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Welding Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Welding Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For hands-on people who want a high-demand skilled trade with strong pay potential and low upfront debt. Use the tools below to see which welding roles fit your background and goals.

This skilled trade offers process-specific certifications (MIG, TIG, Stick) that directly determine which jobs a welder qualifies for. Use the tools below to explore Welding-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like Welder Helper, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Certified Welding Inspector or Welding Supervisor. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as AWS (American Welding Society) Certification, that can help you move up the career ladder.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link

This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from Welding careers/jobs, (2) Find Welding job listings, (3) Prepare for Welding careers, and (4) Provide Welding career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Welding careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Welding Careers - 2023 to 2033 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Welding careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Welding, so relevant Welding jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Welding Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Welding Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Welding careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 124 Welding Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job

22 Welding careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2023 to 2033 est.). Welding-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033 (% change) Welding-Related Jobs

Industrial Machinery Mechanics 21.3% Gas Welding Equipment Mechanic; Welding Equipment Repairer; Welding System and Equipment Repairer; Welding Systems and Equipment Repairer; Welding, Brazing, and Burning Machine Repairer
Occupation: Industrial Machinery Mechanics U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 21.3% Welding-Related Jobs: Gas Welding Equipment Mechanic; Welding Equipment Repairer; Welding System and Equipment Repairer; Welding Systems and Equipment Repairer; Welding, Brazing, and Burning Machine Repairer
Commercial Divers 16.8% Non Destructive Testing Under Water Welder (NDT U/W Welder); Non Destructive Testing Underwater Welder (NDT U/W Welder); Underwater Welder
Occupation: Commercial Divers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 16.8% Welding-Related Jobs: Non Destructive Testing Under Water Welder (NDT U/W Welder); Non Destructive Testing Underwater Welder (NDT U/W Welder); Underwater Welder
Materials Engineers 8.4% Welding Engineer
Occupation: Materials Engineers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.4% Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Engineer
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers 8.2% Aluminum Welder; Arc Welder; Atomic Welder; Bar Welder; Bit Welder; Body Welder; Boiler Welder; Butt Welder; Certified Maintenance Welder; Combination Welder; Die Welder; Electric Arc Welder; Electric Spot Welder; Electric Welder; Experimental Welder; Fabrication Welder; Filament Welder; Flash Welder; Frame Welder; Gas Welder; Getter Welder; Gun Welder; Heliarc Welder; Helium Arc Welder; Industrial Welder; Lap Welder; Line Welder; Maintenance Welder; Metal Fabrication Welder; Metal Welder; MIG Welder (Metal Inert Gas Welder); Oxyacetylene Welder; Oxyhydrogen Welder; Pipe Welder; Production Line Welder; Production Welder; Retrofit Welder; Robotic Welder; Setup Welder; Sheet Metal Welder; Shotweld Operator; Spot Welder; Steel Welder; Stick Welder; Stitch Welder; Structural Welder; Tack Welder; Tank Welder; Thermite Welder; TIG Welder (Tungsten Inert Gas Welder); Underwater Welder; Weld Layout Worker; Welder; Welder Fabricator; Welder Fitter; Welder Operator; Welder Technician (Welder Tech); Welding Burner; Welding Setter; Welding Specialist; Welding Technician; Welding Tester; Wire Welder
Occupation: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.2% Welding-Related Jobs: Aluminum Welder; Arc Welder; Atomic Welder; Bar Welder; Bit Welder; Body Welder; Boiler Welder; Butt Welder; Certified Maintenance Welder; Combination Welder; Die Welder; Electric Arc Welder; Electric Spot Welder; Electric Welder; Experimental Welder; Fabrication Welder; Filament Welder; Flash Welder; Frame Welder; Gas Welder; Getter Welder; Gun Welder; Heliarc Welder; Helium Arc Welder; Industrial Welder; Lap Welder; Line Welder; Maintenance Welder; Metal Fabrication Welder; Metal Welder; MIG Welder (Metal Inert Gas Welder); Oxyacetylene Welder; Oxyhydrogen Welder; Pipe Welder; Production Line Welder; Production Welder; Retrofit Welder; Robotic Welder; Setup Welder; Sheet Metal Welder; Shotweld Operator; Spot Welder; Steel Welder; Stick Welder; Stitch Welder; Structural Welder; Tack Welder; Tank Welder; Thermite Welder; TIG Welder (Tungsten Inert Gas Welder); Underwater Welder; Weld Layout Worker; Welder; Welder Fabricator; Welder Fitter; Welder Operator; Welder Technician (Welder Tech); Welding Burner; Welding Setter; Welding Specialist; Welding Technician; Welding Tester; Wire Welder
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School 7.1% Welding Instructor; Welding Teacher
Occupation: Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7.1% Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Instructor; Welding Teacher
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers 6.6% Welding Equipment Repairer Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 6.6% Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Equipment Repairer Supervisor
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products 6.1% Welding Equipment Sales Representative
Occupation: Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 6.1% Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Equipment Sales Representative
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers 5.3% Ironworker Welder
Occupation: Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5.3% Welding-Related Jobs: Ironworker Welder
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators 5.3% Track Welder
Occupation: Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5.3% Welding-Related Jobs: Track Welder
Rail Car Repairers 5.2% Rail Car Welder
Occupation: Rail Car Repairers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5.2% Welding-Related Jobs: Rail Car Welder
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters 5% Pipe Welder
Occupation: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5% Welding-Related Jobs: Pipe Welder
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers 3.7% Continuous Weld Pipe Mill Supervisor; Welding Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 3.7% Welding-Related Jobs: Continuous Weld Pipe Mill Supervisor; Welding Supervisor
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary 3.4% Welding Instructor; Welding Teacher
Occupation: Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 3.4% Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Instructor; Welding Teacher
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders -1% Aluminum Welder; Arc and Gas Welder; Arc Welding Machine Operator; Certified Welder; Electron Beam Machine Welder Setter; Electron Beam Welder Setter; Electron Beam Welding Machine Operator; Electroslag Welding Machine Operator; Explosion Welder; Friction Welding Machine Operator; Gas Welding Machine Operator; Industrial Welder; Machine Welder; Mig Welder; Reserve Tube Welder; Resistance Machine Welder Setter; Resistance Welding Machine Operator; Robotic Weld Operator; Robotic Weld Technician (Robotic Weld Tech); Robotic Welder; Robotic Welding Operator; Rod Welder; Spot Welder; Thermit Welding Machine Operator; Ultrasonic Welding Machine Operator; Weld Operator; Weld Technician (Weld Tech); Welding Machine Operator; Welding Machine Setter; Welding Machine Tender; Welding Operator; Welding Pantograph Machine Operator; Welding Pantograph Operator; Welding Technician (Welding Tech)
Occupation: Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -1% Welding-Related Jobs: Aluminum Welder; Arc and Gas Welder; Arc Welding Machine Operator; Certified Welder; Electron Beam Machine Welder Setter; Electron Beam Welder Setter; Electron Beam Welding Machine Operator; Electroslag Welding Machine Operator; Explosion Welder; Friction Welding Machine Operator; Gas Welding Machine Operator; Industrial Welder; Machine Welder; Mig Welder; Reserve Tube Welder; Resistance Machine Welder Setter; Resistance Welding Machine Operator; Robotic Weld Operator; Robotic Weld Technician (Robotic Weld Tech); Robotic Welder; Robotic Welding Operator; Rod Welder; Spot Welder; Thermit Welding Machine Operator; Ultrasonic Welding Machine Operator; Weld Operator; Weld Technician (Weld Tech); Welding Machine Operator; Welding Machine Setter; Welding Machine Tender; Welding Operator; Welding Pantograph Machine Operator; Welding Pantograph Operator; Welding Technician (Welding Tech)
Boilermakers -1% Boiler Welder; Boilermaker Welder
Occupation: Boilermakers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -1% Welding-Related Jobs: Boiler Welder; Boilermaker Welder
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators -2.5% Welding Robot Operator
Occupation: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -2.5% Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Robot Operator
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic -2.7% Welding Rod Coater
Occupation: Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -2.7% Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Rod Coater
Helpers--Production Workers -4.5% Electric Welder Helper; Socket Welder Helper; Welder Assistant; Welder Helper
Occupation: Helpers--Production Workers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -4.5% Welding-Related Jobs: Electric Welder Helper; Socket Welder Helper; Welder Assistant; Welder Helper
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic -4.9% Welding Prototype Operator
Occupation: Model Makers, Metal and Plastic U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -4.9% Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Prototype Operator
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic -6.1% Weld Mill Operator
Occupation: Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -6.1% Welding-Related Jobs: Weld Mill Operator
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters -11.4% Weld Fitter
Occupation: Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -11.4% Welding-Related Jobs: Weld Fitter
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers -12.2% Certified Welding Inspector (CWI); Weld Inspector; Welding Inspector
Occupation: Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -12.2% Welding-Related Jobs: Certified Welding Inspector (CWI); Weld Inspector; Welding Inspector

24 Welding careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Welding-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Welding-Related Jobs

Materials Engineers $ 104,100 Welding Engineer
Occupation: Materials Engineers National Median Salary: $ 104,100 Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Engineer
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $ 99,710 Welding Equipment Sales Representative
Occupation: Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products National Median Salary: $ 99,710 Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Equipment Sales Representative
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $ 75,820 Welding Equipment Repairer Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers National Median Salary: $ 75,820 Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Equipment Repairer Supervisor
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists $ 73,500 Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
Occupation: Non-Destructive Testing Specialists National Median Salary: $ 73,500 Welding-Related Jobs: Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
Boilermakers $ 71,140 Boiler Welder; Boilermaker Welder
Occupation: Boilermakers National Median Salary: $ 71,140 Welding-Related Jobs: Boiler Welder; Boilermaker Welder
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $ 67,000 Track Welder
Occupation: Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators National Median Salary: $ 67,000 Welding-Related Jobs: Track Welder
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $ 65,930 Continuous Weld Pipe Mill Supervisor; Welding Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers National Median Salary: $ 65,930 Welding-Related Jobs: Continuous Weld Pipe Mill Supervisor; Welding Supervisor
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $ 65,130 Welding Instructor; Welding Teacher
Occupation: Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School National Median Salary: $ 65,130 Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Instructor; Welding Teacher
Robotics Technicians $ 65,080 Robotic Weld Technician; Robotic Welder
Occupation: Robotics Technicians National Median Salary: $ 65,080 Welding-Related Jobs: Robotic Weld Technician; Robotic Welder
Rail Car Repairers $ 65,030 Rail Car Welder
Occupation: Rail Car Repairers National Median Salary: $ 65,030 Welding-Related Jobs: Rail Car Welder
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic $ 64,190 Welding Prototype Operator
Occupation: Model Makers, Metal and Plastic National Median Salary: $ 64,190 Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Prototype Operator
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $ 62,060 Welding Instructor; Welding Teacher
Occupation: Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 62,060 Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Instructor; Welding Teacher
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $ 61,550 Pipe Welder
Occupation: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters National Median Salary: $ 61,550 Welding-Related Jobs: Pipe Welder
Industrial Machinery Mechanics $ 61,420 Gas Welding Equipment Mechanic; Welding Equipment Repairer; Welding System and Equipment Repairer; Welding Systems and Equipment Repairer; Welding, Brazing, and Burning Machine Repairer
Occupation: Industrial Machinery Mechanics National Median Salary: $ 61,420 Welding-Related Jobs: Gas Welding Equipment Mechanic; Welding Equipment Repairer; Welding System and Equipment Repairer; Welding Systems and Equipment Repairer; Welding, Brazing, and Burning Machine Repairer
Commercial Divers $ 61,300 Non Destructive Testing Under Water Welder (NDT U/W Welder); Non Destructive Testing Underwater Welder (NDT U/W Welder); Underwater Welder
Occupation: Commercial Divers National Median Salary: $ 61,300 Welding-Related Jobs: Non Destructive Testing Under Water Welder (NDT U/W Welder); Non Destructive Testing Underwater Welder (NDT U/W Welder); Underwater Welder
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers $ 54,850 Ironworker Welder
Occupation: Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers National Median Salary: $ 54,850 Welding-Related Jobs: Ironworker Welder
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $ 48,940 Aluminum Welder; Arc Welder; Atomic Welder; Bar Welder; Bit Welder; Body Welder; Boiler Welder; Butt Welder; Certified Maintenance Welder; Combination Welder; Die Welder; Electric Arc Welder; Electric Spot Welder; Electric Welder; Experimental Welder; Fabrication Welder; Filament Welder; Flash Welder; Frame Welder; Gas Welder; Getter Welder; Gun Welder; Heliarc Welder; Helium Arc Welder; Industrial Welder; Lap Welder; Line Welder; Maintenance Welder; Metal Fabrication Welder; Metal Welder; MIG Welder (Metal Inert Gas Welder); Oxyacetylene Welder; Oxyhydrogen Welder; Pipe Welder; Production Line Welder; Production Welder; Retrofit Welder; Robotic Welder; Setup Welder; Sheet Metal Welder; Shotweld Operator; Spot Welder; Steel Welder; Stick Welder; Stitch Welder; Structural Welder; Tack Welder; Tank Welder; Thermite Welder; TIG Welder (Tungsten Inert Gas Welder); Underwater Welder; Weld Layout Worker; Welder; Welder Fabricator; Welder Fitter; Welder Operator; Welder Technician (Welder Tech); Welding Burner; Welding Setter; Welding Specialist; Welding Technician; Welding Tester; Wire Welder
Occupation: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers National Median Salary: $ 48,940 Welding-Related Jobs: Aluminum Welder; Arc Welder; Atomic Welder; Bar Welder; Bit Welder; Body Welder; Boiler Welder; Butt Welder; Certified Maintenance Welder; Combination Welder; Die Welder; Electric Arc Welder; Electric Spot Welder; Electric Welder; Experimental Welder; Fabrication Welder; Filament Welder; Flash Welder; Frame Welder; Gas Welder; Getter Welder; Gun Welder; Heliarc Welder; Helium Arc Welder; Industrial Welder; Lap Welder; Line Welder; Maintenance Welder; Metal Fabrication Welder; Metal Welder; MIG Welder (Metal Inert Gas Welder); Oxyacetylene Welder; Oxyhydrogen Welder; Pipe Welder; Production Line Welder; Production Welder; Retrofit Welder; Robotic Welder; Setup Welder; Sheet Metal Welder; Shotweld Operator; Spot Welder; Steel Welder; Stick Welder; Stitch Welder; Structural Welder; Tack Welder; Tank Welder; Thermite Welder; TIG Welder (Tungsten Inert Gas Welder); Underwater Welder; Weld Layout Worker; Welder; Welder Fabricator; Welder Fitter; Welder Operator; Welder Technician (Welder Tech); Welding Burner; Welding Setter; Welding Specialist; Welding Technician; Welding Tester; Wire Welder
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $ 48,550 Welding Robot Operator
Occupation: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators National Median Salary: $ 48,550 Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Robot Operator
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $ 48,480 Weld Fitter
Occupation: Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters National Median Salary: $ 48,480 Welding-Related Jobs: Weld Fitter
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $ 47,040 Weld Mill Operator
Occupation: Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic National Median Salary: $ 47,040 Welding-Related Jobs: Weld Mill Operator
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $ 45,850 Certified Welding Inspector (CWI); Weld Inspector; Welding Inspector
Occupation: Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers National Median Salary: $ 45,850 Welding-Related Jobs: Certified Welding Inspector (CWI); Weld Inspector; Welding Inspector
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $ 45,350 Aluminum Welder; Arc and Gas Welder; Arc Welding Machine Operator; Certified Welder; Electron Beam Machine Welder Setter; Electron Beam Welder Setter; Electron Beam Welding Machine Operator; Electroslag Welding Machine Operator; Explosion Welder; Friction Welding Machine Operator; Gas Welding Machine Operator; Industrial Welder; Machine Welder; Mig Welder; Reserve Tube Welder; Resistance Machine Welder Setter; Resistance Welding Machine Operator; Robotic Weld Operator; Robotic Weld Technician (Robotic Weld Tech); Robotic Welder; Robotic Welding Operator; Rod Welder; Spot Welder; Thermit Welding Machine Operator; Ultrasonic Welding Machine Operator; Weld Operator; Weld Technician (Weld Tech); Welding Machine Operator; Welding Machine Setter; Welding Machine Tender; Welding Operator; Welding Pantograph Machine Operator; Welding Pantograph Operator; Welding Technician (Welding Tech)
Occupation: Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders National Median Salary: $ 45,350 Welding-Related Jobs: Aluminum Welder; Arc and Gas Welder; Arc Welding Machine Operator; Certified Welder; Electron Beam Machine Welder Setter; Electron Beam Welder Setter; Electron Beam Welding Machine Operator; Electroslag Welding Machine Operator; Explosion Welder; Friction Welding Machine Operator; Gas Welding Machine Operator; Industrial Welder; Machine Welder; Mig Welder; Reserve Tube Welder; Resistance Machine Welder Setter; Resistance Welding Machine Operator; Robotic Weld Operator; Robotic Weld Technician (Robotic Weld Tech); Robotic Welder; Robotic Welding Operator; Rod Welder; Spot Welder; Thermit Welding Machine Operator; Ultrasonic Welding Machine Operator; Weld Operator; Weld Technician (Weld Tech); Welding Machine Operator; Welding Machine Setter; Welding Machine Tender; Welding Operator; Welding Pantograph Machine Operator; Welding Pantograph Operator; Welding Technician (Welding Tech)
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $ 39,740 Welding Rod Coater
Occupation: Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic National Median Salary: $ 39,740 Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Rod Coater
Helpers--Production Workers $ 36,700 Electric Welder Helper; Socket Welder Helper; Welder Assistant; Welder Helper
Occupation: Helpers--Production Workers National Median Salary: $ 36,700 Welding-Related Jobs: Electric Welder Helper; Socket Welder Helper; Welder Assistant; Welder Helper

24 Welding careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Welding-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Welding-Related Jobs

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School 4 Welding Instructor; Welding Teacher
Occupation: Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School Education/Preparation: 4 Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Instructor; Welding Teacher
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products 4 Welding Equipment Sales Representative
Occupation: Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products Education/Preparation: 4 Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Equipment Sales Representative
Materials Engineers 4 Welding Engineer
Occupation: Materials Engineers Education/Preparation: 4 Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Engineer
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary 3 Welding Instructor; Welding Teacher
Occupation: Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 3 Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Instructor; Welding Teacher
Robotics Technicians 3 Robotic Weld Technician; Robotic Welder
Occupation: Robotics Technicians Education/Preparation: 3 Welding-Related Jobs: Robotic Weld Technician; Robotic Welder
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters 3 Pipe Welder
Occupation: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Education/Preparation: 3 Welding-Related Jobs: Pipe Welder
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic 3 Welding Prototype Operator
Occupation: Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Education/Preparation: 3 Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Prototype Operator
Industrial Machinery Mechanics 3 Gas Welding Equipment Mechanic; Welding Equipment Repairer; Welding System and Equipment Repairer; Welding Systems and Equipment Repairer; Welding, Brazing, and Burning Machine Repairer
Occupation: Industrial Machinery Mechanics Education/Preparation: 3 Welding-Related Jobs: Gas Welding Equipment Mechanic; Welding Equipment Repairer; Welding System and Equipment Repairer; Welding Systems and Equipment Repairer; Welding, Brazing, and Burning Machine Repairer
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers 3 Continuous Weld Pipe Mill Supervisor; Welding Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers Education/Preparation: 3 Welding-Related Jobs: Continuous Weld Pipe Mill Supervisor; Welding Supervisor
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers 3 Welding Equipment Repairer Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers Education/Preparation: 3 Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Equipment Repairer Supervisor
Commercial Divers 3 Non Destructive Testing Under Water Welder (NDT U/W Welder); Non Destructive Testing Underwater Welder (NDT U/W Welder); Underwater Welder
Occupation: Commercial Divers Education/Preparation: 3 Welding-Related Jobs: Non Destructive Testing Under Water Welder (NDT U/W Welder); Non Destructive Testing Underwater Welder (NDT U/W Welder); Underwater Welder
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers 2 Aluminum Welder; Arc Welder; Atomic Welder; Bar Welder; Bit Welder; Body Welder; Boiler Welder; Butt Welder; Certified Maintenance Welder; Combination Welder; Die Welder; Electric Arc Welder; Electric Spot Welder; Electric Welder; Experimental Welder; Fabrication Welder; Filament Welder; Flash Welder; Frame Welder; Gas Welder; Getter Welder; Gun Welder; Heliarc Welder; Helium Arc Welder; Industrial Welder; Lap Welder; Line Welder; Maintenance Welder; Metal Fabrication Welder; Metal Welder; MIG Welder (Metal Inert Gas Welder); Oxyacetylene Welder; Oxyhydrogen Welder; Pipe Welder; Production Line Welder; Production Welder; Retrofit Welder; Robotic Welder; Setup Welder; Sheet Metal Welder; Shotweld Operator; Spot Welder; Steel Welder; Stick Welder; Stitch Welder; Structural Welder; Tack Welder; Tank Welder; Thermite Welder; TIG Welder (Tungsten Inert Gas Welder); Underwater Welder; Weld Layout Worker; Welder; Welder Fabricator; Welder Fitter; Welder Operator; Welder Technician (Welder Tech); Welding Burner; Welding Setter; Welding Specialist; Welding Technician; Welding Tester; Wire Welder
Occupation: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Education/Preparation: 2 Welding-Related Jobs: Aluminum Welder; Arc Welder; Atomic Welder; Bar Welder; Bit Welder; Body Welder; Boiler Welder; Butt Welder; Certified Maintenance Welder; Combination Welder; Die Welder; Electric Arc Welder; Electric Spot Welder; Electric Welder; Experimental Welder; Fabrication Welder; Filament Welder; Flash Welder; Frame Welder; Gas Welder; Getter Welder; Gun Welder; Heliarc Welder; Helium Arc Welder; Industrial Welder; Lap Welder; Line Welder; Maintenance Welder; Metal Fabrication Welder; Metal Welder; MIG Welder (Metal Inert Gas Welder); Oxyacetylene Welder; Oxyhydrogen Welder; Pipe Welder; Production Line Welder; Production Welder; Retrofit Welder; Robotic Welder; Setup Welder; Sheet Metal Welder; Shotweld Operator; Spot Welder; Steel Welder; Stick Welder; Stitch Welder; Structural Welder; Tack Welder; Tank Welder; Thermite Welder; TIG Welder (Tungsten Inert Gas Welder); Underwater Welder; Weld Layout Worker; Welder; Welder Fabricator; Welder Fitter; Welder Operator; Welder Technician (Welder Tech); Welding Burner; Welding Setter; Welding Specialist; Welding Technician; Welding Tester; Wire Welder
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters 2 Weld Fitter
Occupation: Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Education/Preparation: 2 Welding-Related Jobs: Weld Fitter
Boilermakers 2 Boiler Welder; Boilermaker Welder
Occupation: Boilermakers Education/Preparation: 2 Welding-Related Jobs: Boiler Welder; Boilermaker Welder
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 2 Weld Mill Operator
Occupation: Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Education/Preparation: 2 Welding-Related Jobs: Weld Mill Operator
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 2 Aluminum Welder; Arc and Gas Welder; Arc Welding Machine Operator; Certified Welder; Electron Beam Machine Welder Setter; Electron Beam Welder Setter; Electron Beam Welding Machine Operator; Electroslag Welding Machine Operator; Explosion Welder; Friction Welding Machine Operator; Gas Welding Machine Operator; Industrial Welder; Machine Welder; Mig Welder; Reserve Tube Welder; Resistance Machine Welder Setter; Resistance Welding Machine Operator; Robotic Weld Operator; Robotic Weld Technician (Robotic Weld Tech); Robotic Welder; Robotic Welding Operator; Rod Welder; Spot Welder; Thermit Welding Machine Operator; Ultrasonic Welding Machine Operator; Weld Operator; Weld Technician (Weld Tech); Welding Machine Operator; Welding Machine Setter; Welding Machine Tender; Welding Operator; Welding Pantograph Machine Operator; Welding Pantograph Operator; Welding Technician (Welding Tech)
Occupation: Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Education/Preparation: 2 Welding-Related Jobs: Aluminum Welder; Arc and Gas Welder; Arc Welding Machine Operator; Certified Welder; Electron Beam Machine Welder Setter; Electron Beam Welder Setter; Electron Beam Welding Machine Operator; Electroslag Welding Machine Operator; Explosion Welder; Friction Welding Machine Operator; Gas Welding Machine Operator; Industrial Welder; Machine Welder; Mig Welder; Reserve Tube Welder; Resistance Machine Welder Setter; Resistance Welding Machine Operator; Robotic Weld Operator; Robotic Weld Technician (Robotic Weld Tech); Robotic Welder; Robotic Welding Operator; Rod Welder; Spot Welder; Thermit Welding Machine Operator; Ultrasonic Welding Machine Operator; Weld Operator; Weld Technician (Weld Tech); Welding Machine Operator; Welding Machine Setter; Welding Machine Tender; Welding Operator; Welding Pantograph Machine Operator; Welding Pantograph Operator; Welding Technician (Welding Tech)
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers 2 Ironworker Welder
Occupation: Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers Education/Preparation: 2 Welding-Related Jobs: Ironworker Welder
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators 2 Track Welder
Occupation: Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators Education/Preparation: 2 Welding-Related Jobs: Track Welder
Rail Car Repairers 2 Rail Car Welder
Occupation: Rail Car Repairers Education/Preparation: 2 Welding-Related Jobs: Rail Car Welder
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 2 Welding Rod Coater
Occupation: Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Education/Preparation: 2 Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Rod Coater
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists 2 Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
Occupation: Non-Destructive Testing Specialists Education/Preparation: 2 Welding-Related Jobs: Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers 2 Certified Welding Inspector (CWI); Weld Inspector; Welding Inspector
Occupation: Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Education/Preparation: 2 Welding-Related Jobs: Certified Welding Inspector (CWI); Weld Inspector; Welding Inspector
Helpers--Production Workers 2 Electric Welder Helper; Socket Welder Helper; Welder Assistant; Welder Helper
Occupation: Helpers--Production Workers Education/Preparation: 2 Welding-Related Jobs: Electric Welder Helper; Socket Welder Helper; Welder Assistant; Welder Helper
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators 2 Welding Robot Operator
Occupation: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Education/Preparation: 2 Welding-Related Jobs: Welding Robot Operator

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 124 specific Welding job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
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Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :

Aluminum Welder
Arc and Gas Welder
Arc Welder
Arc Welding Machine Operator
Atomic Welder
Bar Welder
Bit Welder
Body Welder
Boiler Welder
Boilermaker Welder
Butt Welder
Certified Maintenance Welder
Certified Welder
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
Combination Welder
Continuous Weld Pipe Mill Supervisor
Die Welder
Electric Arc Welder
Electric Spot Welder
Electric Welder
Electric Welder Helper
Electron Beam Machine Welder Setter
Electron Beam Welder Setter
Electron Beam Welding Machine Operator
Electroslag Welding Machine Operator
Experimental Welder
Explosion Welder
Fabrication Welder
Filament Welder
Flash Welder
Frame Welder
Friction Welding Machine Operator
Gas Welder
Gas Welding Equipment Mechanic
Gas Welding Machine Operator
Getter Welder
Gun Welder
Heliarc Welder
Helium Arc Welder
Industrial Welder
Ironworker Welder
Lap Welder
Line Welder
Machine Welder
Maintenance Welder
Metal Fabrication Welder
Metal Welder
Mig Welder
MIG Welder (Metal Inert Gas Welder)
Non Destructive Testing Under Water Welder (NDT U/W Welder)
Non Destructive Testing Underwater Welder (NDT U/W Welder)
Oxyacetylene Welder
Oxyhydrogen Welder
Pipe Welder
Production Line Welder
Production Welder
Rail Car Welder
Reserve Tube Welder
Resistance Machine Welder Setter
Resistance Welding Machine Operator
Retrofit Welder
Robotic Weld Operator
Robotic Weld Technician
Robotic Weld Technician (Robotic Weld Tech)
Robotic Welder
Robotic Welding Operator
Rod Welder
Setup Welder
Sheet Metal Welder
Shotweld Operator
Socket Welder Helper
Spot Welder
Steel Welder
Stick Welder
Stitch Welder
Structural Welder
Tack Welder
Tank Welder
Thermit Welding Machine Operator
Thermite Welder
TIG Welder (Tungsten Inert Gas Welder)
Track Welder
Ultrasonic Welding Machine Operator
Underwater Welder
Weld Fitter
Weld Inspector
Weld Layout Worker
Weld Mill Operator
Weld Operator
Weld Technician (Weld Tech)
Welder
Welder Assistant
Welder Fabricator
Welder Fitter
Welder Helper
Welder Operator
Welder Technician (Welder Tech)
Welding Burner
Welding Engineer
Welding Equipment Repairer
Welding Equipment Repairer Supervisor
Welding Equipment Sales Representative
Welding Inspector
Welding Instructor
Welding Machine Operator
Welding Machine Setter
Welding Machine Tender
Welding Operator
Welding Pantograph Machine Operator
Welding Pantograph Operator
Welding Prototype Operator
Welding Robot Operator
Welding Rod Coater
Welding Setter
Welding Specialist
Welding Supervisor
Welding System and Equipment Repairer
Welding Systems and Equipment Repairer
Welding Teacher
Welding Technician
Welding Technician (Welding Tech)
Welding Tester
Welding, Brazing, and Burning Machine Repairer
Wire Welder


Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Find Job Listings: Materials Engineers.


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Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





Materials Engineers

Description: Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.

U.S. Total Employment (2023):
25,100
U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
27,200
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
2,100 (8.4%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
1,800
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Materials Engineers":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives, as necessary.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Present technical information at conferences.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components, using computers.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Design processing plants and equipment.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Teach in colleges and universities.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data.
Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
Create models of engineering designs or methods.
Design industrial processing systems.
Determine operational methods.
Direct design or development activities.
Direct industrial production activities.
Direct quality control activities.
Evaluate plans or specifications to determine technological or environmental implications.
Evaluate technical data to determine effect on designs or plans.
Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations.
Prepare detailed work plans.
Prepare materials for processing.
Prepare operational reports.
Prepare project budgets.
Prepare proposal documents.
Present research results to others.
Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
Resolve operational performance problems.
Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
Teach classes in area of specialization.
Teach social science courses at the college level.
Test characteristics of materials or structures.
Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Physics: Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Operations Analysis: Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Advise others on business or operational matters.
Activity: Analyze performance of systems or equipment.
Activity: Assess compliance with environmental standards or regulations.
Activity: Communicate with others about specifications or project details.
Activity: Design industrial systems or equipment.
Activity: Determine operational methods or procedures.
Activity: Develop models of systems, processes, or products.
Activity: Direct organizational operations, activities, or procedures.
Activity: Direct scientific or technical activities.
Activity: Evaluate designs, specifications, or other technical data.
Activity: Manage budgets or finances.
Activity: Manage control systems or activities.
Activity: Monitor operations to ensure adequate performance.
Activity: Plan work activities.
Activity: Prepare industrial materials for processing or use.
Activity: Prepare proposals or grant applications.
Activity: Prepare reports of operational or procedural activities.
Activity: Present research or technical information.
Activity: Resolve personnel or operational problems.
Activity: Supervise personnel activities.
Activity: Teach academic or vocational subjects.
Activity: Test characteristics of materials or products.
Activity: Train others on operational or work procedures.
Activity: Write material for artistic or commercial purposes.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Emerging Tech Skills
Analytical or scientific software:
The MathWorks MATLAB
Computer aided design CAD software:
Autodesk AutoCAD
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Data base user interface and query software:
Microsoft Access
Oracle Database
Development environment software:
Microsoft Visual Basic
Document management software:
Microsoft SharePoint
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software:
SAP software
Object or component oriented development software:
C++
Python
Process mapping and design software:
Microsoft Visio
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Analytical or scientific software (scroll table below):
ANSYS Multiphysics
Digital image correlation DIC software
Fault detection isolation and recovery FDIR software
Finite element analysis software
Image analysis systems
Minitab
Computer aided design CAD software:
Dassault Systemes CATIA
PTC Creo Parametric
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software:
Fused deposition modeling FDM rapid prototyping systems
Stereolithography SLA rapid prototyping systems
Data base user interface and query software:
MTS Testworks
QMC CM4D
Development environment software:
Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
National Instruments LabVIEW
Electronic mail software:
IBM Notes
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Graphics software
Internet browser software:
Web browser software
Object or component oriented development software:
Microsoft Visual Basic.NET
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 47.6 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 33.3 (%) Level of Education: Doctoral Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 9.5 (%) Level of Education: Master's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 4.8 (%) Level of Education: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
Frequency of Attainment: 4.8 (%) Level of Education: Post-Doctoral Training
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 23.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 23.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 19.1 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 9.5 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Frequency of Attainment: 4.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Frequency of Attainment: 4.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 4.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
Frequency of Attainment: 4.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 4.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
Association for Healthcare Resource & Materials Management (AHRMM) External Link
NACE web External Link
Polyurethane Manufacturers Association (PMA) External Link
Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) External Link
Related Careers to Consider


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Materials Engineers". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Materials Engineers". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Materials Engineers". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Materials Engineers


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Materials Engineers" occupation.






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