Are you searching for a rewarding career that brings satisfaction?
You have many options to choose from and welding is just one of them.
The ideal candidates for this occupation are those who like making things with their hands.
If you think this could be a good trade for you, read on to learn more about it!
What Are the Duties of a Welder?
A welder must join together pieces of metal.
There are many tools and methods that can be used during the process and the professional needs to know which ones to pick.
Certain skills and heat are also needed on the job.
Responsibilities That Stand Out
As a welder, you’re expected to:
- Carefully analyze and follow instructions from sketches and blueprints.
- From more than 100 welding methods, to choose the correct one based on the the types of materials you work with.
- Select the correct equipment for the method, and combine them accordingly.
- Perform proper maintenance on the tools to keep them up to the standards.
Reasons to Become a Welder
Without a doubt, this occupation is very rewarding.
You could see what you made around the city you live in.
Those who like using their hands while making something are idea candidates for this job.
Working in the open air is almost guaranteed too, for you’ll partake in the creation of impressive structures like various edifices or bridges.
You must also remember the employment rate for this career is good.
In fact, the US Labor Bureau estimates there will be an 6% increase in demand for welders by 2026.
These are the skills needed by a welder:
- Spatial-orientation capabilities
- Physical stamina and strength
- Technical skills
- Detail-oriented
- Dexterity
Median Wage for Welders in Mississippi
Working as a certified welder in Mississippi means you can earn on average $34,290 per year.
Across the country, the average income for a welder is higher, at $39,533 yearly.
The top 10% of welders in Mississippi earn every year about $39,394, while at a national level this segment of welders earns $45,418.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Certified Welders in Mississippi
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Jackson | $35,181 |
| Gulfport | $34,762 |
| Biloxi | $35,038 |
| Hattiesburg | $34,544 |
| Greenville | $35,145 |
| Meridian | $34,974 |
| Tupelo | $33,350 |
| Southaven | $37,343 |
| Vicksburg | $34,825 |
| Pascagoula | $34,758 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | 2,230 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
| Hattiesburg, MS | 110 | $43,520 | $20.92 | $59,540 | $31,930 |
| Jackson, MS | 510 | $44,490 | $21.39 | $56,580 | $32,370 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Finding a Welding Job in Mississippi
There are many sphered searching for certified welders.
Here are some examples:
- Building structures, such as bridges
- Manufacturing
- Aerospace applications
- Gas & oil field power plants and refineries
- Shipbuilding or Constructing boats
- Car & motorbike fabrication and maintenance
Best Training Schools in Mississippi
We’ll now list the schools offering training for future welders.
The American Welding Society’s SENSE Accreditation Program accepted 11 schools in this state.
Each school offers classes for the main welding methods such as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (stick), and Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG).
These classes will offer a good foundation for your new career.
Presenting your high school diploma or GED means you can start training.
In a few cases, junior high school students are also accepted.
11 Welding Schools in Mississippi
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Batesville Job Corps Center | 821 Highway 51, South, Batesville, MS 38606 United States |
| East Mississippi Community College | 8731 South Frontage Rd, Mayhew, MS 39753 United States |
| Gulfport Job Corps Center | 3300-20th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501 United States |
| Itawamba Community College -Tupelo | 2176 S Eason Blvd, Tupelo, MS 38804 United States |
| Jones Co Junior College | 900 S Court St, Ellisville, MS 39437 United States |
| Mississippi Job Corps Center | 400 Harmony Road, Crystal Springs, MS United States |
| Northwest Mississippi Community College | 4975 Highway 51 N, Senatobia, MS 38668 United States |
| Pearl River Community College – Poplarville | 101 Highway 11 N, Poplarville, MS 39470 United States |
| Southwest Mississippi Community College | 1156 College Drive Summit, MS 39666 United States |
| West Point Career And Tech Center | 1253 East Churchill Rd, West Point, MS 39773 United States |
| Yazoo City Vo-Tech Center | 1825 M.L. King Dr, Yazoo City MS 39194 United States |
It’s possible for the information to change, so it’s best if you re-checked it.
Alternative Careers in Mississippi
If you want to know what other fields you can work in, here are some examples:
- Pipefitter and Steamfitter
- Plumber
- Boilermaking
- Sheet Metal Worker
Welding Schools by City
This page is also available in Spanish.
