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How to Become a Certified Welder:The Ultimate Guide & Step-by-Step Instructions Certified Welder - The Ultimate Guide

Becoming a welder opens a wide career path for you.

Welders create, design, and build everything.

Welders may be employed in the automobile industry, shipbuilding, building construction, or any other type of manufacturing career.

They use their knowledge and skill to bond metals together and ensure they meet certain criteria for strength and durability.

Welders are highly knowledgeable and skilled tradesmen.

There are on-the-job pathways as well as education pathways that lead to a successful career as a welder.

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Job Description: What Does a Welder Do

A welder is a trained, skilled tradesman who specializes in joining metals.

They may work with brass, steel, stainless steel, or aluminum.

Welders have varied employment opportunities.

They may work in shipyards, manufacturing, building construction, the automobile industry, and even crafting.

Welders have a part in building aircraft and bridges as well.

Because people depend on the goods and products the welders produce, they must produce goods that are strong and stable.

The accuracy and dependability of a welder’s work is essential to public safety.

Duties

  • Properly positioning, securing, and restraining metal and metals parts with clips or clamps
  • Lighting flame sources
  • Using the flame in the welding area
  • Carefully controlling and monitoring the flame and the materials being welded to ensure that the proper temperature is maintained
  • Evaluating the final weld to ensure that it is properly completed and safe to use
  • Maintaining the welding equipment by cleaning it after use and storing it

Certified Welder Salary: How Much Does It Pay

The average salary for a welder is $40,970 per year.

This hourly average wage it $19.70 per hour.

Welders who have earned higher certifications and have years of experience may earn up to $47,919.

  • Annually
  • Monthly
  • Hourly

Annually National Average Salary: $49,270

$35K $39K $49K $55K $66K 10% 25% 50% 75% 90%

Monthly National Average Salary: $4,083

$2.9K $3.3K $4.1K $4.6K $5.5K 10% 25% 50% 75% 90%

Hourly National Average Salary: $23.69

$17.20 $18.98 $23.69 $26.86 $31.82 10% 25% 50% 75% 90%

Average Annual Salary by State

StateAvg. Annual Salary
Alabama$41,140
Alaska$75,820
Arizona$52,770
Arkansas$44,060
California$53,350
Connecticut$58,900
Florida$42,330
Georgia$44,510
Idaho$50,150
Illinois$54,640
Indiana$42,550
Iowa$52,340
Kansas$48,310
Kentucky$60,440
Louisiana$61,000
Maine$48,770
Maryland$62,670
Massachusetts$50,870
Michigan$43,290
Minnesota$59,600
Mississippi$46,300
Missouri$50,090
Nebraska$54,860
Nevada$49,590
New Hampshire$47,880
New Jersey$56,130
New York$48,560
North Carolina$47,980
Ohio$50,370
Oklahoma$43,210
Oregon$53,380
Pennsylvania$48,150
Rhode Island$47,770
South Carolina$46,010
South Dakota$51,210
Tennessee$44,860
Texas$53,970
Utah$48,360
Vermont$42,140
Virginia$48,170
Washington$76,460
West Virginia$58,400
Wisconsin$50,890

Annual Average Salary: Top 5 States

The top earning state in the field is Washington, where the average salary is $76,460.

These are the top 5 earning states in the field:

Washington - $76,460Alaska - $75,820Maryland - $62,670Louisiana - $61,000Kentucky - $60,440

Average Monthly Salary by State

StateAvg. Monthly Salary
Alabama$3,417
Alaska$6,250
Arizona$4,333
Arkansas$3,667
California$4,417
Connecticut$4,833
Florida$3,500
Georgia$3,667
Idaho$4,167
Illinois$4,500
Indiana$3,500
Iowa$4,333
Kansas$4,000
Kentucky$5,000
Louisiana$5,083
Maine$4,000
Maryland$5,167
Massachusetts$4,167
Michigan$3,583
Minnesota$4,917
Mississippi$3,833
Missouri$4,167
Nebraska$4,500
Nevada$4,083
New Hampshire$3,917
New Jersey$4,667
New York$4,000
North Carolina$3,917
Ohio$4,167
Oklahoma$3,583
Oregon$4,417
Pennsylvania$4,000
Rhode Island$3,917
South Carolina$3,833
South Dakota$4,250
Tennessee$3,667
Texas$4,417
Utah$4,000
Vermont$3,500
Virginia$4,000
Washington$6,333
West Virginia$4,833
Wisconsin$4,167

Monthly Average Salary: Top 5 States

The top earning state in the field is Washington, where the average salary is $6,333.

These are the top 5 earning states in the field:

Washington - $6,333Alaska - $6,250Maryland - $5,167Louisiana - $5,083Kentucky - $5,000

Average Hourly Salary by State

StateAvg. Hourly Salary
Alabama$19.78
Alaska$36.45
Arizona$25.37
Arkansas$21.18
California$25.65
Connecticut$28.32
Florida$20.35
Georgia$21.40
Idaho$24.11
Illinois$26.27
Indiana$20.46
Iowa$25.16
Kansas$23.23
Kentucky$29.06
Louisiana$29.33
Maine$23.45
Maryland$30.13
Massachusetts$24.46
Michigan$20.81
Minnesota$28.65
Mississippi$22.26
Missouri$24.08
Nebraska$26.38
Nevada$23.84
New Hampshire$23.02
New Jersey$26.99
New York$23.35
North Carolina$23.07
Ohio$24.22
Oklahoma$20.78
Oregon$25.67
Pennsylvania$23.15
Rhode Island$22.97
South Carolina$22.12
South Dakota$24.62
Tennessee$21.57
Texas$25.95
Utah$23.25
Vermont$20.26
Virginia$23.16
Washington$36.76
West Virginia$28.08
Wisconsin$24.47

Hourly Average Salary: Top 5 States

The top earning state in the field is Washington, where the average salary is $36.76.

These are the top 5 earning states in the field:

Washington - $36.76Alaska - $36.45Maryland - $30.13Louisiana - $29.33Kentucky - $29.06 * Salary information based on the May 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey. Conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor. * Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Certified Welder

Step 1Earn a High School Diploma

In order to become a welder, a high school education is essential.

Tradesmen must be well educated.

A high school diploma is essential to a person’s success as a welder.

Many high schools offer courses in welding and metal fabrication.

A student who aspires to become a welder should take every course that is offered in order to learn basic welding skills and gain some hands-on experience.

These courses will provide a basic foundation for future study and will provide an opportunity for students to be sure they want to pursue a career in welding.

Because welders are always measuring and calculating, algebra and geometry classes will be beneficial.

Also, science courses will provide a better understanding of how welding really works.

Step 2Get a Certificate or Degree in Welding

Students can participate in a Welding Certificate Program that lasts from six to eighteen months.

The required courses are usually taught as face-to-face classes as there are many practical applications.

The cost of welding certificate programs varies widely.

They may cost as little as $3,500 or as much as $20,000.

To determine which school and program fits the student’s need, you will need to contact the school or university for more information.

Students wanting a higher degree can complete the coursework for a Welding Technology Associate’s Degree.

This program lasts for two years and is mostly face-to-face courses.

The cost of the Associate’s Degree ranges from $6,000 to $55,000.

Beyond the Associate’s Degree is the Welding Engineering Bachelor’s Degree program.

This program lasts for four years.

Step 3Participate in an Apprenticeship

A welding apprenticeship is a great way to gain knowledge about welding as a career.

When working as an apprentice, the welder gets experience about best work practices as well as hands-on welding experience.

An apprenticeship can be a great way to start earning some money as a welder and to get a start with a company.

Apprenticeships help the welder build practical experience.

This knowledge and work experience is a great foundation which can be improved on over time.

Step 4Earn a Welding Certification

The welding certifications validate your knowledge and skill level to a potential employer.

Most welding certifications are earned through the American Welding Society (AWS).

The certifications available include:

  • Certified Welder (CW)
    • There are no requirements for taking this examination.
    • The cost is $35.
    • The examination must be taken at an AWS Accredited Testing Facility
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
    • The requirements for taking this test may be met in many different ways.
      • They include a level of education in addition to a period of work experience.
    • The cost is $850 or a member and $1,065 for a non-member.
  • Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI)
    • The requirements for taking this test may be met in many different ways.
      • They include a level of education in addition to a period of work experience.
    • The cost is $850 or a member and $1,065 for a non-member.
  • Certified Welding Educator (CWE)
    • The requirements for this certification include:
      • Completing the Certified Welding Educator (CWE) application
      • Hold a full-time or part-time job as a classroom teacher
      • Hold a valid welding certification
      • Present a letter of recommendation supporting your ability and qualification to teach.
    • The cost is $635 (member) and $850 (non-member)
  • Certified Welding Sales Representative (CWSR)
    • The requirements for taking this test may be met in many different ways.
    • The cost is $275 (member) and $355 (non-member)

Welding Education & Requirements

Completion of a Welding Certificate Program requires six to eighteen months.

Courses cover welding basics and will equip the student with the knowledge and skill needed to start working upon completion.

Participants learn how to use welding equipment safely, read blueprints, and complete work orders.

In addition to welding skills, students learn to work with others as a team and proper protocol for working as a welder.

The next step is earning and Associate’s Degree in welding.

This is a two-year program that further enhances a student’s skills and knowledge.

Students who have earned as Associate’s Degree have had opportunities to enhance their welding skills and have learned how to work as a professional.

Employment opportunities for a welder with an Associate’s Degree is vast.

Earning the degree insures that they are a knowledgeable welder and ready to be a part of a team.

Some welders go to a college or university for four years and earn a bachelor’s degree.

With this level of education, welders have outstanding welding skills and can perform their job duties in the most professional way.

Welders with a bachelor’s degree earn the highest income.

Video About The Career

Certification & Licensing

The standard, commonly accepted welding certifications are offered through the American Welding Society (AWS).

These tests assess the welder’s knowledge about safety as well as the welding process itself.

The AWS certification requires the participant to take a written exam and a test of welding skill.

These certifications require that the holder renew them every six months to a year.

Obtaining an AWS certification is a great way to increase earning and employment opportunities.

Currently, AWS offers several certification categories:

  • Certified Welding Inspector
  • Certified Associate Welding Inspector
  • Senior Certified Welding Inspector
  • Certified Welding Educator
  • Certified Radiographic Interpreter
  • Certified Welding Supervisor
  • Certified Welding Sales Representative
  • Certified Welding Engineer
  • Certified Welder
  • Certified Robotic Arc Welding

Certification Example:

Welding Certification

Average Training Program Duration: 0-6 Months

Training programs and education pathways for welders can last from six months to four years.

When the welder spends only six months in training, they usually earn a certificate only.

However, a welder who follows the four-year pathway will earn a Bachelor’s degree.

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Job Outlook & Growth for Welding

The job outlook for welders is not good.

An estimated -9% decrease in jobs for welders should occur within the next several years.

A welder’s job security is strong; however, there may be a need to alter the type of employment or relocate.

Welding is a site-based occupation so it may be necessary to relocate to the job site.

Employment Growth Projection: -9%

35,6002023 32,5002033

That's a higher than average projected growth of -3,100 jobs.

Certified Welder: Interest Over Time

Should You Become a Welder?(Data-Driven Review)

Overall Satisfaction: High

Overall Satisfaction

A welder’s job is very satisfying. Most jobs involve creating something whether it be a building, a bridge, a car, or maybe even a craft item. The welder who worked on the project will certainly be proud of the completed product. Welding requires skill, technique, and some creativity. Most welders say they are proud of completed projects that they worked on.

Average Salary: High

Average Salary

Welders make an average salary of $40,970 per year. This equals $19.70 per hour. Higher certifications and experience allow the welder to earn an even higher salary.

Job Growth Outlook: Low

Job Growth Outlook

Statistics show that welding is expected to decrease by -9 percent in the near future. Even though, welding is one of the fastest growing professions in the U.S. and welders are used in many different industries, employment is not almost always high.

Education Duration: 0-6 Months

Education Duration

An individual can become a welder if they have a high school diploma. In order to learn the skill of welding, the person will need to complete an apprenticeship. Most welders at least participate in a six month certificate program to earn some entry-level credentials.

Personal Skills Needed

Personal Skills Needed
  • Enjoys working with their hands to create things
  • Manual dexterity and steadfast hands
  • Physically fit
  • Pays attention to detail
  • Good depth perception and spatial orientation
  • Excellent vision with good hand-eye coordination
  • Good communication skills to listen to instructions and requests and ask the right questions to ensure the finished product is what the customer wants
  • Adept at solving problems

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What Is the Highest Paid Welding Job?

The highest paid welder is a pipe welder.

Pipe welders comprise about 4% of all welding jobs.

They earn an average salary of $58,998.

Pipe welders repair and weld pipes in many industries.

These welders may be employed in the automobile industry, construction, shipbuilding, and other industries.

Q. Is Welding in Demand?

Statistics show that welding is expected to decrease by -9 percent in the near future.

Even though, welding is one of the fastest growing professions in the U.S. and welders are used in many different industries, employment is not almost always high.

Q. What State Has the Best Welding Jobs?

Most welding jobs are located in Texas.

In fact, because there are so many welding jobs there, it is often called the welding jobs capital of the U.S.

The employment rate for welders in Texas is very high.

The rate of pay here is above the average.

Q. How Long Do You Have to Go to School to Be a Welder?

An individual can become a welder if they have a high school diploma.

In order to learn the skill of welding, the person will need to complete an apprenticeship.

Most welders at least participate in a six month certificate program to earn some entry-level credentials.

Q. Do Welders Get Good Benefits?

A steady paycheck is one of the main benefits received by a welder.

Welding is a high-demand occupation so employment will be steady.

If a welder is an employee of a business or industry, they will be entitled to health coverage and perhaps even a pension or retirement plan.

They may earn paid time off or vacation time as a job benefit.

Finally, when a welder works at a business, there is usually a stated path for career advancement.

Certified Welder Information by State

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

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Average Salary $46K Avg. Salary Job Outlook9% comment-2 Created with Sketch Beta. 24 24 Comments
  1. Avatar for Michael Michael

    As I’m in South Africa how can I get the certificate

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Wongbe Brundon Wongbe Brundon

    Greetings from my end in Cameroon precisely. I am a certified GTAW and SMAW welder and I really want to further my education to become a certified welding inspector ( CWI ). I need guidelines

    Reply
  3. Avatar for rk.sp rk.sp

    i want to be welder certification inspector for that what are the requirements

    Reply
  4. Avatar for Alexandra Ashburner Alexandra Ashburner

    What does it take to get into the medical welding field? I can not seem to find any information except you better be great at tight welding. Any advice?

    Reply
  5. Avatar for Komenan Komenan

    Good evening , please i am looking for school in this subject please could you help me

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Yahia Gamal Yahia Gamal

    Dear Welders, Greetings,

    My background is electrical and electronic with no knowledge nor experience in welding, I’m just starting my journey. As a specialist, how do you advise me to begin?

    The list below was advised by a local welding engineer:

    NDT & RT (FILM INTERPRETATIONS)

    CSWIP 3.1

    API – PIPES, PRESSURE VESSEL AND STORAGE TANKS

    others advised to do CSWIP 3.1 and others think CSWIP plant inspection is a good start.

    but I don’t need to stick to them. I will really appreciate your recommendations, how can I start with the welding world.

    Reply
  7. Avatar for Eric G Pierce Eric G Pierce

    Im 17 and Im in a welding class in high school and im even better than my teacher.welding came naturaly to me and I think I should do this full time after highschool.

    Reply
  8. Avatar for Shadrack Amoako Shadrack Amoako

    I’m a boilermaker ( fabricator/welder) in Ghana with over ten (10) years of experience. Kindly assist me to build a great future with your company. Counting on your usual co operation.

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Emmanuel osayo Emmanuel osayo

    I am a qualified welder in Ghana and I need help to work abroad and I am ready to work with any company that will accept me Please help me.

    Reply
  10. Avatar for Admasu Bulbula Admasu Bulbula

    I am from Ethiopia I love welding still I am working on how to learn about welding and how to get the Meg welding machine 1ok 4ol.

    Reply
  11. Avatar for aziegbemin shedrack aziegbemin shedrack

    I really love this because it has boosted the spirit in me, I am studying welding engineering now which is a diploma course and I need someone to guild my way on the next step after I finish the course.

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Karen glover Karen glover

    My son did work as a welder in California for a lot of years he is back in s.c. now and just to get certified in welding he does not need school. where can he go in s.c to get it? thanks.

    Reply
  13. Avatar for Zukie Zukie

    As a woman of 35 can I train to become a welder?

    Reply
  14. Avatar for A. Smith A. Smith

    I was considering getting certified in welding until I found out welders in my area don’t make as much. If the average was higher, I would totally go for it. I need to at least be making $25 an hour to live comfortably and provide for a family, especially if my future wife chooses not to work after having children.

    Reply
  15. Avatar for Dave Morter Dave Morter

    I heard it was easier and pays better to be a welder in other countries. I was a bit curious about what it took to become one and I am surprised it isn’t all that hard. It is a solid paying career option especially if you live in an area where they are in demand.

    Reply
  16. Avatar for Ben J. Ben J.

    Great information that will be helpful for my younger brother. He is into welding and I told him he should make a career of it so at least one person in our family can enjoy their job and career path. I wish I was younger and could afford to do my education over.

    Reply
  17. Avatar for Smith Oliver Smith Oliver

    Woah. This is just the guide I need to kickstart a career in this field. Thanks a lot for the info, I’m definitely going to make something out of it.

    Reply
  18. Avatar for TFK TFK

    I actually started as an apprentice without much knowledge about it and no course completion and though it was a bit difficult to grab everything, I still gained a lot of experience and I’m proud of myself.

    Reply
  19. Avatar for Amanda Amanda

    A lot of people rush into this job feeling it is all rosy but to be honest you need to have a strong footing or you’ll be out faster than you came in.

    Reply
  20. Avatar for Lady Grasha Lady Grasha

    This job is amazing in the sense that you can actually start it yourself with the little you have and you’ll be growing from there. Once you dig the job, you are well on your way to success.

    Reply
    1. Avatar for Thompson Thompson

      Is this course for free?

      Reply
  21. Avatar for Dan Dan

    Hmmmmm. My eyes are spinning already! This is a lot of information and i do not even know where to begin. Would just bookmark and come back once in a while until I assimilate everything.

    Reply
  22. Avatar for Charlie Leo Charlie Leo

    Omg! My son is definitely going to find this useful! He always has passion creating and melding things and has helped my husband meld a lot of things from the smallest things you can imagine. I think this is his chance.

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Larry Cole Larry Cole

    Jeez. I think I will start as an apprentice or something with someone. Reading this has really opened my mind and I think this is actually what I want. Thanks for this.

    Reply

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