Welders are in demand—how can you ramp up your income?

This morning I opened my local paper to a Business section front-page story about the local and nationwide shortage of skilled welders. One local company said they’d add 30 to 50 more welders if only they could find them. There were plenty of other businesses complaining about the lack of qualified welders.

That’s here in Tulsa, with a world-class welding school, Tulsa Welding School, right in town pumping out welders every year. I can imagine it’s even worse for metal working and manufacturing companies in places without a large welding school.

Does this mean that you can automatically demand more money? No, of course not. But it’s always good to be in a business when there is a shortage of what you do for a living. Ask any nurse over the last few years. They’ll throw money at the right person, but they’ll work you a lot of hours.

So what can you do?

If you have a job, it might not hurt to look around for another one. Look, if you’re in a situation you like with a company you want to work for doing what you want to do, there isn’t necessarily a reason to leave. But if you’re good, and your company values you, there is no reason to not talk about money with them. There also isn’t any reason not to keep your eyes open for a welding job you’ll like better.

If you’re not in a situation you like, what are you waiting for? You’re in the catbird seat. They need you out there if you can handle a welder, if you’re on time and give them a good day’s work.

Get what you’re worth, get a job you don’t mind getting up in the morning to go to.