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ConstructionGreen JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.

Welder

Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.

Annual openings

642

Median wage

$58,590

Typical education

Education not reported

Growth 2026–2032

+7%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Education not reported

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

Become a Skilled Trades Master Craftsman. Depending upon the trade, Skilled Trades Professionals can become Master Craftsmen through experience and additional credentials. Master Craftsmen earn more money and may supervise apprentices in the trade.

Experience detail

Work experience under the guidance (possibly as an apprentice) of a Skilled Tradesperson is expected.

Training

Employers will expect you to have undergone some training. Look for vocational or certification courses. An apprenticeship program is another way to try out welding and gain some knowledge.

Work-based learning

Build Colorado provides more information about this job.

o Welders are in high demand in the Construction, Energy, and Manufacturing industries.
o Are you skilled with your hands and calm under pressure? Interested in crafting things for a living? As a welder, you’ll be able to explore your interests in an exciting environment. It will require a steady hand, lots of physical strength, and an eye for quality and detail.
o Welders use high heat in order to attach two metals together. You’ll need to be able to read technical drawings and set up various components and parts accordingly, then weld them using a torch. You might work with a partner or in a team, which will require excellent communication skills and a concern for others. You’ll need to keep in mind safety codes and regulations at all times and report any unsafe activity or situations.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Manufacturing

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Operate safety equipment and use safe work habits.
  2. Recognize, set up, and operate hand and power tools common to the welding trade, such as shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment.
  3. Prepare all material surfaces to be welded, ensuring that there is no loose or thick scale, slag, rust, moisture, grease, or other foreign matter.
  4. Examine workpieces for defects and measure workpieces with straightedges or templates to ensure conformance with specifications.
  5. Weld components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.
  6. Mark or tag material with proper job number, piece marks, and other identifying marks as required.
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