CertOutlook

Welder in Kansas

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

Median annual salary
$49,040
trending_down -3.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Kansas.

engineering
6,310

Jobs (KS)

monitoring Stable
+2.2%

10-yr job growth

schedule
1-5 years (depending on training path)

Time to complete

route How to become a welder in Kansas

To become a welder in Kansas, a state license is not required; however, industry certifications, particularly through the American Welding Society (AWS), are considered the industry standard and are often a prerequisite for employment. Aspiring welders typically need a high school diploma or GED and should complete a welding program from an accredited technical school or community college. Certification involves passing an AWS exam, which evaluates both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,920
25th percentile $44,420
50th (median) $49,040
75th percentile $58,200
90th (experienced) $67,450

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

checklist Kansas requirements

Licensing bodyAmerican Welding Society (AWS)
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED; completion of a welding program from an accredited technical school or community college is essential.
ExamAWS Certified Welder (CW) or other AWS certifications
NotesKansas does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders. Certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and often a prerequisite for employment. Some cities or government projects may have their own certification/licensing requirements. AWS Certified Welder (CW) is an entry-level certification. Other AWS certifications include Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), Certified Welding Educator (CWE), and Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS).

Source: American Welding Society (AWS)

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 Kansas? expand_more
In Kansas, becoming a welder requires you to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED; completion of a welding program from an accredited technical school or community college is essential.), and pass the AWS Certified Welder (CW) or other AWS certifications.
Do I need a license to work as a welder in Kansas? expand_more
Kansas does not require a state license for welders. Note: Kansas does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders. Certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and often a prerequisite for employment. Some cities or government projects may have their own certification/licensing requirements. AWS Certified Welder (CW) is an entry-level certification. Other AWS certifications include Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), Certified Welding Educator (CWE), and Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS).
What do welders earn in Kansas? expand_more
welders in Kansas earn a median of $49,040 annually. — within a few percent of the $51,000 national figure. New welders start around $37,920; seasoned professionals can reach $67,450.
How long does it take to become a welder in Kansas? expand_more
In Kansas, becoming a welder generally takes 1-5 years (depending on training path), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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