The key is “good welders”.
Also, to make that kind if money, most “good welders” have to travel far from home and their family and they work 7 days a week. In that vein, the article is a bit misleading.
My husband is a good welder. (I’ve been told by people he works with, not him). They say he’s one of the best they’ve seen. He’s been offered the chance to make better money, but he’d have to travel away from home and he refuses to do so. We have 2 boys and no amount of money is worth them only seeing their dad every few weeks. We’ll just live modestly and do without some luxuries.
That said, welders, even good ones, simply don’t make that much (over 100k) as a general rule.
However, I have a Master’s degree, but he has ALWAYS made more money than me. So, the IS something to be said for trade skills vs. college.
You’re right. Some of the highest paying welding jobs require travel. I can understand someone not wanting to travel.
I’ve also seen some higher paying welding jobs in specialized fields like aerospace.
There aren’t many young people getting into the field so there should be plenty of opportunities for the ones that do.
And I am with you that money isn’t everything.