Also called: Orbital Welder, Precision TIG Welder
Welds the thin, precise seams of rocket fuel tanks, engine parts, and plumbing.
You lay down a perfect weld on a tube the width of your finger while watching through a dark lens, then X-ray inspectors check every inch. Rocket companies prize welders who can pass aerospace certifications.
Aerospace welders earn more than the BLS all-welder median.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Welding trade school plus aerospace certification (AWS D17.1).
Ways in: Trade school, Certification, Apprenticeship, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Welding Technology (trade school).
Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Robotic and friction-stir welding handle more long seams; tricky joints and repairs still need certified welders.
Classes: Welding CTE, Geometry, Shop class, Art or sculpture.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-4121.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.