that uses a type of heating to join two or more metals. It is also a skill that is open to everyone. You might be interested in picking it up as a hobby or a full-time career, and age limits might be a concern. So, how old do you have to be to weld?
Welding involves equipment and temperatures that border on dangerous, especially without the proper skills to handle them. Although there is no age limit to begin learning, you must consider the dangers and take all necessary precautions before starting. Children under 17 years of age must work with adult supervision.
This article considers whether welding pays well and how old you have to be to weld. I also explore the requirements for getting a welding license and the skills you need to be a welder.
Does Welding Pay Well?
Prospective welders and their families often ask this question, and there is no straightforward answer to give. Multiple factors affect a welder’s pay, and some of them are:
- Level of skill
Entry-level welders or journeymen are just coming into the job market, and they can earn as low as $7.25 hourly. Mid-career welders have some experience but aren’t advanced and earn about $18.90 per hour. Experienced welders are advanced, have knowledge and expertise across various types of welding, and can make as much as $35.50 hourly.
- Welding specialty
Welder is a general term because, in the field, there are Shipbuilders, Arc Welders, Fabricators, MIG welders, Pipeliners, Ironworkers, Combo Welders, TIG welders, and Pipe Welders.
The field or working environment also varies, including manufacturing, energy sectors, construction, and film and television production—the more intricate the specialty and job description, the higher the pay.
- Job requirements and risk
Some welding projects require a lot of traveling, and you may choose to work overtime. Many welders increase their earnings by working late nights, early mornings, weekends, and even holidays.
Some journeymen also choose to work for months at a time, picking up extra shifts to have a lot of time off at the end of the year. Risky jobs like underwater welding, rig welding, etc., obviously pay a lot more than jobs with less risk.
The average welder salary is $46,000 per year, and high earners make over $200,000. Rig Welders, Underwater Welders, Nuclear Welders, Industrial Pipeline Welders, and Military Support Welders are the highest earners.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Weld?
Your children, friends’ kids, or students might pick an interest in your job and desire to start. If you have a child below 18 dabbling as a hobby or interested in pursuing it as a career, try not to prohibit them.
Ensure they have the best protective gear and understand the basic safety principles. They may even start by observing before handling and tools or tasks.
On the professional spectrum, there is no age limit to get certifications. However, many companies will require you to be 18 years of age and above because of safety concerns.
Before you can meet these qualifications, you could get training opportunities at your high school’s vocational program or a college.
What Are the Requirements for Getting a Welding License?
Different employers have varying education requirements. While some want at least a high school diploma and completion of their own welding tests, others ask for a certificate or an undergraduate degree from a vocational school, community college, or technical school.
Here are the steps you need to get a welding license:
- Write the test to get an American Welding Society (AWS) certification.
- Complete the practical AWS welder performance qualification exam at an AWS accredited test facility.
- Submit a completed Certificate Welder Application for your certification.
- Next, apply for a state license as required – New York requires you to apply for a certification from the NY State Department of Transportation and pass a background check before you can practice.
To keep practicing, you must renew your license by submitting a Maintenance of Welder Certification form before the expiration date of your license.
While not all states require certification or a license, it would be best to get one or both because it shows prospective employers that you are a professional. This will expand your pool of employment opportunities.
Also, more training for certifications and tests will help you improve your skills and expand your professional skills.
What Skills Do You Need to Be a Welder?
Skilled and unskilled welders exist, and this grouping is based on their skills and training. Unskilled welders usually work on simpler projects and do repetitive work that does not need specialized knowledge.
In contrast, skilled welders have honed their skills from training courses and apprenticeships, and they can use blueprints and written documents to work independently. They have specialized knowledge in essential areas, like how different metals respond to various welding processes.
If you are interested in going to a welding school or enrolling in an apprenticeship, here are some skills you should have to be a good welder:
- Mathematical skills – you will need to understand 2D and 3D diagrams and read blueprints. Cutting metals according to dimensions also requires a good grasp of mathematical knowledge like Trigonometry and Algebra.
- Good hand-eye coordination and a steady hand are necessary to produce high-quality welds. It takes a long time to develop this skill because you need time to master how different welds work, hold your tools steady, control the weld pool, and create smooth and strong weldments.
- Attention to detail cannot be overemphasized because you should notice the little things, like double-checking your equipment before use, cleaning corrosion and grease from workpieces, following the best welding practices, and remembering the proper PPE.
- To be a good welder, endurance, physical strength, being open to learning new things, manual dexterity, good communication, and teamwork abilities are other skills you must possess.
Administrative skills are also necessary because you may have to plan projects, manage inventory, document your progress, etc. Whatever the skills required, you can hone them with patience and practice.
