Welder in Pennsylvania

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

Median annual salary

$50,860

trending_down -0.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Pennsylvania.

engineering

16,060

Jobs (PA)

monitoring Stable

+2.2%

10-yr job growth

payments

$35

Licensing fees

schedule

6 months to 2 years for training programs; certification test duration varies

Time to complete

route How to become a welder in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, there is no statewide licensing requirement for welders. However, industry certification, primarily through the American Welding Society (AWS), is the recognized standard and often a prerequisite for employment. For those working with boilers and pressure vessels, ASME Section IX certification is required. Aspiring welders typically complete a welding training program or apprenticeship, then pass a performance-based certification test at an AWS Accredited Test Facility.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $38,620

25th percentile $46,680

50th (median) $50,860

75th percentile $58,920

90th (experienced) $67,010

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

checklist Pennsylvania requirements

Licensing body	American Welding Society (AWS) or ASME for pressure vessels
State license	Not required
Education	High school diploma or GED recommended; formal welding program or apprenticeship highly recommended.
Exam	AWS Certified Welder (CW) or other specialized AWS/ASME certifications ($35)
Notes	Pennsylvania does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders. Certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and often required by employers. For boiler and pressure vessel welders, ASME Section IX certification is required. Welder performance qualifications must be maintained through continued welding activity every 6 months. AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification requires 80 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) per 3-year cycle for renewal.

Source: American Welding Society (AWS) or ASME for pressure vessels

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.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a welder in Pennsylvania? expand_more

Pennsylvania requires welders to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED recommended; formal welding program or apprenticeship highly recommended.), and pass the AWS Certified Welder (CW) or other specialized AWS/ASME certifications.

Can I work as a welder in Pennsylvania without a license? expand_more

Pennsylvania does not require a state license for welders. Note: Pennsylvania does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders. Certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and often required by employers. For boiler and pressure vessel welders, ASME Section IX certification is required. Welder performance qualifications must be maintained through continued welding activity every 6 months. AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification requires 80 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) per 3-year cycle for renewal.

How much do welders make in Pennsylvania? expand_more

welders in Pennsylvania earn a median of $50,860 annually. That's roughly in line with the $51,000 national median. The range spans from $38,620 at the entry level to $67,010 for top earners.

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

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

How long does it take to become a welder in Pennsylvania? expand_more

Most candidates in Pennsylvania complete the process in 6 months to 2 years for training programs; certification test duration varies, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

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