Welder in Missouri
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MO. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Missouri.
Jobs (MO)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
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
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Missouri. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Missouri requirements
| Licensing body | American Welding Society (AWS) or American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) |
| State license | Not 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. |
| Exam | 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. ($35) |
| Notes | 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. |
Source: American Welding Society (AWS) or 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