CertOutlook

Welder in North Dakota

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

Median annual salary
$60,270
trending_up +18.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, North Dakota.

engineering
2,720

Jobs (ND)

monitoring Stable
+2.2%

10-yr job growth

schedule
Not specified

Time to complete

route How to become a welder in North Dakota

North Dakota does not have a general state-wide welding license. However, welders working on new or existing boilers and pressure vessels must meet specific requirements set by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, Boiler Inspection Program. This involves passing a performance qualification test for ASME position "6G" or equivalent, documented on an ASME Section IX "QW-484" form, with tests conducted by a certified laboratory. While there is no application fee for this specific registration, exam costs are typically paid to third-party inspectors.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $45,510
25th percentile $51,100
50th (median) $60,270
75th percentile $70,280
90th (experienced) $83,080

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

checklist North Dakota requirements

Licensing bodyNorth Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, Boiler Inspection Program
State license Not required
EducationMust pass a performance qualification test for ASME position "6G" or equivalent, documented on a current ASME Section IX "QW-484" form, with tests of welded specimens made by a certified testing laboratory. Alternatively, a firm with a valid ASME certificate of authorization for new boiler construction or a National Board "R" certificate may have welder qualifications audited by the chief boiler inspector.
ExamASME Section IX Welder Qualification Test (for boiler and pressure vessel welding)
NotesThis certification is specifically for welders working on new or existing boilers and pressure vessels. North Dakota does not have a general state license for all welding. Welders must be at least 18 years old. Some employers may require AWS certification.

Source: North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, Boiler Inspection Program

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

What's required to work as a welder in North Dakota? expand_more
To become a welder in North Dakota, you need to complete the required education (Must pass a performance qualification test for ASME position "6G" or equivalent, documented on a current ASME Section IX "QW-484" form, with tests of welded specimens made by a certified testing laboratory. Alternatively, a firm with a valid ASME certificate of authorization for new boiler construction or a National Board "R" certificate may have welder qualifications audited by the chief boiler inspector.), and pass the ASME Section IX Welder Qualification Test (for boiler and pressure vessel welding).
Do I need a license to work as a welder in North Dakota? expand_more
No state license is needed to work as a welder in North Dakota. Note: This certification is specifically for welders working on new or existing boilers and pressure vessels. North Dakota does not have a general state license for all welding. Welders must be at least 18 years old. Some employers may require AWS certification.
How much do welders make in North Dakota? expand_more
The median welder salary in North Dakota is $60,270 per year. That's 18% above the national median of $51,000. Wages range from $45,510 (10th percentile) up to $83,080 (90th percentile).
What's the timeline to become a welder in North Dakota? expand_more
The typical timeline in North Dakota is Not specified. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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