How To Make Money Welding: Setting Up Your Welding Business

Welding is a professional skill that, if acquired, may provide several advantages.

You can weld for personal gains, such as fixing and creating products. 

Additionally, you can use it to make money and establish a legitimate home business out of your chosen hobby. 

Now, welding is not a business that requires a full-on degree.

Physical abilities are more important than academic credentials in this case.

You may need to begin by learning the process, which can be difficult at first but can be mastered with practice and perseverance.

Are you determined to pursue welding as a professional job that allows you to work from home and be your own boss? 

If you want to pursue this notion further, you’ll need to get a hold of the equipment you’ll need at home. 

You probably also want to know the kind of welding projects you may work on and how you can profit from the welding process.

All of the answers to these questions will help you decide whether a welding business is right for you. 

Even if you work from home, you might work for a company on a contractual basis to provide a stable income. 

I’ll cover all of these topics so you’ll know how to make money welding ASAP.

Let’s get started. 

how to make money welding

How To Make Money Welding As A Novice

Welding is not a skill that can be picked up straight away – well, not unless you’re some sort of prodigy. 

It is manual labor, and it takes a lot of practice to become proficient.

You’ll have to practice a lot of your physical skills.

Finding the correct welding equipment is one aspect, but it is not the most important.

Finding a decent welding course or enrolling in a school should be the first step.

There are a number of welding schools that provide beginning welding training.

The finest ones will even help you get work once you graduate.

However, for a novice, the easiest approach to get started is to conduct some research and choose one that will allow you to grasp the fundamentals.

You can also start as an apprentice if you are young enough.

Apprenticeships are available at several welding businesses. 

You’ll be well on your way to launching your welding business after you grasp all of the safety concerns as well as the real mechanics of a welding job.

But remember, practice makes perfect!

Before you can become serious about the welding profession, you must complete several welding projects and practice runs.

The American Welding Society offers scholarships from time to time, which might be a terrific chance for you and others who want to change careers.

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How Much Money Welding Makes

The amount of money a welder may earn is influenced by a number of things.

For starters, it is dependent on the state in which you intend to work. 

Some specialized fields with high degrees of danger, such as underwater welding or military welders, are paid more than others. 

A welder’s average hourly wage is currently approximately $18, which translates to $38,000 per year. 

Of course, entry-level contract welders will be paid less than experts.

That’s because they are frequently assigned to risky locations for employment; it is only natural that they are paid well.

Their annual profits might rise to $160,000.

If you start a welding or metal cutting gig as a freelancer, your profits will be determined by how much work you do.

It’s usually a good idea to take on as much work as you can handle. 

Types of Welding

how to make money welding - Types of Welding

MIG Welding 

MIG welding is an arc welding technique in which a continuous solid wire electrode is supplied via a welding gun and into the weld pool to unite the two base materials.

Shielding gas is also pumped via the welding gun to keep the weld pool clean. 

Wire welding is the colloquial term for gas metal arc welding (or GMAW). Many folks choose MIG welding since it is said to be a simple technique to master. 

However, it is not so straightforward; most individuals may become good MIG welders by following some simple instructions.

Arc Welding 

Arc welding is one of numerous metal-joining fusion welding methods.

Arc welding is when you fuse metals using an electric arc. 

A power source also creates an electric arc between a consumable or non-consumable electrode and the base metal.

For heavier and thicker materials, arc welding is employed.

When working with big gear, arc welding is the ideal approach.

Arc welding’s fast welding speed is one of its most appealing features.

Because of the high heat concentration in arc welding, we can complete this procedure fast. 

Finally, arc welders can employ either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) to create their work (AC).

TIG Welding 

Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding, commonly known as wire welding, is a non-consumable tungsten electrode arc welding technique.

Thinner materials are ideally suited to this form of welding.

If you work with light metal, this is the ideal option.

TIG welding has the benefit of providing fine and accurate finishing.

Beginners will find it challenging.

Stick Welding 

Stick welding is also known as SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) or Covered Electrode welding. 

It uses a fixed-length electrode and an electric power source to connect a variety of metals.

Because of the strength of the weld, stick welding is commonly utilized in heavy construction. 

The main benefit of this technique is that it combines shield and material in one step, reducing waste and increasing efficiency for thick materials. 

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Steps On How To Make Money Welding 

Before you decide to pursue welding as a serious and sustainable job and begin earning money, you must weigh many considerations. 

It is critical that you get familiar with the welding tools and equipment that you may use at your home working station. 

You’ll also want to master the kind of welding projects you can work on.

And, most significantly, I’m sure you want to know if you can make good money by welding.

1. Set Up Your Welding Station 

If you want to start your own welding business from home, you’ll need to set up a space where you can take on your tasks.

You will also require working tools. 

It will be pretty challenging to realize your ambition of operating a welding shop at home if you lack the necessary working space and welding gear. 

There are three choices to consider when setting up your welding shop at home if you want to be your own boss in the welding profession. 

You can avoid working under anybody by choosing one of the following setups: 

Lease A Space 

You may want to rent someone else’s workshop or space under this business option and make monthly payments based on the rate you both agree on. 

A haggled agreement is another option.

When you rent a welding workspace, you get unlimited access and may work on your welding projects at any time of day. 

Just consider that nonpayment or late payment may result in a dispute between you and the landlord. 

As a result, you should be sure the welding company concept is feasible before signing a rental agreement.

If you’re not careful, this choice might possibly squander your time and money.

Consider additional methods to reduce the monthly rent paid to the store owner. 

Make your calculations to see whether this is a realistic choice for you.

You can take it if the location is advantageous and you can earn a significant profit.

Start by consulting small machine shops around town.

Use The Back of Your Truck 

If you already possess a truck, you can set up your welding shop on the back of it.

This is a fantastic option since it’s spacious and, when used properly, may yield significant profits. 

As a result, using the unused space at the back of your vehicle might be a good option. 

This is a low-cost business concept that allows you to relocate from one location to another while working on welding jobs. 

You can swiftly go from one client to the next, which is far handier than having consumers travel to get to where you are.

If you don’t already own a truck, though, this alternative may not be appropriate owing to the hefty costs. 

The stress of buying a new truck and starting from scratch might be daunting.

It would be great if you chose a budget-friendly, low-maintenance, and easier alternative. 

Set Up Your Welding Station At Home (Garage, Shed, Lawn, Spare Room, etc.) 

Set Up Your Welding Station At Home

This is the most efficient, practical, and economical solution.

Working from the comfort of your own home is safer and will help you be more productive. 

When setting up a welding shop on your property, make sure you have enough room to do all of your welding tasks.

If you have a garage, this may be an excellent alternative.

You build a little durable shed on your lawn if you have enough open space.

Given that this is a long-term investment, you should construct a sturdy and long-lasting structure that will provide you with good value for your money.

2. Prepare Your Space For Welding Projects 

When thinking about starting a welding shop at home, it’s likely that you’ve already come up with some ideas on how to make it a reality. 

It would be ideal if you thought about the vision’s validity.

Check to see if it’s a viable, safe, and cost-effective solution. 

If you can manage the following preparations, then you should be good to go.

Set Up The Electricals 

Before you buy the machinery and equipment, please check to see if your space can handle them.

Please be sure your workstation can manage the machinery’s electrical current. 

The breaker should not be overloaded since appropriate light is essential for welding.

Low voltage welders are available for purchase at your local hardware store or online. 

Unlike higher voltage welders, which need a large amount of electrical current, lower voltage welders are appropriate for residential usage.

Gather All The Tools and Machinery 

The following are some essential welding supplies that any welding professional and maker should have in their home welding station.

Head on to your nearest hardware store to gather these supplies:

  • Mig Welding Machine  
  • TIG Welder or Stick Welder 
  • Cutting Torch 
  • Grinder 
  • Bender 
  • Metal Shear and Hole Punch 
  • Band Saw 
  • Press Brake 
  • C-clamps 
  • Adjustable Wrench 
  • Fire Extinguisher 
  • Welding Helmet 
  • Hammers 
  • Drill Press 
  • Gloves 
  • Goggles 
  • Raw Materials (Scrap Metal)

Ensure Your Safety 

The importance of being safe and protected when welding cannot be overstated.

As previously said, this is a potentially hazardous activity.

Thus caution is advised.

Whether you’re using a plasma cutter, a stick welder, or gas tungsten arc welding, you must take all necessary steps to protect your body.

The most crucial aspect is eye protection.

A decent welding helmet is an excellent option. It will shield you from welding hazards and your eyesight in the long run.

Welding gloves or long sleeves are examples of other protective equipment that a welder might use to avoid burns.

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3. Put Down Some Capital And Decide On Welding Projects You’re Going To Work On 

how to make money welding - Put Down Some Capital And Decide On Welding Projects You’re Going To Work On

If you’ve worked as a professional welder previously, you’ll have no trouble coming up with ideas while starting from home. 

Beginners, on the other hand, may have difficulties in monetizing their business and the time they devote to it.

After considering the gear, you’ll need for your profession and your space alternatives, we’ll move on to the most crucial portion of the conversation: how to make money welding from home.

To begin, you will require some upfront capital. The initial expenditure is required for both purchasing and renting equipment. 

If you work from home, you may eliminate the latter and concentrate on the former. 

Remember that when you first start welding at home, you won’t have a queue of clients waiting for bespoke merchandise. 

You must begin creating various metal constructions and earn a market price for them. 

After you’ve built your brand, you’ll see a steady stream of new clients purchasing items and special welding projects from you.

This section includes a list of readily sellable things that you can easily produce at home.

Make these things and then appropriately promote them to start generating cash!

Welded Projects You Can Sell 

Car Ramps 

Customized metal vehicle ramps are in high demand and will undoubtedly attract the type of consumers you’re targeting. 

Garages, companies, and vehicle aficionados will be your target market.

Make sure you spread the word and sell your business after you start working on vehicle ramps.

Because most car ramps are personalized, you should create them according to the orders you receive.

Sometimes, you may even get projects for repairing existing trailers.

It would help if you didn’t mass-produce things without first determining what your target market could be searching for.

Most companies and garages have particular requirements that must be met within a certain amount of time. 

Because now is the time to attract clients, make sure you follow their specs and the time constraints.

Barbecue Grills 

Who would say no to a nice barbecue? 

A barbecue grill is a hot product if you’re welding from home and want to make some good money. 

These grills are often tough to construct, but because there isn’t much material underneath (metal legs), the cost of production is minimal.

BBQ grills provide a large profit, and you may take it all by focusing on this specialty. 

Make sure you understand that quality counts just as much with BBQ grills before you begin working on them. 

Your clients may be able to get cheaper things created from overseas, but they should trust and come to you if they want high-quality items. 

Model Vehicles 

The market for metal model vehicles is vast and rising.

These metal automobiles are employed as both memorabilia and a piece of interior decoration. 

You may look up the designs for some of the iconic automobiles from the past and make tiny, metallic versions of them. 

Many clients would want these traditional shapes to be displayed in their living spaces.

These models will not require a lot of raw resources because they are tiny. 

If you want to generate a great product, though, your attention to detail and precision must be on point. 

Make sure the completed product has a gloss and polish for enhanced appeal.

Metal Furniture 

Metal furniture has always been and still is really popular.

Even if the furniture isn’t produced to its exact requirements and specifications, there are always buyers willing to grab it. 

As an amateur welder, you should make an effort to experiment with attractive and distinctive designs while keeping top-notch quality. 

Customer referrals can help you establish the possibility of a great sale if the quality of your metal furniture is excellent. 

Welding metal chairs and tables may appear to be a simple task, but it is not.

As a result, novices should take caution in attempting difficult designs. 

Start with the more basic shapes before progressing to more complicated furniture creations.

Try creating a simple metal rack before you tackle more advanced furniture.

Customers will be drawn to high-quality metal furniture, so you may start producing in large quantities after you gain sufficient expertise and confidence in your results. 

Interior Metal Decorations

The home decorating market is flourishing since almost everyone wants to figure out how to make their home appear attractive and well-decorated. 

Metal decorations are popular because they allow individuals to decorate their homes whichever they like without incurring high expenditures.

If you work from home as a welder, you have an untapped market to serve. 

Make sure you’re getting your creative juices flowing and that your work is unique.

I advise against directly copying concepts created by other artists!

You may potentially expand your business by creating unique interior design components like elaborate wrought iron works.

Customers will appreciate the welding work you provide, which will help you establish a great reputation.

Landscape Art 

Yard art, like decorations meant for the indoors, is a good specialty to focus on.

If you’re recognized for having a few creative ideas, now is the moment to implement them. 

Concentrate on the role that metals play within a yard and aim to maximize that role.

The majority of the time, yard art does not serve the goal for which it was created.

Metal structures are often only decorative in a yard setting.

To repurpose the metal for beauty and functionality, consider building artistic metal sculptures or interesting seating arrangements.

The product should not only be beautiful, but it should also be useful. 

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How To Price Welding Projects 

How To Price Welding Projects

Here’s the exciting part.

When you start welding at home, you’ll quickly understand how much welding operations cost. 

You’ll be able to figure out how much metal goes into chairs, interior décor, automobile ramps, and other goods. 

You can price your task properly based on your estimates.

The greatest pricing method to utilize here is cost-plus pricing. 

You can take your estimate of cost and add a percentage to it for your own effort and hard work.

You’ll want to charge all consumers equitably, and cost-plus pricing is the most reasonable option. 

Make sure you determine your own percentage based on your skill level and the amount of effort you put into the project. 

There is no set proportion since it varies depending on the work and the skill level necessary.

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Final Thoughts On How To Make Money Welding

Welding is the solution whether you’re looking to make beer money or take on a full-time job that pays well. 

All you need is a strategy and some tools.

It turns out that making money welding is very viable these days.

Begin by asking your relatives and friends what type of actual welding requirements they have.

Then see how you can meet those demands. 

Make a website and portfolio once you start obtaining modest projects; it will help you acquire bigger contracts. 

You may advertise your business via word-of-mouth and social media networks.

This is going to take a bit of business management!

With some diligence, you’ll master how to make money welding in no time.

Let those sparks fly and jump on your first decent sales opportunity.

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Brooks Conkle Banner Image
Brooks Conkle

Brooks is an entrepreneur, father, husband, & follower of the golden rule. He has over 15 years of experience as an entrepreneur after graduating with a Finance degree from Auburn University. Addicted to starting new business projects, he believes in creating multiple income streams and a life of flexibility. Business should work around your life, not the other way around. He creates content on his website, sharing his projects to help other hustlers in marketing, personal finance, and online business.