80
the industry is generally growing—with
reasons ranging from robust market demand
for a wide range of products to increased
productivity in the manufacturing sector to a
growing desire among American consumers
to buy American-made products and support
the domestic economy.
This industry growth, coupled with ongoing talent shortages across
the manufacturing sector, means that there will likely be plentiful
job opportunities throughout the industry in the years to come.
Here are some skilled trades jobs within the manufacturing world
that you should know about.
Welders
The job: The term “welder” is used broadly in the manufacturing
trades and is a category that can include not just the welders
themselves but also cutters, solderers, and brazers. These profes-
sionals use specialized equipment to work on metal pieces, parts,
products, or structures. Welders, brazers, and solderers all work
with equipment to heat and join metal pieces together (just in
different situations or capacities), whereas cutters are responsible
for making precision cuts or trims on metal pieces. These roles are
extremely important for manufacturing (welders can have a role in
building everything from coffee pots to spaceships, while solderers
play a part in crafting computer chips and other electronic compo-
nents) as well as repair and maintenance.
The pay: Median pay for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in
the United States is $48,940 annually.
The prospects: The BLS projects the creation of 6,200 new jobs in
the welding field between 2022 and 2032, a one percent growth
rate.