Carpenters vs Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers
Side-by-side comparison of salary, job growth, and training requirements based on BLS data.
Carpenters
Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers
Median Salary
$59,310
$51,000
10-Year Job Growth
+5.2%
+8.2%
Training Length
3-4 years
6 months - 2 years
Typical Path
UBC apprenticeship or non-union program; no license required in most states
Trade school certificate or community college + AWS certification; on-the-job training
Salary difference: $8,310 (16.3%) in favor of Carpenters
Who should choose Carpenters?
Carpenters may be the right fit if you're interested in construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made of wood and other materials.
Typical path: UBC apprenticeship or non-union program; no license required in most states
Explore Carpenters →Who should choose Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers?
Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers may be the right fit if you're interested in use hand-welding, flame-cutting, and brazing equipment to weld or join metal components.
Typical path: Trade school certificate or community college + AWS certification; on-the-job training
Explore Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers →Frequently Asked Questions
Carpenters earn more on average. The national median salary for carpenters is $59,310, which is $8,310 more than welders, cutters, solderers & brazers ($51,000).
Carpenters typically require 3-4 years of training (UBC apprenticeship or non-union program; no license required in most states). Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers typically require 6 months - 2 years (Trade school certificate or community college + AWS certification; on-the-job training).
Carpenters have a projected 10-year growth of 5.2%, while welders, cutters, solderers & brazers have a projected growth of 8.2%. Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers have slightly better growth prospects.