Welders join metal parts using heat and tools. They work with steel, aluminum, or plastic to create or repair machinery, buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure.
Key Duties:
- Set up and operate welding equipment
- Perform various different welds to make strong joints
- Inspect, clean, and finish all welds
Training & Certification:
- Welding certificate from a technical school or community college (many programs include hands-on training in different welding processes) (optional)
- Informal apprenticeship is also acceptable
-
Certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS) are often required. OSHA safety training is also needed.
Apprenticeship:
- Apprenticeships (3–4 years) are offered by unions and trade Apprentices train under journeymen welders and learn multiple welding techniques. This on-the-job training is paid and can be combined with classroom welding classes.
Salary Range:
-
- ~$30k–$60k per year (median ~$51k), depending on skill. Specialized
welders (pipe welders, underwater welders) can earn more.
Job Outlook:
- +2% growth (2022–32) (slower growth). Demand remains steady in manufacturing, construction, and repair work.
Work Environment:
- Workshops, factory floors, or outdoors. Welding is hot and noisy; protective gear (welding mask, gloves, jacket) is a Weldersmay work at heights, underwater, or in confined spaces depending on specialty. Shifts are often full-time, with overtime if needed.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: High skill demand in many industries; can work internationally (construction projects, shipyards); creative and precisework; opportunities in robotics and
- Cons: Exposure to heat, fumes, and bright light; physically tiring (standing long hours, heavy equipment); risk of burns and eye injury; may work incramped or elevated positions.
Path to Entry:
- Finish high school (focus on math, physics, shop classes).
- Attend a welding program at a trade school or community
- Enroll in a welding apprenticeship (union or private sector).
- Pass AWS certification exams (positions often require multiple certs).
- Gain experience by working on different projects (construction, automotive, ).
Career Advancement:
- Become a certified welding inspector or trainer; specialize in high-demand areas (pipeline, underwater, aerospace welding); moveinto welding supervision or quality control; start a welding business.
Recommended Resources:
- American Welding Society (AWS): Certification and training
- Lincoln Electric Welding School: Trade programs and
- NCCER Welding Curriculum: Standard training
Video Resource: “Welding Career Insights” (educational YouTube channels on welding).
Machinists and tool-and-die makers operate machine tools to fabricate precision metal parts and tools. They work in factories, tool rooms, and shops to create components used in machines, engines, and other products.
Key Duties:
- Access all material, specs, and proper tools before starting machine
- Operate CNC (computer numerically controlled) machines or manual machines
- Perform a quality control check on all products
Training & Certification:
- Technical degree or certificate in machining
- Complete a formal apprenticeship (4) and depending on specialties may be longer
- Gain skills in math and CAD/CAM (computer-aided design)
Apprenticeship:
- Union and non-union apprenticeships (4 years) train machinists in trade schools and on the job. Apprentices learn all machine processes, safety, and blueprint reading. Many community colleges partner with industries for co-op programs.
Salary Range:
- ~$40k–$80k per year (median ~$57k). Tool & die makers may earn more due to specialized skill.
Job Outlook:
- Overall ≈ 0% growth (little or no change) for machinists; demand declines as automated manufacturing increases, but skilled operators are still needed for precision work.
Work Environment:
- Primarily indoors in shops and manufacturing Work requires standing or sitting at machines for long periods. Machinists usenoisy, vibrating machinery, so hearing protection is used. Blueprints and computers are common in the shop. Standard full-time hours; some overtime for meeting production quotas.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: In-demand in specialized industries (aerospace, medical devices); high-precision work can be satisfying; opportunities to learn CNC and robotics; clear skill progression (junior to master machinist or toolmaker).
- Cons: Can be routine and detailed; risk of injury from moving parts; requires constant learning as tech evolves (new machines, software); heavy apprenticeship commitment.
Path to Entry:
- Finish high school (take drafting, math, CAD classes).
- Complete a machining certificate or associate degree program (hands-on shop training).
- Enter a machinist apprenticeship (often union-sponsored or employer-led).
- Work as a journeyman machinist; earn NIMS certifications for specific machine
Career Advancement:
- CNC programmer or manufacturing engineer; production supervisor; specialized tool & die maker; quality control inspector; pursue a Mechanical Engineering degree.
Recommended Resources:
- NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills): Certification and standards for
- Manufacturing Institutes: Local trade schools and community colleges with CNC
- UNION Apprenticeships: International Association of Machinists (IAM)
Video Resource: “CNC Machinist – Day in the Life” (factory training videos).
Industrial mechanics (often called millwrights) install, maintain, and repair the heavy machinery that runs factories and power plants. They work on equipment like conveyors, turbines, pumps, and production machines.
Key Duties:
- Inspect machinery for wear and thenif needed replace or repair broken parts
- Perform maitainence on machines to prevent damage or wear
- Install machines and hardware
Training & Certification:
- Postsecondary certificate or associate’s in automotive technologies
- Many employers prefer ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications.
Apprenticeship:
- Formal apprenticeships are rare; instead, on-the-job training is New
Salary Range:
- About $50k–$80k per year (median ~$60k).
- However other sites, like Glassdoor, say that the median is $92k.
Job Outlook:
- +6% growth (2023–33), about as fast as average, driven by construction and infrastructure.
Work Environment:
- Work inside and outside; job sites include homes, restaurants, factories, and utilities. Tasks involve heavy lifting, working in tight or dirty spaces, and exposure to water and waste. Often on call for emergency repairs (e.g., burst pipes).
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Reliable demand (everyone needs plumbing); well-paid skilled trade; apprenticeship pays on- the-job; many plumbers start their own business.
- Cons: Physically hard work (heavy tools and pipes); wet/messy conditions (sewer lines, drains); irregular hours (emergencies, on-call); work in cramped or awkward positions.
Path to Entry:
- Finish high school (focus on math, physics, shop classes).
- Optional: Complete a pre-apprenticeship program or trade school courses in electrical
- Apply for a plumbing apprenticeship (formal or informal)
- Work 4–5 years as an apprentice
- Pass the journeyman plumber’s exam (state licensing exam).
Career Advancement:
- Master plumber or plumbing contractor; specialties like steam fitting or sprinkler systems; supervisor or inspector (plumbing code enforcement); vocational instructor.
Recommended Resources:
- United Association (UA) Apprenticeship: Union program with paid training and free college
- NCCER Plumbing Training: Industry-standard
- Local Trade Schools & Community Colleges: Certificate/degree plumbing
Video Resource: “How to Become a Plumber” guides on
Welders join metal parts using heat and tools. They work with steel, aluminum, or plastic to create or repair machinery, buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure.
Key Duties:
- Set up and operate welding equipment
- Perform various different welds to make strong joints
- Inspect, clean, and finish all welds
Training & Certification:
- Welding certificate from a technical school or community college (many programs include hands-on training in different welding processes) (optional)
- Informal apprenticeship is also acceptable
-
Certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS) are often required. OSHA safety training is also needed.
Apprenticeship:
- Apprenticeships (3–4 years) are offered by unions and trade Apprentices train under journeymen welders and learn multiple welding techniques. This on-the-job training is paid and can be combined with classroom welding classes.
Salary Range:
-
- ~$30k–$60k per year (median ~$51k), depending on skill. Specialized
welders (pipe welders, underwater welders) can earn more.
Job Outlook:
- +2% growth (2022–32) (slower growth). Demand remains steady in manufacturing, construction, and repair work.
Work Environment:
- Workshops, factory floors, or outdoors. Welding is hot and noisy; protective gear (welding mask, gloves, jacket) is a Weldersmay work at heights, underwater, or in confined spaces depending on specialty. Shifts are often full-time, with overtime if needed.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: High skill demand in many industries; can work internationally (construction projects, shipyards); creative and precisework; opportunities in robotics and
- Cons: Exposure to heat, fumes, and bright light; physically tiring (standing long hours, heavy equipment); risk of burns and eye injury; may work incramped or elevated positions.
Path to Entry:
- Finish high school (focus on math, physics, shop classes).
- Attend a welding program at a trade school or community
- Enroll in a welding apprenticeship (union or private sector).
- Pass AWS certification exams (positions often require multiple certs).
- Gain experience by working on different projects (construction, automotive, ).
Career Advancement:
- Become a certified welding inspector or trainer; specialize in high-demand areas (pipeline, underwater, aerospace welding); moveinto welding supervision or quality control; start a welding business.
Recommended Resources:
- American Welding Society (AWS): Certification and training
- Lincoln Electric Welding School: Trade programs and
- NCCER Welding Curriculum: Standard training
Video Resource: “Welding Career Insights” (educational YouTube channels on welding).
Machinists and tool-and-die makers operate machine tools to fabricate precision metal parts and tools. They work in factories, tool rooms, and shops to create components used in machines, engines, and other products.
Key Duties:
- Access all material, specs, and proper tools before starting machine
- Operate CNC (computer numerically controlled) machines or manual machines
- Perform a quality control check on all products
Training & Certification:
- Technical degree or certificate in machining
- Complete a formal apprenticeship (4) and depending on specialties may be longer
- Gain skills in math and CAD/CAM (computer-aided design)
Apprenticeship:
- Union and non-union apprenticeships (4 years) train machinists in trade schools and on the job. Apprentices learn all machine processes, safety, and blueprint reading. Many community colleges partner with industries for co-op programs.
Salary Range:
- ~$40k–$80k per year (median ~$57k). Tool & die makers may earn more due to specialized skill.
Job Outlook:
- Overall ≈ 0% growth (little or no change) for machinists; demand declines as automated manufacturing increases, but skilled operators are still needed for precision work.
Work Environment:
- Primarily indoors in shops and manufacturing Work requires standing or sitting at machines for long periods. Machinists usenoisy, vibrating machinery, so hearing protection is used. Blueprints and computers are common in the shop. Standard full-time hours; some overtime for meeting production quotas.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: In-demand in specialized industries (aerospace, medical devices); high-precision work can be satisfying; opportunities to learn CNC and robotics; clear skill progression (junior to master machinist or toolmaker).
- Cons: Can be routine and detailed; risk of injury from moving parts; requires constant learning as tech evolves (new machines, software); heavy apprenticeship commitment.
Path to Entry:
- Finish high school (take drafting, math, CAD classes).
- Complete a machining certificate or associate degree program (hands-on shop training).
- Enter a machinist apprenticeship (often union-sponsored or employer-led).
- Work as a journeyman machinist; earn NIMS certifications for specific machine
Career Advancement:
- CNC programmer or manufacturing engineer; production supervisor; specialized tool & die maker; quality control inspector; pursue a Mechanical Engineering degree.
Recommended Resources:
- NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills): Certification and standards for
- Manufacturing Institutes: Local trade schools and community colleges with CNC
- UNION Apprenticeships: International Association of Machinists (IAM)
Video Resource: “CNC Machinist – Day in the Life” (factory training videos).
Industrial mechanics (often called millwrights) install, maintain, and repair the heavy machinery that runs factories and power plants. They work on equipment like conveyors, turbines, pumps, and production machines.
Key Duties:
- Inspect machinery for wear and thenif needed replace or repair broken parts
- Perform maitainence on machines to prevent damage or wear
- Install machines and hardware
Training & Certification:
- Postsecondary certificate or associate’s in automotive technologies
- Many employers prefer ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications.
Apprenticeship:
- Formal apprenticeships are rare; instead, on-the-job training is New
Salary Range:
- About $50k–$80k per year (median ~$60k).
- However other sites, like Glassdoor, say that the median is $92k.
Job Outlook:
- +6% growth (2023–33), about as fast as average, driven by construction and infrastructure.
Work Environment:
- Work inside and outside; job sites include homes, restaurants, factories, and utilities. Tasks involve heavy lifting, working in tight or dirty spaces, and exposure to water and waste. Often on call for emergency repairs (e.g., burst pipes).
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Reliable demand (everyone needs plumbing); well-paid skilled trade; apprenticeship pays on- the-job; many plumbers start their own business.
- Cons: Physically hard work (heavy tools and pipes); wet/messy conditions (sewer lines, drains); irregular hours (emergencies, on-call); work in cramped or awkward positions.
Path to Entry:
- Finish high school (focus on math, physics, shop classes).
- Optional: Complete a pre-apprenticeship program or trade school courses in electrical
- Apply for a plumbing apprenticeship (formal or informal)
- Work 4–5 years as an apprentice
- Pass the journeyman plumber’s exam (state licensing exam).
Career Advancement:
- Master plumber or plumbing contractor; specialties like steam fitting or sprinkler systems; supervisor or inspector (plumbing code enforcement); vocational instructor.
Recommended Resources:
- United Association (UA) Apprenticeship: Union program with paid training and free college
- NCCER Plumbing Training: Industry-standard
- Local Trade Schools & Community Colleges: Certificate/degree plumbing
Video Resource: “How to Become a Plumber” guides on