The Job Market for Welders in the United States

Current Landscape

• Total Welders: Approximately 431,800 welders are currently employed in the U.S.
• Growth Rate: The welder job market is projected to grow by 1.4% from 2022 to 2032, indicating a stable demand for welders.

Employability

• Employability Rating: Welders receive a C employability rating from CareerExplorer, suggesting moderate job opportunities in this field.
• Future Demand: Over the next decade, the U.S. is expected to require around 12,800 additional welders, including 6,200 new positions and 6,600 retirements.

Demand Drivers

• Manufacturing Sector: Approximately two-thirds of welding jobs are found in manufacturing, with key industries including:
  • Architectural and structural metals
  • Agriculture, construction, and mining machinery
  • Motor vehicle and trailer bodies
  • Commercial and industrial machinery repair and maintenance
• Infrastructure Needs: Aging infrastructure will necessitate repairs and rebuilding efforts, increasing the demand for skilled welders.
• Versatility: Welders can easily transition between various industries, such as construction, shipbuilding, robotics, and engineering, enhancing job security even during economic downturns.

Supply of Welders by State

The concentration of welders varies significantly across different states. Below is a breakdown of the number of employed welders by state:

State	Employed Welders
Texas	49,510
California	26,550
Ohio	17,310
Pennsylvania	15,320
Wisconsin	14,250
Louisiana	14,210
Indiana	13,740
Florida	13,200
Illinois	12,950
Michigan	12,240
Georgia	10,780
Minnesota	9,650
Missouri	9,550
North Carolina	9,470
Oklahoma	9,440
Alabama	9,330
New York	9,180
Washington	8,560
Iowa	8,370
Tennessee	8,250
Kentucky	7,430
Virginia	7,340
South Carolina	6,260
Mississippi	6,230
Kansas	5,600
Arizona	5,350
Colorado	4,880
Arkansas	4,770
Utah	4,270
New Jersey	4,240
Nebraska	4,050
Oregon	3,700
Massachusetts	3,350
Idaho	3,140
South Dakota	3,000
Connecticut	2,590
West Virginia	2,210
North Dakota	2,160
Maryland	2,080
Nevada	1,830
Wyoming	1,780
New Mexico	1,700
Maine	1,680
Rhode Island	1,400
Montana	1,310
Puerto Rico	1,100
New Hampshire	940
Alaska	630
Delaware	630
Hawaii	570
Vermont	230
Guam	170
District of Columbia	40

Conclusion

Welding remains a vital and versatile skill across multiple industries, with stable job prospects and opportunities for career advancement. Aspiring welders who pursue relevant certifications and stay updated with new technologies are likely to enjoy greater job security and higher wages.