Welder in California
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, California.
Jobs (CA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a welder in California
To become a welder in California, individuals typically pursue industry-recognized certifications rather than a single state-issued license. The primary certifications are obtained through performance qualification tests based on codes like AWS D1.1 (structural steel) or ASME Section IX (pressure vessels), often administered at AWS Accredited Test Facilities. While there's no statewide individual welder license, Cal/OSHA mandates certification for structural work, and specific localities like Los Angeles have their own licensing requirements. Welding contractors, however, must obtain a C-60 Welding Contractor License from the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), which requires substantial experience and passing state exams.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for California. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist California requirements
| Licensing body | California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) for structural work; American Welding Society (AWS) and ASME for industry-recognized certifications; California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) for welding contractors. |
| State license | Not required |
| Education | High school diploma or GED recommended for training programs and apprenticeships. Formal education is not strictly required, but training programs (6 months to 2 years) or apprenticeships (3-4 years) are common. |
| Exam | Welder Performance Qualification Test (based on AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX, API 1104, or other applicable codes) ($35) |
| Notes | California does not issue a single state welding license for individual welders; instead, it relies on industry-recognized certifications like those from the American Welding Society (AWS) and ASME. Cal/OSHA requires welding certification for structural steel work (AWS D1.1) and ASME Section IX for pressure vessel welding. Welders must maintain their performance qualifications through continued welding activity every 6 months or retesting. The City of Los Angeles requires its own specific written and practical exam for welders working within city limits. A C-60 Welding Contractor License, overseen by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), is required for businesses performing welding operations valued at $1000 or more, and requires 4 years of journey-level experience and passing law & business and welding trade exams. Minimum age for C-60 is 18, but 23 is recommended due to experience requirement. |
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