Welding Technology Career Pathways
Career Options
Welding Technology Program graduates are prepared to work in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and oil and gas in the role of Inspector, Welding Engineer, Welder’s Helper, Supervisor, Educator, Braze Operator, and others.
Graduates who wish to continue their studies may transfer to the Applied Studies Baccalaureate degree program at California State University at Bakersfield (CSUB), the Industrial Automation Bachelor in Science (B.S.) degree at Bakersfield College, or to another four-year institution offering B.S. degrees in Industrial Technology or an Energy-related field of study. For those interested in transferring to a four-year school, please contact your counselor to determine which additional courses are needed to transfer.
Degree
Link for more about the Associate in Science in Welding Technology Program and related career options.
Earnings Potential
An entry level welder in a shop setting performing Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick) can expect to earn a salary of $41,600 to $54,080 for structural welding. A "Single Hand Welder" in a shop setting or field can expect to earn a salary starting at $54,080 to $62,400 performing pipe welding. That salary is also increased to $110,240 to $114,400 for a "Rig Welder" performing mobile, onsite, and field welding.
Source: Taft College Welding Technology Program, California regional rates, 24 October 2023.
Contact Us
Taft College Switchboard
661-763-7700
Kristi Richards — Career Technical Facilitator-Counselor
661-763-7813
Email: [email protected]