Military Welders and Metal Workers
Military Career
General Information
Description
Welders and metal workers deal with shaping, brazing, soldering, and forming metals to aid in different construction efforts that serve military missions worldwide. They install sheet metal products, such as roofs, air ducts, gutters, and vents. They also create custom parts to repair the structural components of ships, tanks, submarines, landing craft, buildings, and equipment. These enlisted workers use a wide range of skills, processes, and tools.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Welders and metal workers work indoors in metalworking shops and aircraft hangars. They also work outdoors at construction sites, on ships, and in the field.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Architecture & Construction
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Enlisted
- Hands-on/specialized
- High school diploma required
Military Workforce
Welders and Metal Workers in the Military
34,914
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$54,412
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$22,641 - $238,558
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
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High school 49%
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Post-secondary certificate 43%
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Less than high school 7%
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Some college 0%
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Master's degree 0%
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Doctoral degree 0%
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Bachelor's degree 0%
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Associate's degree 0%
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Post baccalaureate 0%
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Post-doctoral training 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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First professional degree 0%
Military training
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Welders and metal workers in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include: Sheet metal layout and duct workProcedures for cutting, brazing, and heat treatingOperation and care of welding, soldering, and brazing equipment
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Mathematics
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
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