Welder
Welders join metal parts together using heat, pressure, or both — working with techniques like MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-core welding. They work in manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, pipeline, and aerospace industries. Welding certification is skill-based rather than degree-based: most welders earn AWS or ASME certifications by passing hands-on welding tests specific to the materials and positions they'll work with.
BLS OEWS, most recent release.
Time to certify
Required exam
Exam cost
Education
Annual openings
What it's actually like
A day-to-day reality check, grounded in current practitioner sources — not just the salary math.
Hours / week
Shift length
Weekends
Where you work
checklist A typical shift
- check_circle Inspect equipment such as cables, leads, and gas cylinders to ensure they are in safe working order before starting.
- check_circle Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and specifications to determine the layout and welding requirements for a project.
- check_circle Prepare metal surfaces by cleaning, grinding, or cutting materials to the correct size and shape.
- check_circle Join metal components together using various welding techniques, such as MIG, TIG, or stick welding.
- check_circle Operate hand and power tools, including grinders, cutters, and drills, to assist in the fabrication process.
- check_circle Visually inspect completed welds for defects, such as porosity or undercut, and perform quality checks to ensure they meet standards.
- check_circle Clean the workstation and perform routine maintenance on equipment at the end of the shift.
Physical demand
The role requires standing for long periods, lifting heavy materials, and working in awkward, confined, or elevated positions.
Stress level
Stress stems from tight deadlines, the need for high precision to avoid costly errors, and constant awareness of safety hazards like burns, fumes, and intense light.
thumb_up Best fit if
- add_circle You have strong hand-eye coordination and a steady hand for detailed, precise work.
- add_circle You are physically resilient and can tolerate standing for long hours, lifting heavy items, and working in uncomfortable positions.
- add_circle You are detail-oriented and patient, capable of focusing on complex tasks to ensure high-quality, accurate results.
- add_circle You can work independently and are self-motivated, but can also collaborate effectively with other tradespeople on a larger project.
thumb_down Skip if
- do_not_disturb_on You cannot handle physically demanding work that involves prolonged standing, bending, and lifting heavy objects.
- do_not_disturb_on You are uncomfortable working in environments with potential hazards like extreme heat, loud noises, fumes, and risk of burns or electric shock.
- do_not_disturb_on You require a standard 9-to-5, 40-hour work week, as overtime, evening, and weekend shifts are very common.
- do_not_disturb_on You dislike working in varied and sometimes harsh conditions, such as outdoors in all weather, at heights, or in confined spaces.
The Landscape
While the national median for welders is $51,000, salary distribution shows distinct regional patterns and surprising outliers. The highest earnings often cluster in states with specialized industrial demand or unique economic conditions. For example, Hawaii ($76,970) and Alaska ($75,140) top the list due to their isolated markets, high cost of living, and focus on demanding sectors like maritime, oil and gas, or infrastructure projects that require highly skilled, often certified, labor.
Similarly, states in the Northeast like Connecticut ($64,520) and Massachusetts ($61,710) show elevated median salaries, driven by established manufacturing and specialized construction needs. In contrast, many states across the Southeast and Midwest, like West Virginia ($47,000) or Alabama ($47,170), tend to fall below the national median, reflecting regional differences in industrial composition and overall cost of living.
A critical insight for aspiring welders is understanding what 'no license required' truly signifies in over 30 states. This typically means there isn't a general statewide occupational license for welders, but it absolutely does not imply an absence of professional standards or requirements. In practice, welders in these states will still frequently need specific certifications for specialized work—such as on boilers, pressure vessels, or structural steel—often mandated by industry bodies like AWS or ASME. So, while you might not need a state 'license,' project-specific certifications are almost always essential for securing higher-paying, specialized roles regardless of a state's general licensing stance.
Welder by State
Click any state for detailed requirements & ROI.
| State | License | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No | $47,170 | -7.5% |
| Alaska | No | $75,140 | +47.3% |
| Arizona | Yes | $53,770 | +5.4% |
| Arkansas | No | $47,100 | -7.6% |
| California | No | $57,940 | +13.6% |
| Colorado | No | $57,200 | +12.2% |
| Connecticut | Yes | $64,520 | +26.5% |
| Delaware | No | $56,510 | +10.8% |
| District of Columbia | Yes | $58,700 | +15.1% |
| Florida | No | $49,430 | -3.1% |
| Georgia | No | $48,000 | -5.9% |
| Hawaii | No | $76,970 | +50.9% |
| Idaho | No | $49,190 | -3.5% |
| Illinois | No | $49,730 | -2.5% |
| Indiana | No | $48,460 | -5.0% |
| Iowa | No | $49,450 | -3.0% |
| Kansas | No | $49,040 | -3.8% |
| Kentucky | No | $49,260 | -3.4% |
| Louisiana | No | $59,860 | +17.4% |
| Maine | No | $58,340 | +14.4% |
| Maryland | No | $56,420 | +10.6% |
| Massachusetts | No | $61,710 | +21.0% |
| Michigan | No | $48,930 | -4.1% |
| Minnesota | Yes | $58,730 | +15.2% |
| Mississippi | Yes | $49,490 | -3.0% |
| Missouri | No | $49,460 | -3.0% |
| Montana | No | $51,280 | +0.5% |
| Nebraska | No | $50,550 | -0.9% |
| Nevada | No | $59,370 | +16.4% |
| New Hampshire | No | $57,700 | +13.1% |
| New Jersey | No | $59,630 | +16.9% |
| New Mexico | No | $52,460 | +2.9% |
| New York | No | $57,230 | +12.2% |
| North Carolina | No | $49,860 | -2.2% |
| North Dakota | No | $60,270 | +18.2% |
| Ohio | No | $49,410 | -3.1% |
| Oklahoma | No | $48,490 | -4.9% |
| Oregon | Yes | $58,590 | +14.9% |
| Pennsylvania | No | $50,860 | -0.3% |
| Rhode Island | Yes | $57,000 | +11.8% |
| South Carolina | No | $49,120 | -3.7% |
| South Dakota | No | $48,340 | -5.2% |
| Tennessee | No | $47,280 | -7.3% |
| Texas | No | $49,830 | -2.3% |
| Utah | No | $56,050 | +9.9% |
| Vermont | No | $57,520 | +12.8% |
| Virginia | No | $57,350 | +12.5% |
| Washington | No | $61,730 | +21.0% |
| West Virginia | No | $47,000 | -7.8% |
| Wisconsin | Yes | $55,630 | +9.1% |
| Wyoming | No | $66,070 | +29.5% |