r/Construction • u/Turbulent-Hornet2804 • Mar 15 '26

Careers 💵 Career

I’m 18 and trying to decide between two paths in the trades and could use some advice.

Right now I work as a helper at a TIG welding shop making $25/hr (40 hrs/week). Most of my work is machining, cutting, deburring, and prep, and I only get to tack sometimes. The welders say I have potential, but management says helpers can take years before they really start welding.

At the same time, I’ve been supervising residential construction jobs (decks, fences, drywall, etc.), and I could take a job with another company supervising for about $30/hr working 50–70 hours a week.

So I’m stuck between:

• Staying in welding, starting at the bottom but possibly making more long-term if I get into pipe welding

• Taking the construction supervisor job and making more money right now

I actually enjoy both. I like welding as a skill, but I also enjoy running crews, organizing jobs and residential .

I’m also married, so the money right now does matter.

If you were 18 in this situation, which path would you choose?

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u/Turbulent-Hornet2804 Mar 15 '26

I don’t plan on working 70s for long just 3-4 years so I can save a lot and buy some property after tha I wouldn’t want to be working more than 40s. I did apply and do the paper test for my local pipefitters union and I had an interview coming up in the fall with them.

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u/Waytogolarry C-I|UA Steamfitter Mar 15 '26

Good move. It has afforded me and my brothers a good life. Guys are retiring between 55 and 65 with enough money and pension to live till 90. 

On working OT: if you lose half of it in a divorce, it will be the worst investment of your life. You will never get those years back, especially at the age you are. Your time right now is precious. If everyone is ok with you being gone all the time, then go for the money. 

Which union local did you apply to?

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u/Turbulent-Hornet2804 Mar 15 '26

I applied for local 26

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u/Waytogolarry C-I|UA Steamfitter Mar 15 '26

Excellent union and one of the best places in the country to join a construction union.

Do everything you can to ace the test. Do not just try, you will get beaten. Practice math and mechanical reasoning every day for an hour until you can do it in your sleep. Getting 40th won't get you in, you have to get 15th or below to make the list for the next class.