CertOutlook

Welder in New Jersey

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

Median annual salary
$59,630
trending_up +16.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New Jersey.

engineering
3,300

Jobs (NJ)

monitoring Stable
+2.2%

10-yr job growth

payments
$50

Licensing fees

schedule
Varies (training programs can be 7-36 months; certification testing takes weeks to months)

Time to complete

route How to become a welder in New Jersey

To become a certified welder in New Jersey, individuals are not required to obtain a state license. Instead, the industry standard is certification through the American Welding Society (AWS). Aspiring welders typically need a high school diploma or GED, followed by formal training from a vocational school or community college. Certification involves passing both written and practical exams administered by AWS Accredited Test Facilities, and certifications are valid for three years, requiring retesting for renewal.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $40,410
25th percentile $49,250
50th (median) $59,630
75th percentile $73,630
90th (experienced) $90,390

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

checklist New Jersey requirements

Licensing bodyAmerican Welding Society (AWS)
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED, often followed by formal welding training from a vocational school or community college.
ExamAWS Certified Welder (CW) exam (practical and written components) ($50)
RenewalEvery 3.0 years
NotesNew Jersey does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders. Certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and highly recommended for employment. Some local jurisdictions or specific projects may have additional requirements. AWS certifications are valid for three years and typically require retesting for renewal. A 50% discount voucher is often provided for recertification.

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
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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a welder in New Jersey? expand_more
New Jersey requires welders to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED, often followed by formal welding training from a vocational school or community college.), and pass the AWS Certified Welder (CW) exam (practical and written components).
Is a state license required for welders in New Jersey? expand_more
welders in New Jersey are not required to hold a state license. Note: New Jersey does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders. Certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and highly recommended for employment. Some local jurisdictions or specific projects may have additional requirements. AWS certifications are valid for three years and typically require retesting for renewal. A 50% discount voucher is often provided for recertification.
How much does a welder make in New Jersey? expand_more
The median welder salary in New Jersey is $59,630 per year. — 17% higher than the $51,000 national figure. The range spans from $40,410 at the entry level to $90,390 for top earners.
What are the fees to become a welder in New Jersey? expand_more
Between exam fee ($50), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How quickly can I become a welder in New Jersey? expand_more
In New Jersey, becoming a welder generally takes Varies (training programs can be 7-36 months; certification testing takes weeks to months), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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