[tylerkelsonhowell]

Hi, I'm sorry if this is the wrong place to post but I can't find much decent information. I'm considering two careers at the moment--Electrician and Travelling Industrial Pipe Welder--and I'm trying to get some advice as to which one to choose. My community college offers an associate's degree in either field, and that is the route that I'm going to take. I'm just curious about benefits, union stuff, salary, how hard it is on your body, health hazards, etc. Pretty much this: If you were young/healthy and had nothing holding you down which of the two would you prefer? Also, neither has to be permanent, and I plan to save most of the money that I make regardless so that I can invest in something else in the future. Thanks, and sorry if this is an unwelcome post.

Edit: One other thing is that I'm concerned about the future. Like, what if we start using wireless tech and electricians become obsolete? We will still be welding. Just a thought.

 

[NC Plc]

Electricians will never be obsolete.

Welding pays well but it's extremely hard on your eyes and body.

 

[Azimuth]

Welding pays well but it's extremely hard on your eyes and body.

Affirmative. Have a relative who became a welder in his early 20's with 20/20 vision. Now not even 10 years later vision dropped to -3.00 in one eye and -3.5 in another.

My father in law was a welder and even though his vision is not terrible, he developed tinnitus.

What seems like money in the bank now, will be paid for doctor visits in the future.

 

[Arc'n'Spark]

Go be a welder and learn how to weld sanitary tubing. You'll never be without work, and you'll be making more than any wire twister I've ever met.

 

[MechanicalDVR]

Become an electrician, you'll live a longer healthier life or at least have the potential too.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

...

Edit: One other thing is that I'm concerned about the future. Like, what if we start using wireless tech and electricians become obsolete? We will still be welding. Just a thought.

As they improve adhesives, there is less and less welding every year. They also use non-metallic piping in many applications that were welded pipe in the past.

 

[macmikeman]

You are better off making stupid videos and putting them on Youtube. Some kids are making high 6 figures a year with foolish video clips.

 

[tylerkelsonhowell]

Thanks for the replies

 

[NC Plc]

According to the BLS welders are expected to see 4% job growth while electricians are expected to see 14% job growth.

Looks to me like one of them is more likely to be obsolete in the near future.

 

[tylerkelsonhowell]

According to the BLS welders are expected to see 4% job growth while electricians are expected to see 14% job growth.

Looks to me like one of them is more likely to be obsolete in the near future.

Yes, you're definitely correct brother. I was just concerned I trip out about things.

 

[dawgs]

As they improve adhesives, there is less and less welding every year. They also use non-metallic piping in many applications that were welded pipe in the past.

Soldering and brazing copper piping is going to be obsolete soon. Every job we are on all copper pipe is crimped with a pro press now.

Orbital welding machines are also doing a lot of the welding now days.

 

[macmikeman]

One word. Robotics.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Soldering and brazing copper piping is going to be obsolete soon. Every job we are on all copper pipe is crimped with a pro press now.

Orbital welding machines are also doing a lot of the welding now days.

30 years ago there was an approved adhesive to use in place of solder on domestic water, but I don't think it ever took much of the market.

 

[John Valdes]

Pipe welding is a tough job. If you can stand to be under a hood all day in cold weather and very hot weather, becoming a welder might be a good idea.
I would get certified first. Certified guy seem to make very good money.
Your question is kinda like who makes more money? Plumber or electrician.
Our problem is electricity does not smell like ****.