CertOutlook

Welder in Nevada

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

Median annual salary
$59,370
trending_up +16.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Nevada.

engineering
2,080

Jobs (NV)

monitoring Stable
+2.2%

10-yr job growth

payments
$335

Licensing fees

schedule
1-5 years (for training and certification); 3-5 years (apprenticeship)

Time to complete

route How to become a welder in Nevada

Nevada does not require a state license for individual welders; however, employers typically expect industry certifications such as the AWS Certified Welder (CW). To become a welding contractor, you must be licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board, which requires at least four years of experience, passing a Business and Law exam and a trade exam, and a $300 application fee. The American Welding Society (AWS) offers various certifications, with the Certified Welder (CW) exam costing around $35 and offering nationwide reciprocity. Some positions, especially with the Nevada Department of Transportation, may specifically require AWS certifications.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $40,090
25th percentile $47,230
50th (median) $59,370
75th percentile $75,850
90th (experienced) $92,070

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

checklist Nevada requirements

Licensing bodyNevada State Contractors Board (for welding contractors); American Welding Society (for individual welder certifications)
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED (minimum); formal welding training preferred by employers
ExamAWS Certified Welder (CW) or other industry-recognized certifications; Business and Law exam and Trade exam for welding contractors ($35)
Application fee$300
NotesNevada does not license individual welders. However, a welding contractor must be licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board. Some positions, particularly with the Nevada Department of Transportation, may require specific AWS certifications. Minimum age of 18 and a valid driver's license are generally required by employers. Some positions may also require a drug test and background check. AWS Certified Welder (CW) certification does not require recertification but requires renewal maintenance.

Source: Nevada State Contractors Board (for welding contractors); American Welding Society (for individual welder certifications)

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

How do I become a welder in Nevada? expand_more
Nevada requires welders to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED (minimum); formal welding training preferred by employers), pass the AWS Certified Welder (CW) or other industry-recognized certifications; Business and Law exam and Trade exam for welding contractors, and submit your application ($300 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a welder in Nevada? expand_more
Nevada does not require a state license for welders. Note: Nevada does not license individual welders. However, a welding contractor must be licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board. Some positions, particularly with the Nevada Department of Transportation, may require specific AWS certifications. Minimum age of 18 and a valid driver's license are generally required by employers. Some positions may also require a drug test and background check. AWS Certified Welder (CW) certification does not require recertification but requires renewal maintenance.
What do welders earn in Nevada? expand_more
In Nevada, the median pay for welders comes to $59,370/year. This exceeds the $51,000 national median by 16%. Wages range from $40,090 (10th percentile) up to $92,070 (90th percentile).
How much does it cost to become a welder in Nevada? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($35) and application fee ($300) and required training.
What's the timeline to become a welder in Nevada? expand_more
Expect to spend 1-5 years (for training and certification); 3-5 years (apprenticeship) from start to finish in Nevada — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

Explore more

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