If you’re a detail-oriented individual with a strong mechanical aptitude and would enjoy working in a manufacturing or construction environment, then becoming a welder could be an ideal career choice. Welders use handheld or remotely controlled equipment to join metal components together. You can also earn a solid living as a welder. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for welders as of 2016 was nearly $40,000, while the top 10 percent earned more than $60,000 per year.
However, welding demands a unique skill set that requires specialized training. In addition to earning your high school diploma or GED, you will likely need to attend a trade school that offers a welding program. Here is a closer look at some of the leading welding programs in Pennsylvania — specifically those in the eastern portion of the state.