The table below provides information about the number of workers in this occupation in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.
Employment
Welders work mostly in metal manufacturing industries. Solderers often work on electronic equipment.
Major employers:
- Architectural and structural metals manufacturers
- Agriculture, construction, and mining machinery manufacturers
- Commercial and industrial machinery manufacturers
Outlook
Growth for this occupation is about as fast as average. The basic skills of welding are similar across industries, so welders can easily shift from one industry to another, depending on where they are needed most. The nation’s aging infrastructure will require the expertise of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers to help rebuild bridges, highways, and buildings.
Job prospects should be excellent for welders with the right skills. Many employers report difficulty finding qualified applicants. In addition, other openings will arise as workers retire or leave the occupation for other reasons.
Welders and Solderers (CIS 100482)
Location | Employment | & | Growth | >>>> | Annual openings | |
This occupation |
All occupations |
|||||
Illinois |
13,703 Large |
& |
4.9% |
5.8% |
>>>> |
1,537 Very High |
Champaign Area |
203 Large |
& |
9.9% |
7.0% |
>>>> |
25 High |
Charleston-Effingham-Centralia Area |
457 Very large |
& |
6.1% |
5.0% |
>>>> |
52 Very High |
Cook County |
4,558 Large |
& |
5.9% |
5.6% |
>>>> |
518 High |
Decatur Area |
175 Very large |
& |
5.1% |
7.0% |
>>>> |
20 High |
DeKalb-Elgin-Aurora Area |
875 Very large |
& |
8.3% |
9.7% |
>>>> |
102 Very High |
Du Page County |
1,516 Large |
& |
5.3% |
5.4% |
>>>> |
171 Very High |
Edwardsville Area |
303 Very large |
& |
-6.9% |
5.1% |
>>>> |
29 High |
Jacksonville-Carlinville-Litchfield Area |
74 Large |
& |
12.2% |
7.0% |
>>>> |
9 High |
Kankakee-Morris-Pontiac Area |
184 Large |
& |
5.4% |
5.2% |
>>>> |
21 High |
Lake County |
849 Large |
& |
8.7% |
8.6% |
>>>> |
100 Very High |
McHenry County |
346 Very large |
& |
5.5% |
6.8% |
>>>> |
40 Very High |
Mt Vernon-Marion-Carbondale Area |
178 Large |
& |
9.6% |
6.8% |
>>>> |
22 High |
Northwest Illinois Area |
471 Very large |
& |
5.7% |
3.6% |
>>>> |
54 Very High |
Peoria-Bloomington Area |
797 Very large |
& |
7.4% |
7.3% |
>>>> |
92 Very High |
Quincy-Macomb-Galesburg Area |
250 Very large |
& |
6.8% |
4.3% |
>>>> |
29 High |
Rock Island-Moline Area |
308 Very large |
& |
5.5% |
5.7% |
>>>> |
35 Very High |
Rockford Area |
1,018 Very large |
& |
6.4% |
7.6% |
>>>> |
116 Very High |
Shawnee National Forest Area |
95 Large |
& |
9.5% |
2.4% |
>>>> |
12 High |
Springfield Area |
200 Large |
& |
7.0% |
4.7% |
>>>> |
23 High |
St Louis-Belleville Area |
257 Large |
& |
8.6% |
6.4% |
>>>> |
30 High |
Vermilion County |
101 Large |
& |
6.9% |
4.9% |
>>>> |
12 High |
Will County |
528 Large |
& |
7.2% |
9.1% |
>>>> |
62 High |
United States |
438,900 Very large |
& |
3.1% |
3.7% |
>>>> |
43,400 Very High |