CertOutlook

Welder in Tennessee

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

Median annual salary
$47,280
trending_down -7.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Tennessee.

engineering
12,610

Jobs (TN)

monitoring Stable
+2.2%

10-yr job growth

payments
$35

Licensing fees

schedule
Varies depending on certification type and training program (e.g., AWS CW is performance-based with no prerequisites; vocational programs can be 6-12 months).

Time to complete

route How to become a welder in Tennessee

While Tennessee does not require a general state license for welders, obtaining industry certifications like the AWS Certified Welder (CW) is highly recommended and often expected by employers. For those working on boilers and pressure vessels, a specific certification is required, overseen by the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development, Boiler Unit. This involves passing an ASME Section IX Welder Qualification Test. AWS certifications are performance-based and widely recognized, offering transferable credentials.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,440
25th percentile $40,950
50th (median) $47,280
75th percentile $54,970
90th (experienced) $63,380

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

checklist Tennessee requirements

Licensing bodyTennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development, Boiler Unit
State license Not required
EducationNo specific education prerequisite for general welding, but vocational training is highly recommended. For boiler and pressure vessel welding, specific training and passing a performance qualification test are required.
ExamAWS Certified Welder (CW) for general welding; ASME Section IX Welder Qualification Test for boiler and pressure vessel welding. ($35)
NotesTennessee does not require a state license for general welding. However, certifications like AWS Certified Welder (CW) are widely accepted and often expected by employers. A specific certification is required for welders working on boilers and pressure vessels, overseen by the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development, Boiler Unit. This certification requires passing an ASME Section IX Welder Qualification Test. Exam costs for AWS certification are typically paid to third-party inspectors/facilities and can vary. For boiler and pressure vessel welding, the Boiler Unit licenses companies for repair/erection, not individual welders.

Source: Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development, Boiler Unit

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?
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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a welder in Tennessee? expand_more
The path to welder licensure in Tennessee: complete the required education (No specific education prerequisite for general welding, but vocational training is highly recommended. For boiler and pressure vessel welding, specific training and passing a performance qualification test are required.), and pass the AWS Certified Welder (CW) for general welding; ASME Section IX Welder Qualification Test for boiler and pressure vessel welding..
Do I need a license to work as a welder in Tennessee? expand_more
welders in Tennessee are not required to hold a state license. Note: Tennessee does not require a state license for general welding. However, certifications like AWS Certified Welder (CW) are widely accepted and often expected by employers. A specific certification is required for welders working on boilers and pressure vessels, overseen by the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development, Boiler Unit. This certification requires passing an ASME Section IX Welder Qualification Test. Exam costs for AWS certification are typically paid to third-party inspectors/facilities and can vary. For boiler and pressure vessel welding, the Boiler Unit licenses companies for repair/erection, not individual welders.
What do welders earn in Tennessee? expand_more
welders in Tennessee earn a median of $47,280 annually. — 7% under the $51,000 national average. Wages range from $37,440 (10th percentile) up to $63,380 (90th percentile).
What's the total cost to get welder certified in Tennessee? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($35). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How quickly can I become a welder in Tennessee? expand_more
The typical timeline in Tennessee is Varies depending on certification type and training program (e.g., AWS CW is performance-based with no prerequisites; vocational programs can be 6-12 months).. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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