Welder / Welding Technician in Grand Rapids, MI
Salary data, training programs, and job outlook for Grand Rapids-area Welder / Welding Technicians
💰 Grand Rapids Area Salary
Salaries vary by employer, experience, and certifications. Grand Rapids figures based on regional BLS data and cost-of-living adjustments.
📋 About Welder / Welding Technician Work in Grand Rapids
Welders fuse metal together using heat and electricity to build everything from bridges and pipelines to aircraft and auto frames. Certified underwater welders and pipeline welders can earn $100K–$200K+. It's pure craftsmanship that never goes offshore.
What You Do Day-to-Day
- Perform MIG, TIG, Stick, and flux-core welding
- Read blueprints and weld to specs
- Inspect welds for quality and code compliance
- Operate plasma cutters and grinders
- Work in confined spaces and at heights
🎓 Training Programs Near Grand Rapids
- Henry Ford College — Dearborn
- Macomb Community College — Warren
- Lansing Community College — Lansing
- Grand Rapids Community College — Grand Rapids
- Washtenaw Community College — Ann Arbor
📈 Job Outlook
National Growth: 3% (Average)
National Jobs: 452K employed nationwide
Credential Required: AWS Certified Welder (CW) — industry standard
Typical Program: Welding Certificate or Diploma — 6 months–2 years