Being a welder looks like a very rough looking job, but don't let that deter you from making the big bucks. Then again, if wearing a large suit and holding a bright, burning hot light scares you, then maybe you should skip it all together. This is one of the most manly jobs around, so you better be up to the task whether you're a man or a woman. You may end up sweat-soaked by the end of the day, but there's no shame in that when you're making the same amount of money as someone working a high-powers, degree-needing desk job.
Many welders only have to work for a few months on high paying jobs, and then they take the rest of the year off. Either that or they may be set up to constantly travel for parts of the year, which can be fun if that fits your personality.