Welding Industry Guide
Compare top industries for welders to find your optimal career path
Different welding industries offer vastly different environments, compensation, and career trajectories. Discover which sector aligns best with your skills and goals.
Industry Salary Comparison
Average annual salaries across major welding sectors in 2025
| Industry | Salary Range | Job Growth | Entry Barrier | Job Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Oil & Gas | $62,000 - $96,000 | +4.2% | Moderate | |
Nuclear | $65,000 - $90,000 | +1.5% | Very High | |
Aerospace | $60,000 - $85,000 | +5.7% | High | |
Shipbuilding | $55,000 - $80,000 | +2.8% | Moderate | |
Construction | $50,000 - $75,000 | +6.5% | Low | |
Manufacturing | $45,000 - $70,000 | +3.1% | Low |
Industry Deep Dive
Detailed analysis of each welding sector
Oil & Gas Welding Careers
The oil and gas industry offers some of the highest paying welding positions, particularly for those working on pipelines, refineries, and offshore rigs. Welders in this industry often work with high-pressure systems requiring precision and specialized certifications.
Key Specializations
Important Certifications
Major Employers
ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, BP, Halliburton
Primary Locations
Texas, North Dakota, Louisiana, Alaska, Oklahoma
Advantages
Among the highest paying sectors for welders
Opportunities for overtime and hazard pay
Clear advancement path to inspector or supervisor roles
Challenges
Often requires extensive travel or remote work
Can include hazardous working conditions
Work can be cyclical based on oil prices and projects
Job Distribution in Oil & Gas
Industry Metrics
Average Salary:
$78,500
Job Growth (Annual):
+4.2%
Job Stability:
Advancement Opportunities:
Entry Barrier:
Moderate
Find Your Perfect Industry Match
Ready to take the next step in your welding career? Our personalized assessment can help you identify which welding industry best matches your skills, preferences, and career goals.
Take the Industry Match Assessment