Beginner Welder here...

[AwesomeAlbert]

So I'm a beginner welder, I went to school and got my certification and learned nearly every process directly related to welding and fabricating . I've probably been welding Educationally for about 3 years and Professionally for about 8 months. I do not claim to be the best welder in the world but I can weld in all positions with consistent nice durable welds (SMAW GMAW FCAW.) I've noticed that it's nearly impossible to get a job that pays more than $10/ hr with out 5-10 years of professional experience. Im just wondering if some of you guys could give me a hint on where to look for a kick *** career in welding. I'm young, not married and have nothing tying me down, I can travel to anyplace and willing to relocate me.

[dan-gerous]

Learn to weld pipeline and come to columbiana county here in Ohio!!

[Hardrock40]

Not trying to sound hateful here but wondering how he would learn pipeline before seeking out a job doing just that?

I understand the frustration of trying to find a job when company's want experience and everything else under the sun yet only pay peanuts. I see it ads around here all the time.
Plus they want to bring you on through a temp service. These company's usually end up being a stepping stone and can't keep good help.

Sounds like your well on your way with 8 months under your belt and wanting more. Keep it up and never settle. Don't be afraid to move on when your job gets stale and you can look down the road a couple years and see if you don't move you'll be right where you are today.

[BELLBOYMOTORSPORTS]

Beginner Welder here...

Whatever you do don't settle I haven't been this much longer than you and I will admit first hand don't settle. I made mistake with a supposed aerospace company only to get laid off as soon as the project was done along with countless others and due to no real form of quality control that experience is useless as far as other aerospace companies goes. If you do and side projects for friends, family, or some small fab shop that needs stuff welded every so often but not enough to be steady pay, keep track with before and after pics as well as description of project it could help later on. I learned that the hard way.

[aametalmaster]

Learn to weld pipeline and come to columbiana county here in Ohio!!

I don't think those pipeline jobs will be here to much longer and all the trucks from Kansas and Texas will be some where else. Where are you in Col county? ...Bob

[stevenj]

Beginner Welder here...

Don't take it the wrong way but your a school welder you probably have a lot to learn. You said yourself your young, I get a lot of these guys coming outta school bragging, always complaining about money it takes time. As long as your working hard and paying attention to what's going on around you, you will get there.

[dan-gerous]

Thats true they won't be working here forever... but he said he's single and un-tethered. Sounds like an excuse to get experience, see the country, and get paid to do it!

Im from north Jackson and live in Hanoverton.

[M J Mauer]

Welcome to the forum.

[RTCmiller]

Hey all,
I live in Mcleod county here in Minnesota, and there are a lot of companies within half-hour of home that are hiring, paying anywhere from $12-18 an hour, depending on experience. No guaranteeing you anything Albert, but it might be worth a trip out here to check out some opportunities. Look up Hutchinson manufacturing in Hutchinson Mn, AgCo in Jackson MN, and Caterpillar in the twin cities. Many of these shops are looking to hire straight out of school welders, and you said yourself your not tied down. So, if your looking for some opportunities, check out a few of those places, and good luck finding a job!

P.S. Listen to BellBoyMotorsports, DONT SETTLE!!! If a job just doesn't seem right for you, just move on and try something else, there are so many sides to welding you wont run out!

[Wheelchair]

Albert, get more expierience. I bet your welds are pretty and very consistent but will they pass x-ray. I suggest getting a job in a shipyard and going through their training program, you will gain great expierience and all while getting paid. Learn to weld in very confined spaces and stay at the job for a year or two and move on to other welding jobs and try to get into an apprentice program and with your youth and determination you can go on to a wonderful and rewarding career. I come from a shipyard environment and have seen many welders do as I have mentioned and go on to better paying jobs. I stayed in my job because it was in my home city. I wish you much luck and success in your journey in the welding world.

Bill (Wheelchair)

[snoeproe]

The Dakotas are booming with the oil Industry. North Dakota is the new Texas as Far as oil production. There are opportunities to weld in the Dakotas and the pay is very good. Can you pass a pipe welding test or a structural plate welding test in all positions right now?

[benA]

The Dakotas are booming with the oil Industry. North Dakota is the new Texas as Far as oil production. There are opportunities to weld in the Dakotas and the pay is very good. Can you pass a pipe welding test or a structural plate welding test in all positions right now?

Yup,

Also plenty of manufacturers looking for welders out here too. Case, Cat, Deere to just name a few of the big ones. Also alot of smaller co's looking too.