Discover the top 10 moonlighting jobs that can boost income for welders and expand their skill set.
The welding profession is one of the most lucrative and rewarding careers in the world today. Welders are in high demand, and their skills are greatly valued in various industries.
However, even with a full-time job as a welder, it’s possible to earn extra income by taking on moonlighting jobs. Moonlighting jobs can help you earn additional money while also providing an opportunity to develop new skills and expand your professional network.
In this article, we’ll explore ten of the best moonlighting jobs for welders that can help you make some extra cash and take your career to the next level!
Welding Instructor
One of the best moonlighting jobs for welders is becoming a welding instructor. If you have years of experience in welding and are passionate about teaching others, this could be an excellent opportunity for you to earn some extra income.
Welding instructors can work part-time or full-time at vocational schools, community colleges, or private training centers.
As a welding instructor, your responsibilities will include creating lesson plans and delivering lectures on various aspects of welding techniques and safety practices. You’ll also need to demonstrate proper use of equipment such as torches and plasma cutters while supervising students’ hands-on practice sessions.
Not only does being a welding instructor allow you to share your knowledge with others but it also helps keep your own skills sharp by staying up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in technology. Plus, seeing the progress that students make under your guidance can be incredibly rewarding!
Custom Metal Fabrication
Custom metal fabrication is a great moonlighting job for welders who have the skills and equipment to create unique pieces. This type of work involves creating custom metal products, such as furniture, sculptures, or architectural elements.
Welders can use their creativity and expertise to design one-of-a-kind pieces that meet the specific needs of their clients.
One advantage of custom metal fabrication is that it allows welders to showcase their artistic abilities while also earning extra income. They can take on projects that challenge them creatively and push them outside of their comfort zone.
Another benefit is the potential for repeat business from satisfied customers who appreciate quality craftsmanship. Word-of-mouth referrals are often crucial in this industry, so providing excellent customer service and delivering high-quality work will help build a strong reputation.
Custom metal fabrication offers an exciting opportunity for welders looking to expand their skillset while also making some extra money on the side.
Mobile Welding Services
One of the best moonlighting jobs for welders is offering mobile welding services. This job allows you to work on your own schedule and take on projects that fit your availability.
With a mobile welding service, you can offer repairs or custom fabrication at clients’ locations, which means less overhead costs for renting a workspace.
To start this business, you will need to invest in a reliable truck or van equipped with all the necessary tools and equipment. You’ll also need to market yourself effectively by creating an online presence through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Mobile welding services are in high demand because they provide convenience for clients who may not have access to transportation or cannot bring their project into a shop due to its size or complexity. As such, it’s important that as a welder providing this service; you’re able to communicate clearly with customers about what they want from their project so that expectations are met satisfactorily.
If done right – starting up as an independent contractor offering mobile welding services can be lucrative while allowing flexibility in scheduling work around other commitments such as full-time employment elsewhere during regular hours of operation!
Etsy Shop Owner
One of the best moonlighting jobs for welders is becoming an Etsy shop owner. With your welding skills, you can create unique and personalized metal art pieces that customers will love.
From custom signs to home decor items, there are endless possibilities for what you can create and sell on Etsy.
As an Etsy shop owner, you have the flexibility to work from home and set your own hours. You also have access to a large customer base who are looking for handmade and one-of-a-kind items.
To get started as an Etsy shop owner, all you need is a few basic tools such as a welding machine, grinder, safety gear like gloves or goggles etc., some creativity in designing products that people would love to buy online along with good photography skills so that your product looks attractive enough on screen too!
Truck Repair and Maintenance
One of the best moonlighting jobs for welders is truck repair and maintenance. Welders can use their skills to fix damaged parts, reinforce weak areas, and even fabricate custom pieces for trucks.
This job requires a good understanding of mechanics as well as welding techniques.
Truck repair and maintenance can be done on a freelance basis or through an established company that specializes in this type of work. It’s important to have the necessary tools and equipment such as jacks, lifts, wrenches, sockets sets etc., which may require some initial investment.
Welders who take up truck repair jobs need to be able to diagnose problems accurately before starting any repairs. They should also have knowledge about different types of trucks including diesel engines so they can provide appropriate solutions based on specific needs.
Truck repair and maintenance is a great option for welders looking for additional income streams outside their regular job hours while utilizing their welding expertise in practical ways that benefit others in need!
Home Renovations Contractor
One of the best moonlighting jobs for welders is working as a home renovations contractor. As a welder, you have the skills and expertise to work on various aspects of home renovation projects, such as installing metal railings or creating custom metal fixtures for kitchens and bathrooms.
You can also help with structural repairs that require welding, like fixing damaged support beams or reinforcing weak joints.
Working as a home renovations contractor allows you to use your welding skills in new and exciting ways while earning extra income on the side. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to expand your network by meeting homeowners who may need future welding services or referrals from satisfied customers.
With some marketing efforts and word-of-mouth recommendations from happy clients, this could turn into a lucrative side business for any skilled welder looking to make some extra cash outside their regular job hours.
Metal Art Sculptor/Designer
One of the most creative and rewarding moonlighting jobs for welders is metal art sculptor/designer. This job allows you to use your welding skills to create unique and beautiful pieces of art that can be sold or displayed in galleries, museums, or private collections.
As a metal artist, you will have the opportunity to work with different types of metals such as steel, copper, brass and aluminum while exploring various techniques like forging and casting.
Metal art sculpture requires not only technical skill but also creativity. You need to have an eye for design and be able to conceptualize ideas into tangible works of art that are aesthetically pleasing.
The best part about this job is that it allows you complete artistic freedom – from choosing materials all the way through finishing touches.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a metal artist on top of your welding day job then start by creating small projects at home using scrap metals before moving onto larger ones once comfortable with technique!
Structural Steel Erectors
One of the best moonlighting jobs for welders is working as a structural steel erector. This job involves assembling and installing large steel structures such as bridges, buildings, and towers.
Welders who have experience in welding structural steel can easily transition into this field.
Structural steel erectors work on construction sites where they use cranes to lift heavy beams and columns into place. They also connect these pieces using bolts or welding techniques to create a sturdy structure that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
This job requires physical strength, attention to detail, and the ability to work at heights safely. However, it offers excellent pay rates with opportunities for overtime hours during peak construction seasons.
Welders who are interested in pursuing this career path should consider obtaining additional certifications such as OSHA safety training or rigging certification which will make them more competitive candidates for employment opportunities within the industry.
Pipeline Welders
Pipeline welding is a specialized field that requires welders to work in remote locations and harsh environments. Pipeline welders are responsible for joining sections of pipes together using various welding techniques, including shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW).
This job requires physical strength, endurance, and attention to detail as even the smallest mistake can lead to catastrophic consequences. However, pipeline welders are highly sought after due to the demand for oil and gas pipelines worldwide.
With proper training and certification, pipeline welders can earn a lucrative income while working on exciting projects around the world.
Aircraft Welder
One of the most exciting moonlighting jobs for welders is working as an aircraft welder. This job involves welding and repairing various parts of airplanes, including wings, fuselages, and landing gear.
Aircraft welding requires a high level of precision and attention to detail since even the smallest mistake can have catastrophic consequences.
To become an aircraft welder, you need specialized training in aviation welding techniques. You must also be familiar with different types of metals used in airplane construction such as aluminum alloys or titanium.
Working as an aircraft welder can be highly rewarding both financially and professionally. The demand for skilled aviation technicians is always high due to the constant growth in air travel worldwide.
This job offers opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology that pushes boundaries every day.
If you are looking for a challenging yet fulfilling moonlighting opportunity that pays well while allowing you to hone your skills further – then becoming an aircraft welder might just be what you’re looking for!
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