While choosing a career, most students and graduates find themselves in a pickle, confused about which one to pick from an ocean of options.
A common query among the community is whether they should become a welder or an electrician.
So we took the time out to put together a comparison between the two career choices. Read on to learn more.
Welder or Electrician, Which Is Better Career?
Being an electrician is considered a better job because it provides a physically enjoyable working environment as well as an academic path that can lead to a career in electrical engineering, for example. Electricians are paid more. Welding pays well for a low-skilled entry-level career, and both electricians and welders are in high demand.
Electricians and welders are both interesting and well paying career choices but have different job descriptions.
An electrician is skilled in dealing with electric power and utilities such as wires, sockets, motors, etc.
They often work as independent contractors or join a company that can get proper contracts.
On the other hand, welders work with industrial tools and equipment, primarily focused on metalwork.
Most welders use electric equipment to bond the metal components and are often skilled at soldering and brazing.
But which one is better?
Of course, the old saying still stands true that your ideal career choice is what you want to do in the future.
But that’s not the answer you’re probably looking for right now.
So to objectively rank one career over the other, let’s discuss both jobs in detail and make the decision in real-time.
How Do Welders Spend Their Day?
Welders often work with an employer, and depending on their preference, they carry out their tasks in confined spaces or large outdoor areas.
You can imagine an inside of a factory or a workshop as the ideal work setting for a welder.
Since they are not independent contractors, welders may work at the same place every day until they leave or the job or their contract expires.
Since welders work with toxic material and several life-threatening hazards, you’ll mostly see them wearing a full protective suit or additional protection for their eyes and hands.
Additionally, a long day of 12-14 hours is standard in this industry where manufacturers push to meet their quota and pay welders to work overtime.
So free weekends or lazy evenings is a luxury a welder may not afford.
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How Do Electricians Spend Their Day?
Electricians typically work inside homes, factories, etc., or outside construction sites and electricity poles.
As they are independent contractors, it is common for electricians to travel between places, catering to electrical problems continuously.
Depending on the contract, they may have to endure cold/hot weather working outside.
And if they’re working indoors, such as a factory employer, the overbearing noise of the machinery can be an issue.
If you’ve ever seen an electrician work at your home, you’ll know that the job requires standing or crouching at weird angles for extended hours.
And, of course, while working, they are vulnerable to inhaling fumes or dust that can adversely affect their health.
Like welders, electricians also use safety equipment, especially when working on heights when dealing with a malfunctioning power outlet.
Becoming A Welder Easier Or Harder Than Becoming An Electrician?
Now that you know what both occupations’ work environment looks like let’s discuss the educational process.
We will also shed some light on the duration, difficulty, and costs of each learning adventure so you can make an informed decision.
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How to Become A Welder?
It would be best to have a high school diploma or equivalent certification and the necessary job experience to become a welder.
Many schools teach this skill through technical training programs, and the expected subjects may include chemistry, blueprint reading, metallurgy, physics, and basic mathematics.
Once they have the education, most welders start working an internship to learn the different tricks and familiarize themselves with the equipment.
Your job as a welder will require you to fulfill specific duties, and working on the following given things may make the tasks at hand much more effortless.
• Precise work that requires attention to detail and good eyesight to avoid unwanted mistakes
• A firm hand grip to operate the welding equipment, especially if you’re an arc welder
• Enduring harsh work conditions or handling extended hours of standing or crouching
• Physical strength is a must as a welder may be required to lift heavy pieces of metal.
• Must be capable of accurately reading blueprints and delivering the correct 2D or 3D model
• Complete familiarity with the welding equipment
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How To Become An Electrician?
If you want to become an electrician, you need the same level of education as a welder; a high school diploma.
After their certification, most electricians opt for a learning school to learn all the necessary skills and get closer to an apprenticeship.
Once the apprenticeship starts, so does the actual training of an electrician.
They often work paid hours while studying to make the learning process more nourishing.
If you’re interested in becoming an electrician, you may have to study electrical theory, mathematics, and schematic reading.
You may also receive special training to work with elevators or the communication industry.
As an electrician, your duties will revolve around certain aspects given as follows:
• They need to have a complete color vision to identify the colored wires correctly.
• Problem-solving skills based on the current information
• Able to work harmoniously and professionally with the clients
• Able to endure extended hours of uncomfortable work
• Strong enough to carry or move heavy equipment, especially at construction sites or tech facilities
• Able to perform tests and deduce solutions
Welder Or Electrician, Who Earns More?
Electricians earn more than Welders, with median wage of $56,900 compared to $44,190 per annum.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Welders earn around $44,190 a year as of May 2020. However, it is essential to note that this number can go up to $60k+ depending on the region. For example, California may have more opportunities and welding work than Indiana due to differences in the development sector.
On the other hand, electricians have an average salary of $56,900 per year. Like welders, they can earn more or less depending on where you live and the types of skills you have in your backpack.
Final Thoughts
After discussing both career options in detail, it is safe to that Electrician is a better job than a welder.
It may demand more effort from you or force you to travel a lot, but it pays more, and you have much more freedom in your work life.
Regardless, you can decide on your own, keeping in mind the many points we discussed in this short read.
We hope we have made the decision easier for you. Good luck!
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References
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm#tab-1
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm#tab-1
