Top 5 Reasons to Become a CWI

       

The Benefits

A choice between $35 per hour and $75 per hour may seem easy, but Morris cautions that “there’s a trade-off.” Non-contractor work pays less, but it’s consistent work and doesn’t require travel. That’s a huge upside for CWIs with families. Plus, working for a company in-house usually means extra perks like health insurance, dental insurance, a 401k and other benefits that more than make up the dollar difference.

The Paycheck

A CWI is one of the best paid welding careers available. Depending on where you work, as a CWI you can expect to make around $35 per hour or higher. In fact, Morris said CWIs who are willing to move around the country and work as contractors can expect to find pay at rates as high as $75 per hour.

The Travel

CWIs have the best of both worlds when it comes to a choice between stability and adventure, and Morris doesn’t discount contract work’s opportunity for travel. “I like to travel” Morris said, and as CWIs move between contracts, they get to travel all over the country. For Morris, seeing so much of America is one of the best parts of being a CWI.

The Learning Experience

Morris made sure to stress that being a CWI is a constant learning experience that helps you grow as a person and a professional. “If you think you know it all and don’t have anything else to learn, then you need to try harder because you’re not learning enough.”

The People

“You can’t put a dollar figure on some of the people you meet and some of the things you learn,” Morris told AWO. The welding industry is extremely diverse, and during their travels, CWIs get to experience that diversity first hand. Plus, meeting new people means a chance to add new skills to your repertoire along the way. Which brings us to the 5th top reason for becoming a CWI.

Whether you’re looking for stability or excitement, a big payday or strong benefits, or just a chance to work a job that lets you improve yourself every day, CWI is the right choice for you.