Welder in Maine
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ME. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Maine.
Jobs (ME)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a welder in Maine
To become a welder in Maine, a state license is not required. Instead, industry-recognized certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS) are the standard, with ASME Section IX certification necessary for pressure vessel welding. Aspiring welders typically complete vocational training programs, which can range from six months to two years, and then pass performance-based certification exams. Welders must be at least 18 years old, and AWS certifications require ongoing maintenance through continued welding activity or retesting every six months.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Maine. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Maine requirements
| Licensing body | American Welding Society (AWS) and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) |
| State license | Not required |
| Education | High school diploma or GED recommended; vocational training highly recommended |
| Exam | AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance test, ASME Section IX (for pressure vessels) ($35) |
| Notes | Maine does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders. Certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard. ASME Section IX certification is required nationwide for welding on boilers and pressure vessels. Welders must be at least 18 years old. AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance tests must be maintained every 6 months through continued welding activity or retesting. OSHA 10/30-hour training may be required by employers. |
Source: American Welding Society (AWS) and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
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