Welder in Oklahoma

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

Median annual salary

$48,490

trending_down -4.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Oklahoma.

engineering

9,780

Jobs (OK)

monitoring Stable

+2.2%

10-yr job growth

payments

$50

Licensing fees

route How to become a welder in Oklahoma

While a state license is not universally required to work as a welder in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Department of Labor, Safety Standards Division offers a state welding certification that can enhance employment opportunities. To become certified, applicants must pass a weld test at an approved facility and submit an application with a $25 fee. This certification is valid for one year and must be renewed annually for $25.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,090

25th percentile $41,500

50th (median) $48,490

75th percentile $59,340

90th (experienced) $64,940

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

checklist Oklahoma requirements

Licensing body	Oklahoma Department of Labor, Safety Standards Division
State license	Not required
Application fee	$25
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Notes	Oklahoma does not have a statewide licensing requirement for all welders, but state certification is an option and may be required by some employers or for specific types of welding work. Certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is also an industry standard. To obtain state certification, individuals must pass a weld test administered by a state-certified weld test inspector at a state-certified weld test facility. There are no education or experience prerequisites for the basic state welding certification. A $10 late fee applies for renewals past expiration, and recertification (retaking the test) is required if expired for more than one year. Military members or spouses relocating to Oklahoma should be able to obtain a welding license within 30 days of transfer or honorable discharge.

Source: Oklahoma Department of Labor, Safety Standards Division

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 Oklahoma? expand_more

To become a welder in Oklahoma, you need to submit your application ($25 fee).

Is a state license required for welders in Oklahoma? expand_more

Oklahoma does not require a state license for welders. Note: Oklahoma does not have a statewide licensing requirement for all welders, but state certification is an option and may be required by some employers or for specific types of welding work. Certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is also an industry standard. To obtain state certification, individuals must pass a weld test administered by a state-certified weld test inspector at a state-certified weld test facility. There are no education or experience prerequisites for the basic state welding certification. A $10 late fee applies for renewals past expiration, and recertification (retaking the test) is required if expired for more than one year. Military members or spouses relocating to Oklahoma should be able to obtain a welding license within 30 days of transfer or honorable discharge.

How much do welders make in Oklahoma? expand_more

welders in Oklahoma earn a median of $48,490 annually. That's roughly in line with the $51,000 national median. Wages range from $37,090 (10th percentile) up to $64,940 (90th percentile).

How expensive is welder licensing in Oklahoma? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($25) and application fee ($25). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.