Women are increasingly choosing welding as a career for its creativity, hands-on work, and problem-solving opportunities. Welders build and repair structures across industries like automotive, construction, shipbuilding, and aerospace manufacturing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), women made up 5.8% of welders in 2022. While that percentage is still small, it continues to grow—making this an ideal time for women to explore careers in welding and skilled trades.
In this article, we explore women in welding—past, present, and future—and what it means for career opportunities today.
Women in Welding: Past (Early Contributions)
The number of women entering the welding profession exploded during World War II. As many men left for military service, women entered manufacturing jobs in large numbers, including welding roles critical to the war effort.
Women welders helped build ships, aircraft, vehicles, and military equipment—proving their skill and capability in industrial environments. The iconic images of Rosie the Riveter—a factory worker rolling up her sleeve and flexing—symbolized this workforce shift, while lesser known “Winnie the Welder” also represented women in skilled trades during this era. Women welders were even featured in major publications, including a 1943 issue of Life magazine that featured a female welder on the cover and provided an account of her life on the job.
After the war, many women were displaced from these roles as men returned to the workforce. Gender bias and workplace stereotypes limited opportunities for decades, slowing the growth of welding careers for women despite their proven success.
Women in Welding: Present (Career Paths and Benefits)
Today, women are entering welding careers by choice—drawn to the stability, earning potential, and hands-on nature of the work.
Why women choose welding careers:
Hands-on, creative work
Strong demand in skilled trades
Opportunities across multiple industries
Ability to apply math, science, and technical skills
Welding is both a physical and technical profession. Welders must understand materials, heat application, and chemical processes to create strong, precise bonds. While women remain underrepresented, many find a strong sense of community and mentorship within the field. Being part of a growing demographic also creates opportunities for leadership and career advancement.
Women in Welding: Future (Opportunities and Innovation)
The future outlook for welding careers remains strong, with steady demand across multiple industry sectors. Opportunities include include infrastructure projects like bridges, highways and buildings; advanced manufacturing and fabrication; aerospace and automotive production; and energy and utilities.
Technology and innovation in welding:
Robotic welding systems, automated fabrication processes and 3D printing and additive manufacturing are just some of the emerging technologies transforming the welding industry and expanding opportunities for welders to hone their expertise. According to BLS projections, employment for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is expected to remain stable through 2032, with approximately 42,600 job openings each year. Many of these openings will result from retirements and workforce transitions.
How to become a welder
Hands-on training is the first step toward a successful welding career. While access to training was historically limited for women, today’s programs are more inclusive and accessible.
Modern welding training programs provide:
Hands-on experience with industry tools
Instruction in multiple welding techniques
Preparation for entry-level roles
Fortis offers welding diploma programs that are designed to support students from diverse backgrounds, including women pursuing skilled trades careers. Welding puts you in the middle of manufacturing and, if you enjoy hands-on work and creating structures and products that are used every day, this could be the right career choice for you. that To learn more, submit the form on this page to request more information.
Recommended Readings
Certified Welding Inspector: Career Overview
4 Essential Welder Skills
How Women Are Shaping the Future of Truck Driving