Welder in Nebraska

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

Median annual salary

$50,550

trending_down -0.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Nebraska.

engineering

3,990

Jobs (NE)

monitoring Stable

+2.2%

10-yr job growth

payments

$35

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies (e.g., 6 months to 2 years for training programs, 3-5 years for apprenticeships)

Time to complete

route How to become a welder in Nebraska

To become a welder in Nebraska, a state license is not required. Instead, industry-recognized certifications, primarily through the American Welding Society (AWS), are the standard and often expected by employers. Aspiring welders typically complete vocational training programs or apprenticeships, which can range from several months to a few years, to gain the necessary skills and prepare for the AWS Welding Certification Test. Welders must maintain their AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance tests every six months through continued welding activity or retesting.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $39,640

25th percentile $46,500

50th (median) $50,550

75th percentile $58,890

90th (experienced) $64,880

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

checklist Nebraska requirements

Licensing body	American Welding Society (AWS)
State license	Not required
Education	Not formally required, but vocational training or apprenticeship is highly recommended and often expected by employers.
Exam	AWS Welding Certification Test (performance qualification test) ($35)
Notes	Nebraska 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. AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance tests must be maintained every 6 months through continued welding activity or retesting. ASME Section IX certification is required nationwide for welding on boilers and pressure vessels. OSHA hot work permits are required for welding in construction environments.

Source: American Welding Society (AWS)

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.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a welder in Nebraska? expand_more

Nebraska requires welders to complete the required education (Not formally required, but vocational training or apprenticeship is highly recommended and often expected by employers.), and pass the AWS Welding Certification Test (performance qualification test).

Is a state license required for welders in Nebraska? expand_more

Nebraska does not require a state license for welders. Note: Nebraska 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. AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance tests must be maintained every 6 months through continued welding activity or retesting. ASME Section IX certification is required nationwide for welding on boilers and pressure vessels. OSHA hot work permits are required for welding in construction environments.

What do welders earn in Nebraska? expand_more

The median welder salary in Nebraska is $50,550 per year. — within a few percent of the $51,000 national figure. New welders start around $39,640; seasoned professionals can reach $64,880.

How much does it cost to become a welder in Nebraska? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($35) plus your education and training.

What's the timeline to become a welder in Nebraska? expand_more

In Nebraska, becoming a welder generally takes Varies (e.g., 6 months to 2 years for training programs, 3-5 years for apprenticeships), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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