What are the pros and cons of being a welder?

Pros:

• Competitive benefits. On average, welders make more than the average salary, especially when overtime is factored in. There are also great benefits and some agencies add extra benefits to entice potential employees.

• Different starting points. There are various ways for people to begin working as welders. Some high schools offer vocational courses, while community colleges and trade schools often have welding programs. There are even some jobs that offer on-the-job training. These options make welding a possibility for many people.

• Travel. Welders often find themselves moving around for different projects. If you enjoy seeing lots of different places and meeting new people, this can be a great career for you.

Cons

• Dangerous work. The work of a welder is physically demanding and can be dangerous. The work includes working with fire, and burns are not uncommon, especially when you are first starting out.

• Long hours. Welders can work for very long hours. Typically, when a welder has a job to complete, they have very specific deadlines and may work overtime and long hours to complete the project in the allotted time.