CertOutlook

Welder in Georgia

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

Median annual salary
$48,000
trending_down -5.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Georgia.

engineering
14,030

Jobs (GA)

monitoring Stable
+2.2%

10-yr job growth

payments
$35

Licensing fees

schedule
Varies (training programs typically 6 months to 2 years; AWS certification process is performance-based)

Time to complete

route How to become a welder in Georgia

While Georgia does not require a state license for welders, industry-recognized certifications are crucial for employment. The American Welding Society (AWS) offers the most widely accepted certifications, such as the AWS Certified Welder (CW), which requires passing a performance-based test. For those working on structural steel for the Georgia Department of Transportation, a specific GDOT Field Welder Certification is necessary, obtained by passing their qualification test. AWS certifications generally require maintenance every six months through continued welding activity or retesting.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,160
25th percentile $41,480
50th (median) $48,000
75th percentile $56,400
90th (experienced) $64,750

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

checklist Georgia requirements

Licensing bodyAmerican Welding Society (AWS) for general certification; Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for Field Welder Certification
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED recommended; formal welding training program often preferred by employers.
ExamAWS Certified Welder (CW) performance qualification test; GDOT Field Welder qualification test ($35)
RenewalEvery 0.5 year
NotesGeorgia does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders. Certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and often required by employers. For welding on structural steel components for the Georgia Department of Transportation, a specific GDOT Field Welder Certification is required. AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance tests must be maintained every 6 months through continued welding activity or retesting. ASME Section IX certification is required nationwide for welding on boilers and pressure vessels.

Source: American Welding Society (AWS) for general certification; Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for Field Welder Certification

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
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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a welder in Georgia? expand_more
In Georgia, becoming a welder requires you to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED recommended; formal welding training program often preferred by employers.), and pass the AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance qualification test; GDOT Field Welder qualification test.
Is a state license required for welders in Georgia? expand_more
welders in Georgia are not required to hold a state license. Note: Georgia does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders. Certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and often required by employers. For welding on structural steel components for the Georgia Department of Transportation, a specific GDOT Field Welder Certification is required. AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance tests must be maintained every 6 months through continued welding activity or retesting. ASME Section IX certification is required nationwide for welding on boilers and pressure vessels.
How much do welders make in Georgia? expand_more
In Georgia, the median pay for welders comes to $48,000/year. — 6% under the $51,000 national average. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $37,160, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $64,750.
What are the fees to become a welder in Georgia? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($35). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How long does it take to become a welder in Georgia? expand_more
Expect to spend Varies (training programs typically 6 months to 2 years; AWS certification process is performance-based) from start to finish in Georgia — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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