5 Industries that Need Welders
Welding plays a critical role in countless industries—anywhere metal needs to be joined, strengthened, or repaired. With welding skills, you gain a versatile and transferrable trade that can open doors to a wide range of career paths. From automotive manufacturing to major construction projects, welders help shape the world around us.
All-State Career School offers Welding Technician programs at two Pennsylvania campuses, giving you the hands-on training and foundational knowledge to enter this essential field. Here’s a closer look at five industries where welding expertise is in high demand.
Manufacturing
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the manufacturing industry employs the largest share of welders—over 400,000 jobs in 2024, accounting for more than 61% of all welding positions. This industry relies on welders to create and assemble everything from cars and agricultural equipment to mining machinery, airplanes, and even metal furniture.
While automation continues to advance, skilled welders are still needed to operate, maintain, and oversee robotic systems, as well as perform precision welding tasks that require human expertise.Aerospace
Every aircraft—from commercial jets and helicopters to rockets and satellites—requires welding during production, repair, and maintenance. Aerospace welders work on building new structures, repairing damaged components, and overhauling critical systems like engines.
Because safety and precision are paramount, this industry often calls for welders with strong technical training and attention to detail.Shipping and Shipbuilding
Welding is at the heart of the shipbuilding industry, whether constructing cruise ships, cargo vessels, military ships, or ferry boats. Shipyard welders also perform vital repairs in dry dock, helping keep vessels safe and operational.
This field often involves large-scale projects, giving welders the opportunity to work on complex, high-impact structures.Construction
Construction is another major employer of welders, especially for large commercial and civil engineering projects. More than half of the world’s steel production goes into construction—meaning welders are essential for assembling buildings, bridges, utility plants, structural supports, and residential projects.
From skyscrapers to neighborhood developments, welders help build the environments where people live, work, and gather.Green Energy
As renewable and alternative energy industries continue to grow, welders are needed to build the metal infrastructure behind solar arrays, wind turbines, hydropower equipment, nuclear facilities, ethanol plants, and natural gas systems.
Green energy represents an emerging and future-focused opportunity for welders who want to contribute to sustainable solutions.
Welding: A Career for Anyone with Hands-On Drive
Welding has long been a field open to anyone with dedication and a desire to work with their hands. Women have been part of the trade since WWII—when “Rosie the Riveter” became a national symbol of industrial strength—and more women continue to join the industry today.
If you thrive with practical, hands-on work and want a career that helps create the products and infrastructure people depend on every day, welding could be the right fit for you. Your future is—quite literally—in your hands.
Ready to explore your future?
If a traditional four-year college doesn’t feel like the right fit, the skilled trades might be exactly what you’re looking for—a career path with purpose, stability, and hands-on work you can be proud of.
All-State Career School offers training programs to help you take the next step. Start your journey by submitting the form on this page to learn about how our programs can help you achieve your career goals.