How to Become a Welder

Quick Answer: Becoming a certified welder takes 6-18 months through trade school or 3-4 years through an apprenticeship. Training costs range from $0 (paid apprenticeship) to $3,000-$10,000 (trade school). Welders earn $28,500-$71,300 annually depending on experience, with a median salary of $47,540. The field has 47,600 job openings each year. Welding is moderately challenging to learn but accessible to anyone with steady hands and mechanical aptitude.

What does a Welder do?

Welders join metal parts together using heat and specialized equipment. They work on everything from building bridges and skyscrapers to repairing farm equipment and creating custom metalwork. Every structure that contains metal - from cars to aircraft carriers - requires skilled welders.

Daily Responsibilities

• Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, or brazing equipment to join metal components
• Read blueprints and technical specifications to determine welding requirements
• Inspect and test welds for strength, structural integrity, and code compliance
• Operate and maintain welding equipment including MIG, TIG, and stick welders
• Fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products
• Select appropriate welding techniques based on metal type and project needs
• Measure and cut metal pieces to precise specifications
• Clean and prepare metal surfaces before welding

Work Environments

• Manufacturing Plants – Fabricating parts for vehicles, machinery, and consumer products
• Construction Sites – Building and repairing bridges, buildings, and infrastructure
• Shipyards – Working on marine vessels, offshore rigs, and naval ships
• Pipeline Projects – Welding oil, gas, and water pipelines (often traveling)
• Aerospace Facilities – Precision welding on aircraft and spacecraft components
• Custom Shops – Artistic metalwork, prototyping, and specialty fabrication
• Underwater – Specialized welding on dams, ships, and offshore structures

Physical and Mental Demands

Welding is physically demanding work. You’ll spend time standing, kneeling, and sometimes working in awkward positions. The job requires lifting equipment and materials up to 50 pounds, working in hot conditions near molten metal, and wearing protective gear including helmets, gloves, and fire-resistant clothing.

Mentally, welders must read blueprints, understand welding symbols, and calculate material requirements. Strong hand-eye coordination is essential for producing quality welds. You’ll need to focus for extended periods while working with potentially dangerous equipment.

Personality traits that fit

• Detail-oriented – Small flaws can compromise structural integrity
• Steady hands – Precision is essential for quality welds
• Mechanically inclined – Understanding how metals and equipment work
• Safety-conscious – Working with fire and hot metal requires constant awareness
• Patient – Complex welds take time to complete properly
• Problem-solver – Each project presents unique challenges

Welder certification types

Unlike plumbers or electricians, welders typically don’t need state-issued licenses. Instead, employers require professional certifications that validate your skills. Here’s the certification hierarchy:

Note: Some states require welders to pass specific tests for structural or pipeline work. Check your state’s requirements for specialized welding.

Step-by-step path to becoming a Welder

Step 1: meet basic requirements

Before starting your welding career, you’ll need:

• Age: At least 18 years old for most programs (16-17 for some pre-apprenticeship)
• Education: High school diploma or GED
• Physical ability: Can lift 50+ pounds, have good vision and hand-eye coordination
• No color blindness: Must distinguish between flame colors and metal temperatures

Helpful high school courses include math, physics, shop class, and mechanical drawing.

Step 2: choose your training path

Path A: trade school (fastest)

Trade school provides focused welding training in the shortest time.

Program details:

• Duration: 6-12 months (certificate) or 2 years (associate degree)
• Cost: $3,000-$10,000 (certificate) or $8,000-$20,000 (associate)
• Covers: MIG, TIG, stick welding, blueprint reading, metallurgy, safety

Benefits:

• Fast entry into the workforce
• Structured curriculum with hands-on practice
• Often includes certification prep
• Some programs have job placement assistance

Path B: apprenticeship (earn while you learn)

Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.

How to find programs:

• Union apprenticeships (United Association, Ironworkers)
• Non-union employer programs
• State-registered apprenticeship programs

What to expect:

• 3-4 years (6,000-8,000 hours)
• Start at 40-50% of journeyman wages
• 144+ hours of classroom instruction annually
• Learn multiple welding processes and applications

Pros: Earn while you learn, no student debt, comprehensive training

Path C: career changer route

Switching to welding from another field? You may have advantages:

• Related experience credit: Construction, metal fabrication, or mechanical experience may shorten training
• Accelerated programs: Some programs designed for adults with work experience
• Age is not a barrier: Many successful welders start in their 30s or 40s
• Military experience: Veterans with metalworking experience often qualify for advanced placement

Step 3: complete required training

Trade school curriculum typically covers:

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW/Stick)
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG)
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG)
• Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
• Oxy-fuel cutting and brazing
• Blueprint reading and welding symbols
• Metallurgy and material properties
• Welding inspection and quality control
• Safety procedures and PPE

Progression milestones:

• Month 1-2: Safety, equipment basics, flat position welding
• Month 3-4: Horizontal and vertical welding positions
• Month 5-6: Overhead welding, pipe welding introduction
• Month 7-12: Advanced processes, certification prep

Step 4: get certified

Most employers require AWS certification or equivalent.

AWS Certified Welder (CW) exam:

• Format: Practical welding test (produce sample welds)
• Content: Tests specific processes and positions you’ll use
• Cost: $35-$50 per test (plus materials)
• Pass rate: Varies by process and position
• Valid for: 6 months (must be employed as a welder to maintain)

How to prepare:

• Practice the specific processes you’ll be tested on
• Review AWS welding codes and standards
• Take practice tests at your training program
• Get comfortable with test conditions

Step 5: start working

After certification, you can begin working as an entry-level welder:

1. Apply to employers with your certification credentials
2. Complete any employer-specific qualification tests
3. Begin working under supervision of experienced welders
4. Build your skills across different projects and processes

Step 6: maintain your credentials

AWS certification maintenance:

• Renewal period: Every 6 months
• Requirements: Proof of continued employment as welder OR retest
• Cost: Minimal if employed, retest fee if not working

Training Programs

Trade school programs

Welding technology certificate and degree programs are available at community colleges and technical schools nationwide. Programs typically include:

• Hands-on welding practice (60-70% of program)
• Classroom instruction in theory and codes
• AWS certification preparation
• Safety training and PPE use

Apprenticeship Programs

Union and non-union apprenticeships are available nationwide. Contact your local Ironworkers or Pipefitters union for registered programs.

Cost Breakdown

How to pay for training

• Apprenticeship earnings: Start at 40-50% of journeyman wages (roughly $14-$19/hour)
• Financial aid: Federal grants and loans available for accredited trade schools
• Veterans benefits: GI Bill covers many welding programs
• Employer sponsorship: Some fabrication shops pay for training in exchange for work commitment
• State programs: Many states offer workforce training grants for manufacturing skills

Salary and Job Outlook

Salary by Experience Level

According to BLS data, welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers earn:

The mean (average) annual wage is $52,294. Specialized welders in pipeline, underwater, or aerospace work often earn significantly more.

Highest-paying specializations

• Underwater Welders: $50,000-$200,000+ (commercial diving)
• Pipeline Welders: $60,000-$120,000+ (travel required)
• Aerospace Welders: $55,000-$85,000
• Nuclear Welders: $60,000-$90,000
• Certified Welding Inspectors: $55,000-$100,000

Additional earnings opportunities

• Overtime: Construction and manufacturing often offer 1.5x for overtime
• Travel pay: Pipeline and industrial projects pay per diem and travel bonuses
• Hazard pay: Underwater, nuclear, and confined space welding pay premiums
• Self-employment: Skilled welders running mobile repair services can earn $75,000+

Job Outlook (2022-2032)

• Growth rate: 2% (slower than average)
• Current employment: 427,600 nationwide
• Projected employment: 436,152 by 2032
• Annual job openings: 47,600

While growth is slower than average, strong demand continues due to:

• Retirements creating openings (aging workforce)
• Infrastructure investments requiring welders
• Manufacturing reshoring to the U.S.
• Renewable energy construction (wind, solar)
• Ongoing maintenance and repair needs

Career Advancement

Typical progression:

Entry-Level Welder → Skilled Welder → Senior Welder/Lead → Welding Supervisor → Welding Inspector → Shop Owner/Contractor

Valuable Specializations

• Pipe welding – Oil, gas, and industrial piping systems
• Structural welding – Buildings, bridges, heavy construction
• Aerospace welding – Aircraft and spacecraft components
• Underwater welding – Marine construction and repair
• Robotic welding – Programming and maintaining automated systems

Certifications that increase pay

• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) – Quality control career path
• ASME Certifications – Required for pressure vessel work
• API 1104 – Pipeline welding qualification
• AWS D1.1 Structural – Building and bridge work
• 6G Pipe Certification – All-position pipe welding (highest demand)

Pros and Challenges

Advantages

• Fast, affordable training – Working in months, not years
• Strong earning potential – Median salary above $47,000
• Skills in demand everywhere – Every city needs welders
• Variety of work – Different projects, locations, industries
• Creative outlet – Artistic metalwork and custom fabrication
• Travel opportunities – Pipeline and industrial projects nationwide
• Path to business ownership – Mobile welding services, fabrication shops

Challenges

• Physically demanding – Heat, heavy lifting, awkward positions
• Safety risks – Burns, eye damage, fume exposure without proper precautions
• Hot and uncomfortable conditions – Working near molten metal
• Some positions require travel – Away from home for weeks
• Certification maintenance – Must continue working to maintain credentials
• UV exposure – Arc flash can damage eyes without proper protection
• Slower job growth – 2% growth means fewer new positions

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become a welder?

Trade school certificate programs take 6-12 months. Associate degrees take 2 years. Apprenticeships take 3-4 years but you earn while you learn. You can be job-ready with basic skills in as little as 6 months.

How much does it cost to become a welder?

Trade school costs $3,000-$10,000 for certificates or $8,000-$20,000 for associate degrees. Apprenticeships are free - you earn wages while training. Total out-of-pocket costs including tools and certification can range from $135 (apprenticeship) to $12,000 (trade school).

What is the fastest way to become a welder?

Enroll in an intensive trade school certificate program (6 months) while pursuing AWS certification. Some accelerated programs can get you job-ready in 3-4 months with focused training.

Can I become a welder without going to trade school?

Yes. You can learn through an apprenticeship, on-the-job training with an employer, or self-study with certification testing. However, formal training makes finding your first job easier.

Do welders make good money?

Yes. The median welder salary is $47,540, with experienced welders earning $57,000-$71,000. Specialized welders (pipeline, underwater, aerospace) can earn $80,000-$200,000+.

Is welding a good career?

Welding offers solid pay, job availability across the country, and multiple specialization paths. It’s a good fit if you enjoy hands-on work, can handle physical demands, and want a skilled trade without years of schooling.

Is it hard to become a welder?

The skills are learnable with practice - welding is more about muscle memory and patience than academic ability. The physical demands and safety requirements are the biggest challenges. Most people with mechanical aptitude can become competent welders.

How much do welder apprentices make?

Welding apprentices typically start at 40-50% of journeyman wages - roughly $14-$19 per hour depending on location. Pay increases each year of the apprenticeship.

What’s the difference between a welder and a certified welder?

Any trained person can weld, but a “certified welder” has passed standardized tests (usually AWS) proving competency in specific processes and positions. Most employers require certification for hiring.

Can I become a welder with a criminal record?

Yes, in most cases. Welding doesn’t typically require background checks unless you’re working on government or defense contracts. Some pipeline and nuclear jobs may have restrictions.

Am I too old to become a welder?

No. Many people enter welding in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. Prior mechanical or construction experience is valuable. The main consideration is physical ability to handle the demands.

What skills do I need to become a welder?

Key skills include steady hands, attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, ability to read blueprints, basic math, physical stamina, and safety awareness. Good hand-eye coordination is essential.

How to get started today

1. Research local training programs – Search for welding programs at community colleges and trade schools in your area
2. Contact union halls – Reach out to local Ironworkers, Pipefitters, or Sheet Metal Workers unions about apprenticeships
3. Visit a welding shop – Ask local fabrication shops about their training and hiring needs
4. Get your hands dirty – Take an introductory welding class at a community college or makerspace
5. Apply to programs – Submit applications to multiple schools and apprenticeships to maximize options

Welder Salary by State

Top welders work in pipeline construction, aerospace, and underwater welding, earning some of the highest wages in the trade industry.

Certification and training resources

National resources:

• American Welding Society (AWS): aws.org – Certification and career resources
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm
• Apprenticeship.gov: apprenticeship.gov – Find registered apprenticeship programs

Trade unions with welding training:

• United Association (UA): ua.org – Pipefitters and welders
• International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers: ironworkers.org

Start your welding training today

Ready to begin your welding career? Many programs can have you job-ready in 6-12 months. Explore accredited welding programs in your area: