Army 91E (Allied Trades Specialist) to Civilian: Your Complete Career Transition Roadmap (With Salary Data)
Real career options for 91E Allied Trades Specialists transitioning to civilian life. Includes salary ranges $52K-$100K+, welder fabricator careers, machinist jobs, AWS certification, industrial maintenance, and skilled trades paths.
Bottom Line Up Front
Army 91E Allied Trades Specialists transitioning out—you're not just a welder or machinist, you're a multi-skilled craftsman with welding, machining, fabrication, metalworking, blueprint reading, precision measurement, and problem-solving abilities across multiple skilled trades. Your hands-on experience fabricating, repairing, and modifying metallic and non-metallic parts for military equipment translates directly to some of the highest-paying blue-collar careers in America. Realistic first-year salaries range from $52,000-$65,000 for entry-level welder-fabricators or machinists at manufacturing facilities, scaling to $75,000-$90,000+ with AWS certifications and 3-5 years experience in specialized welding or precision machining. Top-tier certified welders in oil and gas, aerospace, or union construction, plus master machinists, can earn $90,000-$120,000+. You've got multi-trade skills that are in extreme demand—deploy them strategically.
Let's address the elephant in the room
Every 91E separating hears the same thing: "But welding and machining are dying trades being replaced by automation."
Here's the reality: Skilled welders and machinists are in SEVERE shortage. The American Welding Society projects 330,000 new welding professionals needed by 2028, with 82,500 jobs to fill annually. CNC machinists have similar shortages. Automation doesn't replace skilled trades—it creates demand for people who can program, operate, and maintain advanced equipment.
You didn't just "weld stuff." You:
- Performed MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-core welding on various metals and alloys
- Fabricated components from blueprints and technical drawings
- Operated lathes, milling machines, drill presses, and grinders
- Programmed and operated CNC (computer numerical control) machines
- Performed precision measurements using micrometers, calipers, and gauges
- Read and interpreted complex technical drawings and specifications
- Welded and fabricated repairs on damaged military equipment
- Modified parts and created custom components for unique applications
- Performed heat treating, grinding, and finishing operations
- Maintained quality control and documented work to military standards
That's multi-trade expertise, precision craftsmanship, technical documentation, and adaptability. The civilian manufacturing world desperately needs exactly those skills—aerospace, automotive, construction, oil and gas, and heavy industry all face skilled trades shortages.
Best civilian career paths for 91E Allied Trades Specialists
Let's get specific. Here are the fields where 91Es consistently land high-paying jobs, with real 2024-2025 salary data.
Welder-fabricator (highest demand, multiple industries)
Civilian job titles:
- Welder-fabricator
- Structural welder
- Pipe welder
- Combo welder (MIG/TIG/stick)
- Welding technician
- Production welder
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level welder-fabricator: $45,000-$55,000
- Experienced welder (3-5 years): $60,000-$75,000
- Certified welder (AWS certifications): $70,000-$85,000
- Pipe welder (oil & gas, construction): $75,000-$95,000
- Underwater welder: $80,000-$150,000+ (specialized, dangerous)
- Welding supervisor/inspector: $85,000-$105,000+
What translates directly:
- Multi-process welding (MIG, TIG, stick, flux-core)
- Blueprint reading and interpretation
- Fabrication from drawings
- Metal preparation and fit-up
- Weld quality inspection
- Multiple position welding (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead)
- Welding various metals (steel, stainless, aluminum)
- Safety protocols and procedures
Certifications needed:
- AWS (American Welding Society) Certifications (industry standard):
- Entry-level plate certification: $300-$400
- Multiple position plate: $400-$500
- Pipe certifications: $450-$600
- Specialized certifications: $850+ (member), $1,065+ (non-member)
- Most valuable: D1.1 (Structural Steel), D1.6 (Stainless), B2.1 (Aluminum)
- Employer-specific certifications (aerospace, pressure vessels): Often provided
- OSHA 10/30 (safety): $50-$200
Reality check: Welding is one of the most in-demand skilled trades in America. Construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, oil and gas, aerospace, and automotive all need qualified welders. Your 91E training gives you multi-process capability—you can weld with multiple processes, giving you advantage over single-process welders.
Top industries hiring welders:
- Construction (structural steel, commercial/industrial buildings): $60K-$85K
- Oil and gas (pipelines, refineries, offshore): $75K-$110K+ (highest pay, often travel/remote)
- Shipbuilding (Navy contractors, commercial): $65K-$90K
- Aerospace (Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman): $70K-$95K (strict quality, excellent benefits)
- Heavy equipment manufacturing (CAT, John Deere, Komatsu): $60K-$80K
- Automotive manufacturing (Ford, GM, Toyota plants): $60K-$85K (union wages)
- Fabrication shops (custom metal fabrication): $55K-$75K
Union welders (Ironworkers, Boilermakers, Pipefitters) earn top wages:
- Ironworkers (structural steel): $70K-$95K+ with benefits
- Boilermakers (pressure vessels, refineries): $75K-$100K+
- Pipefitters/Welders (UA Local unions): $75K-$110K+
Traveling welders (oil and gas pipelines, plant shutdowns) make premium pay—$80K-$120K+ with per diem and extended hours.
AWS certification significantly boosts earnings. Certified welders earn 10-25% more than non-certified.
Best for: 91Es who want hands-on work, high demand across industries, clear certification paths, potential for premium pay in specialized sectors, and opportunity for union wages.
CNC machinist/programmer (high-tech, precision work)
Civilian job titles:
- CNC machinist
- CNC programmer
- CNC operator
- Precision machinist
- Manufacturing technician (CNC)
- Tool and die maker
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level CNC operator: $42,000-$52,000
- CNC machinist (3-5 years): $55,000-$70,000
- CNC programmer: $65,000-$82,000
- Senior machinist/programmer: $75,000-$92,000
- Tool and die maker: $70,000-$90,000
- CNC supervisor: $80,000-$100,000+
What translates directly:
- Manual machining experience (lathes, mills, grinders)
- Blueprint reading and GD&T (geometric dimensioning and tolerancing)
- Precision measurement (micrometers, calipers, gauges)
- CNC programming basics (G-code, M-code)
- Quality control and inspection
- Tooling selection and setup
- Multi-axis machining
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting
Certifications needed:
- NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) Certifications:
- CNC Milling or Turning: $75-$150 per credential
- Multiple certifications available (25+ credentials)
- Industry-recognized standard
- Manufacturer certifications (Haas, Mazak, DMG Mori): Often employer-provided
- CAM software training (Mastercam, Fusion 360, SolidCAM): $1,000-$3,000 if self-funded
- OSHA 10 (manufacturing safety): $50-$100
Reality check: CNC machinists are in critical shortage. Aerospace, medical device manufacturing, automotive, defense contractors, and precision manufacturing all struggle to find qualified machinists. The aging workforce means experienced machinists are retiring faster than new ones are trained.
Your 91E manual machining foundation is invaluable—many young CNC operators never learned manual machining and don't understand fundamentals. You have advantage.
Industries hiring CNC machinists:
- Aerospace (Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems, Lockheed): $65K-$90K+ (strict tolerances, excellent benefits)
- Medical device (Stryker, Medtronic, Zimmer Biomet): $60K-$85K (precision work, FDA compliance)
- Defense contractors (General Dynamics, BAE, Northrop): $65K-$90K (security clearance advantage)
- Automotive suppliers (precision components): $55K-$75K
- Tool and die shops (custom tooling, molds): $65K-$90K
- Job shops (custom machining, prototyping): $55K-$75K
CNC programming pays premium over operating. Programmers who can write complex multi-axis programs earn $65K-$85K+. Master machinists with programming, setup, and troubleshooting skills make $75K-$95K+.
Swiss-type machining (ultra-precision, medical implants) pays top dollar—experienced Swiss machinists earn $80K-$100K+.
Best for: 91Es who prefer precision work, enjoy technology and programming, want climate-controlled environments, value problem-solving, and see advancement to programming/supervisor roles.
Industrial maintenance mechanic (versatile, stable)
Civilian job titles:
- Industrial maintenance mechanic
- Maintenance technician (manufacturing)
- Multi-craft maintenance tech
- Plant maintenance mechanic
- Facilities maintenance mechanic
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level industrial maintenance: $50,000-$60,000
- Experienced multi-craft tech: $65,000-$80,000
- Senior maintenance mechanic: $75,000-$90,000
- Maintenance supervisor: $85,000-$105,000+
What translates directly:
- Welding and fabrication (repairing broken equipment)
- Machining (making replacement parts)
- Metal fabrication and modification
- Blueprint reading
- Precision measurement and alignment
- Troubleshooting and problem-solving
- Preventive maintenance
- Multi-trade capabilities
Certifications needed:
- CMRP (Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional): $395 exam
- Multi-Craft certifications (varies by facility/union)
- Welding certifications (AWS—your existing skills)
- OSHA 30 (general industry): $150-$200
- Manufacturer training (equipment-specific, employer-provided)
Reality check: Manufacturing plants, food processing facilities, chemical plants, and industrial operations need multi-skilled maintenance techs who can weld, machine, fabricate, and repair equipment. Your 91E multi-trade background is EXACTLY what they want—one person who can handle welding, machining, and fabrication.
Industries hiring:
- Manufacturing (automotive, aerospace, consumer goods)
- Food processing (Tyson, Nestle, General Mills)
- Chemical plants (Dow, DuPont, BASF)
- Paper mills and processing plants
- Distribution centers (Amazon, Walmart—automated facilities)
- Utilities (power plants, water treatment)
Industrial maintenance offers:
- Stable employment (plants run 24/7)
- Excellent benefits (healthcare, 401k, often pensions)
- Union wages (UAW, IBT, IUOE in many facilities)
- Variety (different equipment, different problems daily)
- Shift differentials (adds $5K-$15K annually)
- Overtime during shutdowns (total comp $80K-$100K+)
Your welding AND machining skills make you extremely valuable—instead of calling contract welders or machinists, plant can handle repairs in-house.
Best for: 91Es who want stable employment, excellent benefits, variety in daily work, value union representation, and want to use multiple trades rather than specializing.
Aerospace manufacturing technician (high-tech, excellent pay/benefits)
Civilian job titles:
- Aerospace manufacturing technician
- Aircraft structures mechanic
- Aerospace welder
- Aerospace machinist
- Composites technician
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level aerospace tech: $55,000-$65,000
- Experienced aerospace technician: $70,000-$85,000
- Senior tech/lead: $85,000-$100,000
- Aerospace inspector: $80,000-$95,000
What translates directly:
- Precision welding (aircraft-grade aluminum, titanium)
- Blueprint reading and technical documentation
- Quality control and inspection
- Precision measurement and tolerances
- Fabrication from engineering drawings
- Non-destructive testing awareness
- Documentation and traceability
- Safety and compliance protocols
Certifications needed:
- Employer-specific certifications (Boeing, Lockheed, Spirit—provided during onboarding)
- AWS certifications (aerospace requires D17.1 or similar): $500-$850
- A&P License (Airframe & Powerplant) (optional but valuable): $5,000-$10,000 + 18-24 months
- Composite repair training (if working with composites): Employer-provided
- AS9100 quality systems training (aerospace standard): Employer-provided
Reality check: Aerospace manufacturing is the highest-paying, most stable manufacturing sector. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Spirit AeroSystems, Northrop Grumman, and thousands of suppliers need qualified technicians. Your military precision work ethic fits aerospace culture perfectly.
Aerospace offers:
- High starting pay ($55K-$65K entry-level)
- Excellent benefits (healthcare, 401k matching, pensions)
- Job security (long-term aircraft production contracts)
- Clean, climate-controlled facilities
- Advancement opportunities (lead, inspector, quality)
- Professional environment (engineering collaboration)
- Relocation assistance (many companies hire nationwide)
Aerospace welding pays premium—aluminum and titanium welding on aircraft structures requires precision and certification. Aerospace welders earn $70K-$90K+.
Composites technicians (carbon fiber, advanced materials) are high-demand specialty earning $75K-$95K+.
Best for: 91Es who want stable high-paying career, excellent benefits, prefer clean professional environments, value precision quality work, and want career growth with major corporations.
Structural steel fabrication and erection (union wages, construction)
Civilian job titles:
- Structural welder
- Ironworker
- Steel fabricator
- Structural steel fitter
- Welding foreman
Salary ranges:
- Apprentice ironworker: $45,000-$55,000
- Journeyman ironworker: $70,000-$85,000
- Structural welder (certified): $75,000-$95,000
- Welding foreman: $85,000-$110,000+
What translates directly:
- Structural steel welding
- Blueprint reading (structural drawings)
- Fabrication and fit-up
- Rigging and material handling
- Quality welding in all positions
- Safety protocols (working at heights)
- Team coordination
Certifications needed:
- AWS D1.1 Structural Steel Welding Code certification: $400-$600
- Union apprenticeship (Ironworkers Local—typically 3-4 years)
- OSHA 30 (construction): $150-$200
- Rigging certifications: Often employer-provided
- Fall protection training: Employer-provided
Reality check: Structural steel construction (high-rise buildings, bridges, stadiums, industrial facilities) pays top union wages. Ironworkers International Union locals across America need qualified welders and fabricators.
Union ironworker benefits:
- High wages ($70K-$95K+ journeyman)
- Full benefits package (healthcare, pension, annuity)
- Free training through apprenticeship
- Steady work (union dispatch system)
- Overtime opportunities (total comp $90K-$120K+)
- Nationwide reciprocity (work anywhere with union card)
Work is physically demanding—climbing steel, working at heights, outdoor conditions—but pays premium wages. Commercial construction welders on high-rises, bridges, and major projects earn top dollar.
Traveling ironworkers (going where major projects are) make $100K-$130K+ with per diem and extended hours.
Best for: 91Es who want union wages and benefits, don't mind physical work and heights, want strong earning potential, value brotherhood/sisterhood of union trades, and prefer construction over manufacturing.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "91E Allied Trades Specialist" and assuming civilians understand what that means. Translate it:
| Military Skill | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| 91E Allied Trades Specialist | Multi-skilled craftsman with 4+ years performing welding, machining, fabrication, and metalworking across multiple trades |
| Multi-process welding | Certified in MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-core welding on steel, stainless steel, and aluminum in all positions |
| Machining operations | Operated manual lathes, milling machines, drill presses, and grinders to fabricate precision components |
| Blueprint reading | Interpreted complex technical drawings, schematics, and specifications for fabrication and repair |
| Precision measurement | Used micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and gauges to verify tolerances to ±0.001" |
| CNC operation | Programmed and operated CNC mills and lathes using G-code and M-code |
| Fabrication | Fabricated metallic and non-metallic components from drawings and specifications |
| Equipment modification | Modified and repaired military equipment through welding, machining, and fabrication |
| Quality control | Performed visual inspection, dimensional verification, and quality documentation per military standards |
| Heat treating and finishing | Performed grinding, deburring, heat treating, and surface finishing operations |
Use quantifiable results: "Fabricated 200+ precision components supporting equipment readiness," "Performed structural welding repairs on 50+ vehicles saving $500K in replacement costs," "Achieved 98% first-pass quality rate on CNC machined parts."
Drop military jargon. Don't write "PMCS," "TM 9-4933," or "Class IX repairs" without translation. Write "preventive maintenance," "technical manual procedures," and "component fabrication and repair."
Certifications that actually matter
Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill money as a 91E:
High priority (get these immediately):
AWS Welding Certifications - Industry standard for welders. Cost: $300-$850 depending on certification level. Time: Testing takes 1 day; preparation time varies. Value: Increases starting salary $5K-$15K; required by many employers; opens doors to specialized high-paying work. Priority certifications: D1.1 (Structural Steel), D1.6 (Stainless Steel), B2.1 (Aluminum). Website: aws.org
NIMS Machining Certifications - Industry standard for machinists. Cost: $75-$150 per credential. Time: Theory test (online) + hands-on practical test. Value: Demonstrates professional competency; preferred by manufacturers; may increase starting pay $3K-$8K. Priority: CNC Milling, CNC Turning, Measurement. Website: nims-skills.org
OSHA 10 or 30 - Workplace safety certification. Cost: $50-$200. Time: 1-3 days online. Value: Required by many employers; demonstrates safety awareness; often prerequisite for employment.
Medium priority (pursue after employment):
Associate degree in Welding Technology or Manufacturing - Formal education credential. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Time: 2 years. Value: Preferred for supervisor/management positions; provides welding engineering foundation; required for welding inspector or quality roles.
CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) - Advanced welding credential. Cost: $1,200-$1,800. Time: 9 hours exam (requires experience + education prerequisites). Value: Premium credential for quality/inspection roles earning $75K-$105K+. Requires years of experience first.
CAM software training (Mastercam, Fusion 360, etc.) - CNC programming software. Cost: $1,000-$3,000 (or employer-provided). Time: 40-120 hours training. Value: Significantly increases value as CNC machinist/programmer; opens programming roles at $65K-$85K+.
Pipe welding certifications - Specialized welding. Cost: $450-$600 per certification. Time: 1-2 days testing. Value: Opens oil & gas, pipeline, refinery work at $75K-$110K+.
Low priority (situational):
Underwater welding certifications - Extreme specialization. Cost: $10,000-$15,000 (commercial diving + welding). Time: 6-12 months. Value: Very high pay ($80K-$150K+) but dangerous, physically demanding, limited opportunities.
NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) certifications - Inspection specialty. Cost: $500-$2,000 per level. Time: Training + experience requirements. Value: Useful for quality/inspection roles; often employer-funded.
Composite repair certifications - Advanced materials. Cost: $2,000-$5,000. Time: 1-2 weeks. Value: Aerospace-specific; high-demand specialty for aircraft repair.
The skills gap (what you need to learn)
Be honest about civilian skills you don't have:
Advanced CNC programming: Military machining may have been primarily manual or basic CNC. Civilian manufacturing uses sophisticated multi-axis CNC with CAM software (Mastercam, Fusion 360, etc.). Expect 6-12 month learning curve for advanced programming.
Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T): Aerospace and precision manufacturing use GD&T extensively on blueprints. If your military training didn't emphasize GD&T, take courses—it's critical for quality machining.
Welding codes and standards: Civilian welding follows AWS codes (D1.1, D1.6, etc.), ASME codes (pressure vessels), or API codes (oil & gas). Military welding may not have followed these civilian standards. Get AWS certified to learn proper codes.
Quality management systems: Aerospace uses AS9100, automotive uses IATF 16949, general manufacturing uses ISO 9001. You'll need to learn documentation, traceability, and quality procedures—more bureaucratic than military maintenance.
Business operations (if going independent): Mobile welding or small machining businesses require licensing, liability insurance (critical—weld failures can be catastrophic), invoicing, marketing, and tax planning. Many 91Es have technical skills but struggle with business side.
Real 91E success stories
Jake, 28, former 91E (E-5) → Aerospace welder (Boeing)
After 6 years as 91E, Jake separated and immediately applied to Boeing. Hired as aerospace manufacturing technician at $62K. Completed Boeing internal certifications for aluminum and titanium welding. Now certified aerospace welder making $81K with excellent benefits. Works on 737 fuselage assemblies. Overtime available during production surges pushes compensation to $90K+. Plans to pursue A&P license for career flexibility.
Maria, 30, former 91E (E-6) → CNC programmer
Maria served 8 years, got out as Staff Sergeant. Started as CNC operator at medical device manufacturer ($54K). Company sent her to Mastercam training, promoted to programmer after 18 months ($72K). Now senior programmer making $84K creating multi-axis programs for orthopedic implants. Clean environment, precision work, stable career. Pursuing bachelor's in manufacturing engineering using GI Bill for management track.
Chris, 27, former 91E (E-4) → Union ironworker
Chris did one contract, joined Ironworkers Local 40 (New York) apprenticeship program immediately after separation. Earned while learning, completed 3-year apprenticeship. Now journeyman ironworker making $85K base plus overtime (total comp ~$105K). Works on high-rise steel in NYC. Full union benefits including pension. Physically demanding but excellent pay and brotherhood.
David, 33, former 91E (E-7) → Welding supervisor (shipyard)
David served 12 years, separated as Sergeant First Class with extensive welding experience. Obtained AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential using GI Bill. Hired by shipbuilding contractor at $75K as welding inspector. Promoted to welding supervisor ($95K) after 2 years. Manages 20-person welding crew for Navy ship maintenance. Uses military leadership experience daily. Government contract stability, excellent benefits.
Action plan: your first 180 days out
Here's your transition roadmap:
Months 1-2: Certifications and preparation
- GET AWS WELDING CERTIFIED (priority #1 for 91Es going welding route):
- Research AWS test facilities near you (aws.org)
- Choose certification: D1.1 (structural) or others based on target industry
- Practice welding if you've been away from trade
- Schedule test: $300-$600
- OR pursue NIMS Machining credentials (if emphasizing machining):
- Register at nims-skills.org
- Take theory tests online ($75-$150 each)
- Schedule hands-on practical tests at certified facility
- Get 10 certified copies of DD-214
- Document all equipment you operated (welders, mills, lathes, CNC machines)
- Create civilian resume emphasizing multi-trade capabilities
- Determine which path to pursue (welding, machining, multi-craft, aerospace)
Months 3-4: Job applications and targeting
- Apply to 30+ positions based on your chosen path:
- Welding: Fabrication shops, construction, shipyards, aerospace, oil & gas
- Machining: CNC job shops, aerospace, medical device, automotive suppliers
- Multi-craft: Manufacturing plants (search "industrial maintenance technician")
- Aerospace: Boeing, Lockheed, Spirit, Northrop, major suppliers
- Research union opportunities (Ironworkers, Boilermakers, UAW) in your area
- Register on Indeed, ZipRecruiter, manufacturing-specific job boards
- Join welding/machining Facebook groups and Reddit communities
- Consider SkillBridge internship with manufacturer or aerospace company
- Connect with former 91Es on LinkedIn
Months 5-6: Interviews and job selection
- Practice explaining military experience in civilian manufacturing terms
- Demonstrate AWS or NIMS certifications to all potential employers
- Be ready for welding tests or machining tests (many employers test skills)
- Ask about training programs, advancement paths, shift schedules
- Compare offers:
- Total compensation (salary + benefits + overtime potential)
- Training opportunities (additional certifications, tuition reimbursement)
- Work environment (shop vs. field, union vs. non-union)
- Advancement potential (lead, supervisor, programmer, inspector)
- Negotiate salary (skilled trades have negotiation room—don't accept first offer)
- Consider geographic location (some regions pay significantly more)
Bottom line for Army 91E Allied Trades Specialists
Your 91E experience isn't just valuable—it's exactly what skilled trades employers desperately need.
The skilled trades crisis is real. Manufacturers can't find qualified welders and machinists. Aerospace companies hire nationwide because local talent pools are exhausted. Construction unions recruit aggressively. You have multi-trade capabilities that most civilian workers don't—you can weld AND machine AND fabricate.
You've fabricated precision components for military equipment, welded structural repairs, machined replacement parts, and solved problems with metal and machines. Those skills translate directly to manufacturing, construction, aerospace, and industrial maintenance.
Welding, CNC machining, aerospace manufacturing, industrial maintenance, and union construction are proven paths. Thousands of 91Es have transitioned successfully before you.
First-year income of $52K-$65K is realistic for entry-level positions. Within 3-5 years with AWS/NIMS certifications and experience, $75K-$90K+ is standard. If you pursue aerospace, specialized welding (pipe, underwater), CNC programming, or union construction, $90K-$120K+ is achievable.
Your AWS certification, hands-on multi-trade experience, precision skills, and military work ethic are assets. Get certified, target strategic employers, and leverage your unique combination of welding AND machining capabilities.
The skilled trades industry needs you. Companies are hiring, unions are recruiting, and wages are rising due to shortage. You have skills most civilians don't—capitalize on your advantage.
Execute the plan.
Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.