Job Prospects Look Good for Welders, Solderers, Brazers
Written by Admin on April 3, 2008 – 5:22 pm -
Welder
There has been a shortage in skilled trades workers for quite a few years, as retirees are not being replaced by a younger worker pool and/or the export of many of the jobs to cheaper overseas markets as well as increased use of automation/robots in the workplace. The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates that while employment growth overall in the manufacturing sector may be below average, the prospects for experienced metalworkers look good in terms of opportunities and compensation.
Most metalworkers are in the manufacturing sector, primarily in fabricated metal product manufacturing, transportation equipment manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, architectural and structural metals manufacturing, and construction industries. Workers generally put in long hours, and overtime is common and usually expected. Some companies operate shifts around the clock. Employers already report a lack of qualified employees to fill open positions. In 2006 there were about 462,000 welders, solderers, and brazers. The job market is expected to grow about 5% over the next 10 years.
Median wage-and-salary earnings of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers were $15.10 an hour in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $12.30 and $18.47. The lowest 10 percent had earnings of less than $10.08, and the top 10 percent earned over $22.50 per hour.
Thanks to advances in joining technology, welders are now working in other industries like construction, and utilities. This has cushioned the impact of the steady decline in the manufacturing sector. Since welding is welding, regardless of the industry, welders can move from one industry that’s in a slump to another one that is still going strong. For example, laid-off welders in the declining auto industry are able to jump over to the booming oil and gas industry.
Metalworking is a local kind of occupation because the workplace and items being worked on can’t be sent overseas to lower cost laborers. And because of the need for an expert to inspect a weld and make adjustments if needed, automation of these jobs is much less likely for welders and welding machine operators than others in the manufacturing industry. There is no substitute for a human being with this kind of job. And in custom welding applications, it’s even more critical for a human to do the inspecting and adjusting. So welding and other metalworkers have a degree of job security as long as they can be flexible and move to another industry (and location) if needed.
Tags: Add new tag, employment statistc, gowth in welding jobs, job market for welders, job security
Posted in Employment | 6 Comments »
By elizaveta from job search on Sep 15, 2009 | Reply
This tendency has been observed for several years all over the world already. But what I’d like to know is why people who have been laid off do not start considering some new occupations when their job search is unsuccessful.
By Janine from Business Directory on Nov 12, 2009 | Reply
Elizaveta: Most people are like that. People should acquire more skills if they can’t consider other simple jobs they don’t have interest in.
By Calvin from Oil Rig Jobs on Nov 15, 2009 | Reply
>> For example, laid-off welders in the declining auto industry are able to jump over to the booming oil and gas industry.
Those welders who successfully make it in the oil and gas industry can expect to make nearly double their old wages. Of course, the working conditions are a great deal tougher, and the environment considerably more dangerous, so it all evens out.
Calvin@Oil Rig Jobs´s last blog ..Oil Drilling Rig Jobs – Why Look For Entry Level Roustabout Jobs And Offshore Drilling Rig Jobs?
By Neda from Resume Builder on Dec 22, 2009 | Reply
I agree that there will always be a demand for metalworkers, as automation of Metalworking jobs is not possible. It’s also good that welding and other metalworkers have job security as they can move to another industry, if they want to.
By Aluminum Bonding on Jan 11, 2010 | Reply
Indeed, it was a very intriguing process that you’ve found out. A few months ago I acquired an aluminum bonding component by S-Bond (www.s-bond.com). They have a vast variety of joined components that can provide some important attributes, such as low temperature joining (limits base material changes or distortion). This product was a great alternative to the regular aluminum joining processes. The limited tooling and ease of set up for S-Bond joining could significantly reduce costs.
By Roofracks on Jan 17, 2010 | Reply
Good Job ! I am excited that there is plenty of opportunity for welders, Solderers, Brazers. It gives insight to the profession that are open for them.