1 Oct 2018

What is a Welder?

Welding is a career rich in history and goes back as far as 4000 BC to an era known as the Bronze Age, which originated in Egypt.  Today, almost every industry needs welders, and if you don’t want to work in a shop or on a production line, there are welding opportunities under the sea, on fast cars, or even in space!

A Welder’s primary duty is joining metal parts together. They work on metal components from a variety of building or construction industries. Examples include, but are not limited to, pipelines, bridges, power-plants, or refineries. A career in welding requires problem-solving skills, hand-eye co-ordination, and effective communication skills.

Welding is one of the very few skills that can earn you a six figure income without a college degree, and you can earn your Welding Certificate in as little as nine months; instead you are judged on your skill level.  Highly skilled welders that are willing to travel and/or work in hazardous conditions can earn well over $100,000.00 a year! Here are some examples of welder salaries**:

  • Traveling industrial pipe welders earn anywhere between $50,000.00 and $185,000.00 a year.
  • Underwater welders can earn $100,000.00 to well over $200.000.00 a year.
  • Military support welders can start at $160,000.00 to more than $200,000.00 a year in the Middle East.

Mean Salary 2017 (Ohio)*

$19.31/hourly
$40,160/annual

Source: * US Bureau of Labor Statistics / ** GoWelding.org

Potential Occupations

  • Autobody Welder
  • Underwater Welder
  • Fabrication, Manufacturing and Production Welder
  • Structural and Pressure Vessel Welder
  • Ironworker

Does a Career as a Welder interest you?

If so, Owens Community College is NOW ENROLLING for its welding classes taking place at the Fostoria Learning Center. To find out more contact:

Tim Santry,
Owens Community College-Findlay Campus
Email: Timothy_Santry@owens.edu
Phone: (567) 429-3105
Register Online: You can also APPLY ONLINE through Owens’ online application process.  Note: as this is a certification program, there are no pre-requisites needed.

Click Here to watch a brief How to Register video

Classes are held at the Fostoria Learning Center