Insight from an Automated Welding Machine Builder
The welder shortage has been a known issue for years. With many welders nearing retirement age, the younger generation can’t seem to replace them fast enough. The demand for welders isn’t slowing down either—The American Welding Society shows that there is an even larger shortage in our future. It’s predicted that there will be a deficiency of over 400,000 skilled welders by 2024.
- The average age of a welder is 55
- Less than 20% of welders are under the age of 35
As an automated welding machine builder out of Waukesha, WI, (Wisconsin is one of the top 5 states with the most welding jobs) we recognize the challenges to filling this skills gap. Read on to learn more about welding careers and pay.
How Much are Welders Paid — The Break Down
With all of this talk of a worker shortage, what does that mean for salaries? In 2019, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported welders to make an average of $44,800/year. This being said, salaries can range greatly depending on location, skill and application. Welding is a skill that can provide a good, stable living. But, just like any career, you won’t be earning top dollar right away—most have to start at the bottom and work their way up.
Experience & Skill Matter
Years of experience and leadership skills are an essential piece of the welding salary puzzle. Other than the art of welding metal parts, here are just a few essential areas welders must be equipped with:
- Understanding of blueprints and technical specifications
- Ability to calculate dimensions
- Insight for inspecting weldments and materials
- How to maintain equipment and machinery
- Critical thinking for processes improvements
The Role of Welding Automation
Automation has become commonplace for many manufacturing companies. Welding can be a semi-automated process where only a few elements are mechanized, or it can also be completely automated with the use of robots. Automation does not eliminate the need for skilled welders, it simply frees up these professionals to perform more challenging tasks. Even with the use of automated welding systems, it’s essential to have the knowledgeable staff who understand the ins and outs of the process, how to overcome challenges and ensure a high level of welding quality output. In summary, welding automation means MORE opportunities for welders!
The Future of Welding – Automated Welding Machine Builder
At Bancroft Engineering, we are advocates of skilled welders and understand what an asset they are for our economy. The future of welding is bound to be an exciting one for those interested in learning new, emerging technologies! We offer cutting-edge welding equipment for manufacturers who need to get the job done right. Give us a call today at 262-786-1880 or email: sales@bancrofteng.com
