Welder in New Hampshire

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

Median annual salary
$57,700
trending_up +13.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New Hampshire.

engineering
1,040

Jobs (NH)

monitoring Stable
+2.2%

10-yr job growth

payments
$1,255

Licensing fees

schedule
Not specified (AWS certification process)

Time to complete

route How to become a welder in New Hampshire

To become a welder in New Hampshire, individuals are not required to hold a state-issued license. Instead, the industry standard is certification through the American Welding Society (AWS). This involves passing both a written and practical exam to demonstrate proficiency in specific welding processes. While a high school diploma or GED is generally sufficient, many employers prefer candidates who have completed a formal welding program.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $46,090
25th percentile $49,230
50th (median) $57,700
75th percentile $67,850
90th (experienced) $78,090

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

checklist New Hampshire requirements

Licensing bodyAmerican Welding Society (AWS)
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED is typically sufficient, but formal welding program completion is preferred by some employers.
ExamAWS Certified Welder (CW) exam (written and practical) ($1,255)
NotesNew Hampshire 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. Some specialized welding jobs (e.g., bridges, boilers) may have additional requirements. Minimum age for some welding programs is 18.

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.
arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a welder in New Hampshire? expand_more
In New Hampshire, becoming a welder requires you to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED is typically sufficient, but formal welding program completion is preferred by some employers.), and pass the AWS Certified Welder (CW) exam (written and practical).
Is a state license required for welders in New Hampshire? expand_more
welders in New Hampshire are not required to hold a state license. Note: New Hampshire 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. Some specialized welding jobs (e.g., bridges, boilers) may have additional requirements. Minimum age for some welding programs is 18.
How much do welders make in New Hampshire? expand_more
New Hampshire welders bring home a median salary of $57,700. That's 13% above the national median of $51,000. Wages range from $46,090 (10th percentile) up to $78,090 (90th percentile).
How expensive is welder licensing in New Hampshire? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($1,255) and required training.
How long does it take to become a welder in New Hampshire? expand_more
Most candidates in New Hampshire complete the process in Not specified (AWS certification process), from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

Explore more