Open Question: Is being a welder a good job? | It's Called "Caring"

Thinking about going to a community college; get certified in welding and finding a job. Right now I'm unemployed and without work. Over the past few years I've done nothing but "dead-end-jobs" with unsatisfactory pay. My father has always tried telling me to get into welder. Every time I look in the newspaper I see quite a few listings for welders in the want-ads. So is this a good paying job? Is it a good job to have overall? Is it something that I could do as a career and retire with? I'm interested in living up in Alaska - would this be an ideal hot spot for welders? Anyone with real-life experience have any advice? Thanks.