Trade family

Metal & Machines

Cutting, welding and running the machines that build things.

A day in the life

Laying welds, reading prints, setting up and running lathes and mills or CNC programs, and fitting sheet metal. Precision and repetition, with sparks and chips.

What it pays

Typical hourly ranges across Dallas–Fort Worth.

Apprentice$18–24/hr

Journeyman$26–38/hr

Master$40–60/hr

Per hour · DFW average

How long training takes

2–4 years; welding certifications (AWS) stack as you go, and machinists train on the job plus programming.

Physical demands

Standing for long stretches, heat from welding, heavy plate, and careful handling of sharp stock.

Licensing in Texas

Welders earn certifications rather than a state license; pipe welding and inspection certs pay the most.

Trades in this family

Welder Machinist CNC Operator Sheet Metal Worker

Masters in Metal & Machines

See all masters

Tommy Vance

Vance Metal Works

Welder

26 yrs

Shop work, mostly structural and repair. I'll teach you stick and MIG properly, starting with safety and layout. I take one apprentice at a time because I want to actually watch your beads, not just hand you a hood.

Fort WorthAt capacity$20–24/hr

Intro courses in this family

Metal & Machines

intro

In person

Welding shop safety and first beads

with Vance Metal Works

Two days in a real shop. You'll strike an arc on day one.

2 days 6 seats

$320

Ready to try Metal & Machines?

Take a short intro course, or get matched with a master and earn while you learn.

Find a master Take the quiz