Welder in North Carolina

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

Median annual salary

$49,860

trending_down -2.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, North Carolina.

engineering

12,020

Jobs (NC)

monitoring Stable

+2.2%

10-yr job growth

payments

$25

Est. total cost

schedule

Varies depending on training program and certification type

Time to complete

route How to become a welder in North Carolina

To become a certified welder in North Carolina, individuals typically pursue certification through the American Welding Society (AWS), as the state does not offer a general welding license. Prerequisites generally include a high school diploma or GED and completion of an approved welding training program. Welders working on North Carolina Department of Transportation bridge projects may need to obtain the NCDOT Field Welder Certification, which requires a performance test and a minimum age of 18. Those working on historic boilers in North Carolina may need qualification through the North Carolina Department of Labor, Boiler Safety Bureau.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $38,800

25th percentile $44,560

50th (median) $49,860

75th percentile $60,040

90th (experienced) $70,500

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

checklist North Carolina requirements

Licensing body	North Carolina Department of Labor, Boiler Safety Bureau
State license	Not required
Education	High school diploma or GED; completion of an approved welding training program (academic or apprenticeship).
Exam	American Welding Society (AWS) Welding Certification Test or NCDOT Field Welder Certification Program (for bridge projects) or NCDOL Welder Qualification Test (for historic boilers)
Notes	North Carolina does not issue a general state welding license. Certification is available through organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) or for specific types of work, such as the NCDOT Field Welder Certification Program for bridge projects or the NCDOL Welder Qualification for historic boilers. Minimum age of 18 for NCDOT certification.

Source: North Carolina Department of Labor, Boiler Safety Bureau

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?

Rough payback period

0 months

~$25 investment ÷ $49,860 median salary

infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a welder in North Carolina? expand_more

North Carolina requires welders to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED; completion of an approved welding training program (academic or apprenticeship).), and pass the American Welding Society (AWS) Welding Certification Test or NCDOT Field Welder Certification Program (for bridge projects) or NCDOL Welder Qualification Test (for historic boilers).

Do I need a license to work as a welder in North Carolina? expand_more

welders in North Carolina are not required to hold a state license. Note: North Carolina does not issue a general state welding license. Certification is available through organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) or for specific types of work, such as the NCDOT Field Welder Certification Program for bridge projects or the NCDOL Welder Qualification for historic boilers. Minimum age of 18 for NCDOT certification.

What is the average welder salary in North Carolina? expand_more

In North Carolina, the median pay for welders comes to $49,860/year. This is close to the national median of $51,000. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $38,800, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $70,500.

What's the total cost to get welder certified in North Carolina? expand_more

Costs include various fees. The estimated total investment is $25, including education and training.

How quickly can I become a welder in North Carolina? expand_more

Most candidates in North Carolina complete the process in Varies depending on training program and certification type, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

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