Single-Hand vs Rig Welder: Pay, Tools, and Expectations with Kenny Stewart

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Kenny Stewart, a 23-year-old combo rig welder out of Houston, TX. Kenny shares how he pivoted from music school to welding in just five years, the real differences between single-hand and rig welding, why he chose plant specialty work over pipeline, and how humility, curiosity, and smart gear choices (hello, laser level) accelerated his growth.

Key Topics Covered:

• Single-hand vs rig welder: pay structure, what the company supplies vs what you bring, and expectations on fit-up and fabrication

• The three rig-welder lanes: pipeline, plant specialty, and small mobile welding business—what the day-to-day looks like in each

• Why plant/shutdown work can offer big checks without living on the road

• Getting started from zero: trade school choice, being a “sponge,” and landing a first job before graduation

• Breaking in without connections: using LinkedIn/Indeed/ZipRecruiter and saying “yes” to that first test

• Learning exotic alloys (Inconel, stainless, duplex): ask questions, study, then practice under the hood

• Fitting your own work: takeoffs, layout, and why fabricating skills boost your rate and reputation

• The cost trap: why buying a big truck and brand-new machine on day one can set you back

• Pipeline reality check: gatekeeping, difficulty getting hired, and why the welds themselves aren’t always the hard part

• Helper → Welder progression: how to be the helper everyone wants (stay ahead, ask, learn)

• Most-used tool right now: laser level for fast, clean elevations and layout in crowded plants

Memorable Quotes:

• “Ego in this game will kill you.”

• “They’re not paying you just for your hand—they’re paying for your hand, head, truck, and tools.”

• “At some point, watching videos won’t weld it. You’ve got to get under the hood.”

• “Don’t go into debt for a big truck and a shiny machine before you’ve got the work.”

• “Experience means more than the piece of paper.”

• “I like sleeping in my own bed—and still pulling big checks.”

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Guest's Content & Contact:

• Instagram: @kenny.steww https://www.instagram.com/kenny.steww/ 

• TikTok: @kennystew https://www.tiktok.com/@kennystew 

Connect with Beau Wigington

• Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington 

• E-Mail : [e-mail]

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