Welder in Ohio

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

Median annual salary

$49,410

trending_down -3.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Ohio.

engineering

20,110

Jobs (OH)

monitoring Stable

+2.2%

10-yr job growth

payments

$50

Est. total cost

schedule

Varies depending on training program and testing schedule; certification card typically received 2-3 weeks after AWS receives application and test results.

Time to complete

route How to become a welder in Ohio

To become a certified welder in Ohio, individuals typically pursue certifications through the American Welding Society (AWS) or ASME, as Ohio does not require a general state welding license. Aspiring welders must pass a performance qualification test, such as the AWS Certified Welder Performance Test, to demonstrate their skills. While no formal education is mandated, many choose to complete welding training programs offered by vocational schools or apprenticeships. For those working on boilers and pressure vessels, ASME Section IX certification is required.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $38,380

25th percentile $45,490

50th (median) $49,410

75th percentile $57,790

90th (experienced) $67,500

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

checklist Ohio requirements

Licensing body	Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Industrial Compliance
State license	Not required
Education	No formal education is required, but welding training programs are available through community colleges, vocational/technical schools, and union apprenticeships. Must pass a performance qualification test.
Exam	AWS Certified Welder Performance Test (or ASME Section IX for boiler and pressure vessel welding) ($35)
Notes	Ohio does not require a general state welding license. Certification is primarily managed through the American Welding Society (AWS) and ASME. ASME Section IX certification is required for welding on boilers and pressure vessels. AWS Certified Welder performance qualifications must be maintained every 6 months through continued welding activity or retesting. Minimum age of 18 is generally required for professional welders.

Source: Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Industrial Compliance

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

~$50 investment ÷ $49,410 median salary

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.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a welder in Ohio? expand_more

The path to welder licensure in Ohio: complete the required education (No formal education is required, but welding training programs are available through community colleges, vocational/technical schools, and union apprenticeships. Must pass a performance qualification test.), and pass the AWS Certified Welder Performance Test (or ASME Section IX for boiler and pressure vessel welding).

Is a state license required for welders in Ohio? expand_more

welders in Ohio are not required to hold a state license. Note: Ohio does not require a general state welding license. Certification is primarily managed through the American Welding Society (AWS) and ASME. ASME Section IX certification is required for welding on boilers and pressure vessels. AWS Certified Welder performance qualifications must be maintained every 6 months through continued welding activity or retesting. Minimum age of 18 is generally required for professional welders.

What is the average welder salary in Ohio? expand_more

welders in Ohio earn a median of $49,410 annually. — within a few percent of the $51,000 national figure. The range spans from $38,380 at the entry level to $67,500 for top earners.

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

Between exam fee ($35), expect to invest around $50 in total to get started.

How quickly can I become a welder in Ohio? expand_more

Most candidates in Ohio complete the process in Varies depending on training program and testing schedule; certification card typically received 2-3 weeks after AWS receives application and test results., from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

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