Welder in Missouri

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

Median annual salary
$49,460
trending_down -3.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Missouri.

engineering
10,270

Jobs (MO)

monitoring Stable
+2.2%

10-yr job growth

payments
$35

Licensing fees

schedule
Varies by certification; performance tests can be completed relatively quickly after training, while CWI requires 5+ years experience.

Time to complete

route How to become a welder in Missouri

In Missouri, welders are not required to hold a state-issued license. Instead, industry-recognized certifications, primarily from the American Welding Society (AWS) or American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), are the standard for demonstrating proficiency and are often required by employers. Aspiring welders typically complete a training program or apprenticeship and then pass a performance-based certification exam, such as the AWS Certified Welder (CW) test. These certifications are widely accepted across the United States, offering reciprocity.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $36,780
25th percentile $43,170
50th (median) $49,460
75th percentile $60,110
90th (experienced) $73,990

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

checklist Missouri requirements

Licensing bodyAmerican Welding Society (AWS) or American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
State license Not required
EducationNo formal education required, but training programs (6 months to 2 years) or apprenticeships (3-4 years) are recommended and often preferred by employers.
ExamAWS Certified Welder (CW) performance test, or ASME Section IX qualification test for pressure vessels. Other AWS certifications like Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) are also available. ($35)
NotesMissouri does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders. Certification through organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) or American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is the industry standard and often required by employers, especially for specific projects like pressure vessels. AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance tests must be maintained every 6 months through continued welding activity or retesting. Minimum age for some training programs is 17 or 18 years old. Some municipalities may have special permits.

Source: American Welding Society (AWS) or American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

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

How do you get certified as a welder in Missouri? expand_more
In Missouri, becoming a welder requires you to complete the required education (No formal education required, but training programs (6 months to 2 years) or apprenticeships (3-4 years) are recommended and often preferred by employers.), and pass the AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance test, or ASME Section IX qualification test for pressure vessels. Other AWS certifications like Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) are also available..
Do I need a license to work as a welder in Missouri? expand_more
welders in Missouri are not required to hold a state license. Note: Missouri does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders. Certification through organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) or American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is the industry standard and often required by employers, especially for specific projects like pressure vessels. AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance tests must be maintained every 6 months through continued welding activity or retesting. Minimum age for some training programs is 17 or 18 years old. Some municipalities may have special permits.
How much do welders make in Missouri? expand_more
In Missouri, the median pay for welders comes to $49,460/year. That's roughly in line with the $51,000 national median. The range spans from $36,780 at the entry level to $73,990 for top earners.
What are the fees to become a welder in Missouri? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($35) and required training.
How long does it take to become a welder in Missouri? expand_more
In Missouri, becoming a welder generally takes Varies by certification; performance tests can be completed relatively quickly after training, while CWI requires 5+ years experience., accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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