Welder in Idaho

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

Median annual salary

$49,190

trending_down -3.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Idaho.

engineering

3,300

Jobs (ID)

monitoring Stable

+2.2%

10-yr job growth

payments

$35

Licensing fees

route How to become a welder in Idaho

To become a welder in Idaho, a state license is not required for general welding work. However, industry certifications, primarily through the American Welding Society (AWS), are the standard and often expected by employers. Welders typically complete a performance-based AWS Certified Welder (CW) exam, which costs around $35-$50 per test position. For specialized work such as welding on boilers and pressure vessels, ASME Section IX certification is required, which is accepted by the Idaho Division of Building Safety. AWS certifications must be maintained every six months through continued welding activity or retesting.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $38,020

25th percentile $44,630

50th (median) $49,190

75th percentile $58,820

90th (experienced) $65,510

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

checklist Idaho requirements

Licensing body	American Welding Society (AWS) for general certification; Idaho Division of Building Safety for specific projects (e.g., pressure vessels)
State license	Not required
Education	Not specified, but vocational training or apprenticeship is recommended
Exam	AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance test; ASME Section IX for pressure vessels ($35)
Notes	Idaho does not have a statewide licensing requirement for general welders. Certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and often required by employers. ASME Section IX certification is required for welding on boilers and pressure vessels. OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour construction safety training and hot work permits may also be required. AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance tests must be maintained every 6 months through continued welding activity or retesting.

Source: American Welding Society (AWS) for general certification; Idaho Division of Building Safety for specific projects (e.g., pressure vessels)

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

How do you get certified as a welder in Idaho? expand_more

The path to welder licensure in Idaho: complete the required education (Not specified, but vocational training or apprenticeship is recommended), and pass the AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance test; ASME Section IX for pressure vessels.

Do I need a license to work as a welder in Idaho? expand_more

No state license is needed to work as a welder in Idaho. Note: Idaho does not have a statewide licensing requirement for general welders. Certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and often required by employers. ASME Section IX certification is required for welding on boilers and pressure vessels. OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour construction safety training and hot work permits may also be required. AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance tests must be maintained every 6 months through continued welding activity or retesting.

What is the average welder salary in Idaho? expand_more

welders in Idaho earn a median of $49,190 annually. This is close to the national median of $51,000. The range spans from $38,020 at the entry level to $65,510 for top earners.

How expensive is welder licensing in Idaho? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($35). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.