Welder in Indiana

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

Median annual salary

$48,460

trending_down -5.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Indiana.

engineering

13,260

Jobs (IN)

monitoring Stable

+2.2%

10-yr job growth

payments

$500

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies (e.g., 6-12 months for certificate programs, 1-5 years for apprenticeships)

Time to complete

route How to become a welder in Indiana

To become a welder in Indiana, individuals typically pursue certification through the American Welding Society (AWS), as there is no statewide licensing requirement. The primary certification is the AWS Certified Welder (CW), which requires passing a hands-on performance test at an AWS-Accredited Test Facility. While no specific education is mandated for AWS certification, completing a welding certificate program (typically 6-12 months) or an apprenticeship (2-4 years) is highly recommended to gain the necessary skills and prepare for the exam. For structural steel welding on public works projects in Indiana, AWS certification is legally required.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,690

25th percentile $43,300

50th (median) $48,460

75th percentile $59,100

90th (experienced) $70,470

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

checklist Indiana requirements

Licensing body	American Welding Society (AWS) for certification; Indiana does not have a statewide licensing body for welders.
State license	Not required
Education	Not specified for AWS certification, but training programs are highly recommended and often lead to certification.
Exam	AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance test ($500)
Renewal	Every 3.0 years
Continuing education	80.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Indiana does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders. However, certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and often required by employers, especially for high-paying jobs and for structural steel welding on public works projects. Some training programs may have a minimum age of 18 and require a high school diploma or GED.

Source: American Welding Society (AWS) for certification; Indiana does not have a statewide licensing body for welders.

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 Indiana? expand_more

Indiana requires welders to complete the required education (Not specified for AWS certification, but training programs are highly recommended and often lead to certification.), and pass the AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance test.

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

Indiana does not require a state license for welders. Note: Indiana does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders. However, certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and often required by employers, especially for high-paying jobs and for structural steel welding on public works projects. Some training programs may have a minimum age of 18 and require a high school diploma or GED.

What is the average welder salary in Indiana? expand_more

The median welder salary in Indiana is $48,460 per year. — within a few percent of the $51,000 national figure. Wages range from $37,690 (10th percentile) up to $70,470 (90th percentile).

What's the total cost to get welder certified in Indiana? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($500). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

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

Most candidates in Indiana complete the process in Varies (e.g., 6-12 months for certificate programs, 1-5 years for apprenticeships), from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

Does Indiana require continuing education for welders? expand_more

Yes — welders in Indiana must complete 80.0 CE hours every 3.0 years to stay licensed.