Welder in Alabama

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$47,170

trending_down -7.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Alabama.

engineering

12,570

Jobs (AL)

monitoring Stable

+2.2%

10-yr job growth

schedule

9-12 months for certificate programs; 2 years for associate degree

Time to complete

route How to become a welder in Alabama

While Alabama does not have a statewide license for general welders, industry-recognized certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the standard. To become an AWS Certified Welder, individuals typically complete a welding program at a vocational school or community college and then pass a performance-based AWS Certified Welder exam. Welders working on specific piping systems must obtain certification through the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board, which requires passing an exam and completing annual continuing education.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $33,300

25th percentile $38,150

50th (median) $47,170

75th percentile $58,960

90th (experienced) $66,590

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Alabama. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Alabama requirements

Licensing body	American Welding Society (AWS) for general welding; Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board for specific piping systems
State license	Not required
Education	High school diploma or GED for most technical programs; completion of a welding certificate or diploma program is the standard pathway.
Exam	AWS Certified Welder exam (performance-based); Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board exam for specific piping systems
Notes	Alabama does not have a statewide licensing requirement for general welders. Certification through organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and often required for professional jobs. Welders working on specific piping systems may need certification through the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board. For Plumbers and Gas Fitters, a business law exam will be required for Master level applicants starting January 1, 2026. Plumbers and Gas Fitters must complete 4 hours of continuing education annually and renew their certification by December 31st each year. Licensees over 65 are exempt from CE for Plumbers and Gas Fitters.

Source: American Welding Society (AWS) for general welding; Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board for specific piping systems

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.2%

Average

Annual openings

45,600

Nationwide per year

Total employment

457,300

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -1.20/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a welder career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a welder in Alabama? expand_more

The path to welder licensure in Alabama: complete the required education (High school diploma or GED for most technical programs; completion of a welding certificate or diploma program is the standard pathway.), and pass the AWS Certified Welder exam (performance-based); Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board exam for specific piping systems.

Is a state license required for welders in Alabama? expand_more

No state license is needed to work as a welder in Alabama. Note: Alabama does not have a statewide licensing requirement for general welders. Certification through organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and often required for professional jobs. Welders working on specific piping systems may need certification through the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board. For Plumbers and Gas Fitters, a business law exam will be required for Master level applicants starting January 1, 2026. Plumbers and Gas Fitters must complete 4 hours of continuing education annually and renew their certification by December 31st each year. Licensees over 65 are exempt from CE for Plumbers and Gas Fitters.

What do welders earn in Alabama? expand_more

welders in Alabama earn a median of $47,170 annually. — 8% under the $51,000 national average. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $33,300, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $66,590.

How long does it take to become a welder in Alabama? expand_more

Expect to spend 9-12 months for certificate programs; 2 years for associate degree from start to finish in Alabama — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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