Welder in Alaska
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AK. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Alaska.
Jobs (AK)
10-yr job growth
Est. total cost
Time to complete
route How to become a welder in Alaska
To become a certified welder in Alaska, individuals do not need a state-issued license. Instead, industry-recognized certifications, such as those from the American Welding Society (AWS) and ASME Section IX, are the primary credentials. Welders must pass a performance qualification test, which costs approximately $35-$50 per position, to demonstrate their skills. These certifications are widely accepted and often required by employers, particularly for specialized work on boilers, pressure vessels, and pressure piping. Welder performance qualifications must be maintained every six months through continued welding activity or retesting.
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Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Alaska. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Alaska requirements
| Licensing body | Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Mechanical Inspection Section |
| State license | Not required |
| Education | No formal education is required, but welding training programs and apprenticeships are recommended. Welders must pass a performance qualification test. |
| Exam | Performance qualification test (e.g., AWS Certified Welder, ASME Section IX) ($35) |
| Notes | Alaska does not require a state welding license. However, certifications like AWS and ASME Section IX are widely accepted and often required by employers, especially for work on boilers, pressure vessels, and pressure piping. Welder performance qualifications must be maintained through continued welding activity every 6 months. Independent contractors should verify contractor licensing requirements with the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. |
Source: Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Mechanical Inspection Section
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk