SHINING A LIGHT ON
THE WELDING WORKFORCE

HIGH DEMAND.
SKILL GAP.
CRITICAL NEED.

These are just a few terms that describe the outlook of the welding workforce.

While it’s true that many skilled welders are needed to meet future demand, the situationis nuanced and also speaks to the opportunities awaiting professionals entering the field or those considering a career change.

EXPLORE THE LATEST
WORKFORCE DATA FOR WELDING

Discover comprehensive welding employment statistics, workforce projections, and welding career outlook insights endorsed by the American Welding Society (AWS). Our data highlights the pressing need to strengthen the welding talent pipeline nationwide.


320,500


New welding professionals are projected to be needed in the U.S. by 2029.


Average welding jobs to be filled annually between 2025 and 2029.

80,000

Why is Demand So High?

320,500 PROJECTED OPENINGS

What defines a welding professional?

The AWS Foundation classifies six key occupations where welding is a primary function, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Learn more about these critical welding occupations and career paths at Careersinwelding.com.

Boilermakers
Sheet Metal Worker
Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Structural Metal Fabricators
and Fitters
Welders, Cutters, Solders,
and Brazers
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing
Machine Setters, Operators,
and Tenders

SNAPSHOT:
THE CURRENT WELDING WORKFORCE

771,000

Estimated number of U.S. welding professionals as of 2025.

AGE OF CURRENT WELDERS

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MORE THAN 157,000
WELDING PROFESSIONALS ARE
APPROACHING RETIREMENT

UNDER 25 AGE 25-45 AGE 45-54 AGE 55+

WORKFORCE DEMOGRAPHICS

5%

Percentage of welders who are WOMEN

Percentage of welders who are
NON-WHITE OR OF MULTIPLE RACES.

30%
$26.76
Average  Hourly Earnings
$55,600
National Median Salary

WELDING CAREER
OUTLOOK AND EARNINGS

Welding wages vary by region, experience, certifications, and specific occupations.

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Explore additional welding career opportunities and information at careersinwelding.com.

REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF WELDING JOBS

The data below shows the distribution of welding occupation demand across U.S regions:

159,500

Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin

\

140,000

Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas

\

156,000

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee

\

78,000

Arizona, California, Nevada

\

50,000

Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska

\

57,000

DC, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia

\

32,000

New Jersey, New York

\

28,000

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont

\

33,500

Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming

\

35,000

Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Washington

\

EDUCATION & TRAINING PATHWAYS
FOR WELDING CAREERS

Multiple pathways exist to enter the welding profession, each varying in length, credential, and cost:

Technical School column
6–18 Months to earn a
Welding Certificate
Community College column
2 Years to earn an
Associate Degree
Apprenticeship column
3–4 Years to earn a
Journeyman’s Card
University column
4 Years to earn a
Bachelor’s Degree

Typical Length of Program

Attending technical school offers a faster, cost-effective route into welding careers compared to four-year degrees, helping to close the welding skills gap quickly.

University vs Technical School
BUILDING THE FUTURE
WELDING TALENT PIPELINE
The AWS Foundation is actively working to build a larger, higher-skilled, and more diverse welding workforce by supporting scholarships, grants, and other education initiatives.
  • Female welder icon
    25%
    Share of scholarships awarded to female welding students.
  • Awarded funds icon
    $2.7 Million
    Scholarship funds awarded.
  • Scholarship recipients icon
    1,600+
    Students supported annually.
  • Graduate icon
    $3 Million
    Grants and program support.
  • Schools icon
    $2.5 Million+
    Support for schools and training.

MEDIA INQUIRIES

Start the Conversation with AWS

For more information or comment from the AWS Foundation, please contact us at foundation@aws.org.

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Explore how the American Welding Society and AWS Foundation are advancing industry standards, education, and workforce development—while supporting the next generation through scholarships and training.
Learn more at aws.org and aws.org/foundation