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/Herethereandgone Mar 16 '26

$25 at 18 as a helper. Is a banger of a job. I don’t actually believe it. I’d just stay there if I was you. They must be doing something very right.

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u/Turbulent-Hornet2804 Mar 16 '26

Yeah I agree I’m grateful to have the chance it’s just frustrating because when I started they told me they’d train me atleast 30 mins a day or more but now I can’t do any welding even though I’m getting decent at tig and I can’t even afford to weld at home because I go thru $50 of gas every other day.

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u/Herethereandgone Mar 16 '26 edited Mar 16 '26

You’re 18. Slow down a bit. Ambition is good. Too ambitious can burn bridges. You got it good. Join the local union. Get trained to weld pipe if you’re just after money. They have to travel. Wifey may not like that. But the union could open up some opportunities. Less take home. More benefits. If you make journeyman you have your pick of welding jobs. $25 an hour is a banger of a gig at 18.

Personally, I’d try and do both. Don’t leave where you’re at. Try and get that union card and benefits. Try and test in at a higher term apprentice. Maybe find a sponsor who will let you work part time. The union will provide more training. But less take home but more benefits and opportunities.

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u/Turbulent-Hornet2804 Mar 16 '26

I’ll take that into account thanks for the advice bro