Learn to run a bead in months, not years. Every cert you stack raises your rate — from production MIG to pipe TIG to inspecting other people's welds at six figures.
Every step shows real pay, real time, and who's hiring. Tap any step to open it.
Takes about a minute. We track your steps from there.
Get road-ready
Diploma, license, and a safety card
Welding certificate program
9–12 months of hood time
9–12 mo
Fab shop helper
Grind, fit, tack — and watch everything
$17–20/hr 3–12 mo
Production welder (MIG)
Your first real welding paycheck
$18–23/hr 1–2 yrs
AWS D1.1 structural cert
The cert that changes your rate
1–2 mo
Structural welder
Beams, bridges, buildings
$24–32/hr
The path splits — pick your ending
Employment
Pipe / TIG specialist
$30–42/hr
Certified Weld Inspector (CWI)
$75–100K
Ownership
Mobile rig owner-operator
Income varies
Get road-ready
Diploma, license, and a safety card
Welding certificate program
9–12 months of hood time
9–12 mo
Fab shop helper
Grind, fit, tack — and watch everything
$17–20/hr 3–12 mo
Production welder (MIG)
Your first real welding paycheck
$18–23/hr 1–2 yrs
AWS D1.1 structural cert
The cert that changes your rate
1–2 mo
Structural welder
Beams, bridges, buildings
$24–32/hr
Pipe / TIG specialist
Precision pays
$30–42/hr
Certified Weld Inspector (CWI)
Six figures, no hood required
$75–100K
Mobile rig owner-operator
Truck, welder, your rates
Income varies
Typical Milwaukee-metro ranges — offers vary by shop and shift.