Entry level welding jobs??

admin

Seems like a lot of you guys (and gals) have buku knowledge of the welding world.  I seem to be going through a "notquitemidlifecrisis".  I'm 30, worked construction my whole life (mostly as an operator/estimator/proj. mgr for road construction).  As of late, I seem to have found this damn hobby called welding that I cannot seem to get enough of.  I would weld 24/7 if my wife wouldn't divorce me   .  Anyways...Do you guys have any suggestions as to how to enter the field of welding as a newbie.  Should I get any certain certifications first?  Do certain sectors pay better...i.e. does structural pay more than private fab shops..etc....  I live in California...so needless to say I have to make decent money to pay the bills.  I do have extensive layout knowledge that I learned from other trades that will apply to fabrication.Any info helps.  thanx
Reply:small fab shops dont pay very well, if your interested in a variety of projects you might try maintenance in mfg.I got my experience in the Navy and hired in as journyman milwright @ new united motor mfg. (general motors & toyota) in fremont cal.I got sick of the traffic in the bay area and moved back to my home state of iowa in 1998 and currently work as a maintenance sheetmetal worker.New united pays around 32.00 hr now.With your background,you might have a chance.i still know some people there. Good luck
Reply:Don't know about out your way but over in the south pacific (my way) pipe welding pay's the best, but then there's bout ten different types of that to  ,so good luck which ever way you go.Stephen
Reply:Originally Posted by den123small fab shops dont pay very well, if your interested in a variety of projects you might try maintenance in mfg.I got my experience in the Navy and hired in as journyman milwright @ new united motor mfg. (general motors & toyota) in fremont cal.I got sick of the traffic in the bay area and moved back to my home state of iowa in 1998 and currently work as a maintenance sheetmetal worker.New united pays around 32.00 hr now.With your background,you might have a chance.i still know some people there. Good luck