CertOutlook

Welder in Maryland

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

Median annual salary
$56,420
trending_up +10.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Maryland.

engineering
3,190

Jobs (MD)

monitoring Stable
+2.2%

10-yr job growth

payments
$35

Licensing fees

schedule
Varies (e.g., 12 weeks for some programs, 1-5 years for apprenticeships)

Time to complete

route How to become a welder in Maryland

Maryland does not require a state license for welders; instead, industry-recognized certifications, primarily through the American Welding Society (AWS), are the standard. To become a certified welder, individuals typically complete a welding education program or apprenticeship and then pass a performance qualification test administered by an AWS Accredited Test Facility. Welders working on boilers and pressure vessels will also need ASME Section IX certification. AWS Certified Welder qualifications must be maintained every six months through continued welding activity or retesting. AWS certification offers nationwide reciprocity, meaning your qualifications are recognized across all 50 states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $41,820
25th percentile $47,650
50th (median) $56,420
75th percentile $72,040
90th (experienced) $84,840

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

checklist Maryland requirements

Licensing bodyAmerican Welding Society (AWS) and ASME (for pressure vessels)
State license Not required
EducationNo formal education required, but vocational training or apprenticeship is recommended.
ExamAWS Certified Welder (CW) performance qualification test, or ASME Section IX (for pressure vessels) ($35)
NotesMaryland 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. Welders must maintain their AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance qualifications every 6 months through continued welding activity or retesting. ASME Section IX certification is required nationwide for welding on boilers and pressure vessels. Welders operating as independent contractors in Maryland should verify contractor licensing requirements with the Maryland Department of Labor. Minimum age for some training programs is 17, with a high school diploma or GED.

Source: American Welding Society (AWS) and ASME (for 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 I become a welder in Maryland? expand_more
Maryland requires welders to complete the required education (No formal education required, but vocational training or apprenticeship is recommended.), and pass the AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance qualification test, or ASME Section IX (for pressure vessels).
Is a state license required for welders in Maryland? expand_more
Maryland does not require a state license for welders. Note: Maryland 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. Welders must maintain their AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance qualifications every 6 months through continued welding activity or retesting. ASME Section IX certification is required nationwide for welding on boilers and pressure vessels. Welders operating as independent contractors in Maryland should verify contractor licensing requirements with the Maryland Department of Labor. Minimum age for some training programs is 17, with a high school diploma or GED.
How much do welders make in Maryland? expand_more
The median welder salary in Maryland is $56,420 per year. That's 11% above the national median of $51,000. The range spans from $41,820 at the entry level to $84,840 for top earners.
What are the fees to become a welder in Maryland? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($35) plus your education and training.
How quickly can I become a welder in Maryland? expand_more
In Maryland, becoming a welder generally takes Varies (e.g., 12 weeks for some programs, 1-5 years for apprenticeships), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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