If you are more like a hands-on person, you should consider becoming a welder.
It’s an absolutely rewarding and exciting career.
In this article, there is a list of the best schools where you can get your welding training in Iowa.
Also, the article contains some significant info about duties, career options and salary of a welder in Iowa.
Article Table of Contents
Welder’s Duties and Roles in Iowa
Welders use numerous tools in order to join metal pieces together.
To do it properly, they need to be skillful enough to use various tools.
These tools are used to heat, melt and connect metal elements.
Most Significant Welder’s Responsibilities
Welders need to perform a number of various responsibilities but there are some that are especially important:
- Studying and understanding specific sketches, blueprints, and instructions. Also, a welder should be able to follow all these instructions properly.
- Raw structure/material analysis in order to determine appropriate methods required for an excellent result. There are about 100 welding methods such as gas tungsten arc welding, shielded metal arc welding, or gas metal arc welding.
- Usage of appropriate tools depending on the chosen method.
- Maintaining equipment and tools so it meets all the requirements. There is a variety of different types of tools including electric and manual equipment. Sometimes, welders should be able to use numerous combination of tools to perform their job properly.
Reasons for Becoming a Welder in Iowa
If you still aren’t sure whether it’s a good idea to become a welder, you should that it’s a rewarding career.
You’ll be able to work on important projects and be proud of your work.
Buildings, bridges and other construction created by your hands will be throughout your city.
Also, keep in mind, that welding outlook is really big and it still growing.
According to the data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it will grow by 6% by 2026.
If you want to work as a welder, you need to be:
- Detail oriented;
- Technical skills;
- Physical strength;
- Physical stamina;
- Manual dexterity;
- Spatial-orientation skills.
Average Welder’s Salary in Iowa
Working as a welder in Iowa, you can earn a median salary of $37 190 per year which is $17,88 per hour.
In fact, a median salary throughout the country is slightly bigger.
It’s about $39,390 per year ($18.94 per hour).
Speaking of the top 10% of welders in Iowa, their median average salary is about $49,740 annually.
At the same time, the top 10% of welders throughout the country earn about $62,100 per year.
Where Can Certified Welders Work in Iowa?
Want to know where you can start your career as a welder in Iowa?
There plenty of opportunities in such spheres as:
- Construction of buildings and bridges;
- Manufacturing;
- Aerospace applications;
- Gas & oil field power plants and refineries;
- Shipbuilding;
- Auto & motorcycle fabrication and repair.
Top 11 Welding Certification Schools in Iowa
To become a professional welder, you need to get proper training that’s why we created this list of the best welding schools in Iowa.
You should know that each school from the list was certified by the American Welding Society’s SENSE Accreditation Program.
Regardless of your choice, you can be sure that each program has such important classes as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (stick), or Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG).
Those students who decided to participate in any program should have their high-school diploma or GED.
Keep in mind, that in some cases it’s enough to be a high-school junior.
School | Location | Contact Information | Phone Number |
---|---|---|---|
Davenport West Vocational | 3500 W. Locust Davenport, IA 52804 United States | Andrew Zinn | (563) 386-5500 |
Denison Job Corps Center | 10 Opportunity Dr. Denison, IA 51442 United States | (712) 263-4192 | |
Hawkeye Community College | 1501 East Orange Rd Waterloo, IA 50704 United States | David Drunklee | (319) 296-4009 |
Iowa Lakes Community College South Cam | 3200 College Dr. Emmetsburg, IA 50336 United States | Emily Gottsche | (800) 346-6018 |
Iowa Valley Community College District | 3702 South Center Street Marshalltown, IA 50158 United States | Mary Means | (641) 844-5648 |
Kirkwood Community College | 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52406 United States | Dennis Ringgenberg | (319) 398-5464 |
North Iowa Area Community College | 500 College Drive Mason City, IA 50401 United States | Tim Westrum | (641) 422-4278 |
Sequel Youth Services Of Iowa | 1820 N 16th St. Clarinda, IA 51632 United States | Ty Green | (712) 542-3103 |
Southeastern Community College | 335 Messenger Rd. Keokuk, IA 52632 United States | Richard Weston | (319) 524-3221 |
Southeastern Community College | 1500 West Agency Rd PO Box 180 West Burlington, IA 52655-0180 United States | Don Weiss | (219) 208-5375 |
Waverly-Shell Rock High School | 1405 4th Ave. SW Waverly, IA 50677 United States | David D. Fox | (319) 352-2087 |
Keep in mind that the information in the table may change so we recommend you to doublecheck it.
Popular Degree Programs
Similar Career Options in Iowa
Of course, there are some other careers that will be a perfect choice for people who like working with their own hands.
There are such options as:
- Boilermaker;
- Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter;
- Sheet Metal Worker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a future in welding?
Absolutely.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of welders is projected to grow by 3% between 2019 and 2029.
This may translate to 13,600 additional jobs over the next decade.
Besides, many welders are at or near retirement age, which means older welders will be leaving the market and increasing the demand for younger and newly trained welders.
Do welders get health benefits?
Most companies employing welders offer a benefits package that includes health insurance, sick leave, and paid vacation.
Self-employed welders, however, have to provide their own benefits.
Health insurance options for self-employed welders include Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare.
How much does an underwater welder make?
Underwater welders make between $38,000 and $147,000 per year, depending on their level of experience.
These welders work either offshore or inland.
Offshore underwater welders make slightly more than inland welders; however, both types of underwater welders make a pretty decent income.
Those with experience as diver medical technicians get to enjoy a hefty bonus.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Welder