Understanding welding metallurgy can enhance your career in materials engineering, leading to roles like Welding Metallurgist, Materials Scientist, or Corrosion Engineer, with median salaries ranging from $70,000 to over $120,000. You'll gain expertise to analyze and mitigate welding defects, develop robust welding procedures, and optimize material properties, making you a valuable asset in industries like aerospace, energy, and heavy manufacturing, where material integrity is critical.