How to become a Welder
The following are steps you can take to become a certified welder:
- First, prospective welders must earn a high school diploma or general education diploma (GED).
- After graduating with a high school diploma, students must then complete a six- to eighteen-month welding program to earn a certificate in welding, or obtain an associate's degree in welding.
- Participate in an apprenticeship to gain working experience.
- Earn full welding certification by taking and passing an exam through the American Welding Society (AWS).
How to become: Fabricator/Welder · Welder/Fitter · Tig Welder · MIG Welder · Metal Fabricator
These qualifications are required: Driver's License · AWS D1.1 · Certified Welding Inspector
Is this useful?
Upgrade your resume
Get an expert review of your resume.
What skills help Welders find jobs?
- ASME codes & standards
- Assembly
- Basic math
- Blueprint reading
- Calipers
- Communication skills
- Computer literacy
- Computer skills
- Crane
- English
- Fabrication
- Flux welding
Is this useful?
Career progression for Welder
Education levels for Welders
| required level of education | percent of job openings |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or GED | 83.9% |
| Associate's degree | 11.3% |
| Bachelor's degree | 3.3% |
| Master's degree | 1.1% |
| Middle school education | 0.5% |
Is this useful?
Expected salary by experience
| Years of experience | Annual salary in USD |
|---|---|
| 0 - 4 | $31,500 |
| 4 - 8 | $35,000 |
| 8 - 12 | $37,300 |
| 12 - 16 | $38,300 |
| 16 - 20 | $38,000 |
| 20 - 24 | $39,700 |
Is this useful?
Common qualifications for Welders
Explore popular schools to earn these qualificationsIs this useful?
Common questions about career advices for a Welder
What are the skills needed to be a welder?
Welders should have spatial and critical thinking skills. They should also have knowledge of metallurgy, welding technologies, and safety standards in the workplace.
Was this answer helpful?
What other requirements are there for becoming a welder?
Welders may be required to have a certification or license to handle flammable and explosive gases.
Was this answer helpful?
How can a welder advance their career?
Welders can advance their career by getting certified and by choosing a specific type of welding to pursue. Depending on a welder’s skillset and welding career plan, there are a variety of certifications available. The main certification employers will require is the basic AWS (American Welding Society) certified welder certification.
Was this answer helpful?
