CertOutlook

Welder in Michigan

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

Median annual salary
$48,930
trending_down -4.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Michigan.

engineering
13,640

Jobs (MI)

monitoring Stable
+2.2%

10-yr job growth

schedule
6-18 months for training, plus certification time

Time to complete

route How to become a welder in Michigan

Michigan does not require a state license for welders; however, certification is highly recommended and often required by employers. The American Welding Society (AWS) certification is the industry standard and is recognized nationwide. For those working on Michigan's public infrastructure, such as bridges and highways, a specific MDOT Welder Certification is necessary, which follows AWS D1.1 and AASHTO/AWS D1.5 codes and is valid for two years. Aspiring welders typically need a high school diploma or GED and should complete a welding training program, which can take 6 to 18 months, before pursuing certification.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,440
25th percentile $43,680
50th (median) $48,930
75th percentile $58,530
90th (experienced) $72,420

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

checklist Michigan requirements

Licensing bodyAmerican Welding Society (AWS) or Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED and completion of a welding training program (typically 6-18 months)
ExamAWS Welding Certification Test or MDOT Welder Certification Test
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesMichigan 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. For welding on Michigan's bridges, highways, and public infrastructure, MDOT Welder Certification is required. MDOT certification is valid for two years, provided the welder remains active. A clean background check and being at least 18 years old are requirements for some certifications.

Source: American Welding Society (AWS) or Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)

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?
See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.
arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a welder in Michigan? expand_more
In Michigan, becoming a welder requires you to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED and completion of a welding training program (typically 6-18 months)), and pass the AWS Welding Certification Test or MDOT Welder Certification Test.
Do I need a license to work as a welder in Michigan? expand_more
Michigan does not require a state license for welders. Note: Michigan 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. For welding on Michigan's bridges, highways, and public infrastructure, MDOT Welder Certification is required. MDOT certification is valid for two years, provided the welder remains active. A clean background check and being at least 18 years old are requirements for some certifications.
What is the average welder salary in Michigan? expand_more
The median welder salary in Michigan is $48,930 per year. That's roughly in line with the $51,000 national median. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $37,440, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $72,420.
How quickly can I become a welder in Michigan? expand_more
The typical timeline in Michigan is 6-18 months for training, plus certification time. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

Explore more

Welder overview
Requirements & salary in all 50 states
arrow_forward
All careers in Michigan
Compare certifications in MI
arrow_forward
CDL Truck Driver in Michigan
Requirements & salary comparison
arrow_forward
Electrician in Michigan
Requirements & salary comparison
arrow_forward
HVAC Technician in Michigan
Requirements & salary comparison
arrow_forward