CertOutlook

Welder in Vermont

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

Median annual salary
$57,520
trending_up +12.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Vermont.

engineering
340

Jobs (VT)

monitoring Stable
+2.2%

10-yr job growth

payments
$235

Licensing fees

schedule
3-5 weeks for application processing, 1-5 years for training and certification

Time to complete

route How to become a welder in Vermont

Vermont does not require a state license for welders; however, industry certifications, particularly through the American Welding Society (AWS), are the industry standard and often expected by employers. To become a certified welder, individuals typically need to complete an approved training program and successfully pass the AWS Welding Certification Test. While there is no state licensing body, the Vermont Agency of Transportation maintains a pre-qualified welder list for specific projects, which requires current AWS certification and a welding log.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $40,060
25th percentile $47,540
50th (median) $57,520
75th percentile $63,200
90th (experienced) $71,660

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

checklist Vermont requirements

Licensing bodyVermont does not have a statewide licensing body for welders.
State license Not required
EducationCompletion of an approved training program is mandated for qualification, typically lasting 6 months to 2 years through community colleges, vocational schools, or apprenticeships.
ExamAWS Welding Certification Test ($35)
Application fee$200
RenewalEvery 3.0 years
NotesVermont does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders; however, certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and often required by employers. For specific projects, such as those with the Vermont Agency of Transportation, welders may need to be on a pre-qualified list, which requires submitting AWS certification or qualification test results and a welding log showing continuous activity every 6 months. OSHA 10/30-hour training may also be required by employers. The state mandates a clean criminal background check.

Source: Vermont does not have a statewide licensing body for welders.

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 are the steps to becoming a welder in Vermont? expand_more
The path to welder licensure in Vermont: complete the required education (Completion of an approved training program is mandated for qualification, typically lasting 6 months to 2 years through community colleges, vocational schools, or apprenticeships.), pass the AWS Welding Certification Test, and submit your application ($200 fee).
Can I work as a welder in Vermont without a license? expand_more
Vermont does not require a state license for welders. Note: Vermont does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders; however, certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and often required by employers. For specific projects, such as those with the Vermont Agency of Transportation, welders may need to be on a pre-qualified list, which requires submitting AWS certification or qualification test results and a welding log showing continuous activity every 6 months. OSHA 10/30-hour training may also be required by employers. The state mandates a clean criminal background check.
How much do welders make in Vermont? expand_more
Vermont welders bring home a median salary of $57,520. — 13% higher than the $51,000 national figure. Wages range from $40,060 (10th percentile) up to $71,660 (90th percentile).
What's the total cost to get welder certified in Vermont? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($35) and application fee ($200) plus your education and training.
What's the timeline to become a welder in Vermont? expand_more
In Vermont, becoming a welder generally takes 3-5 weeks for application processing, 1-5 years for training and certification, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

Explore more

Welder overview
Requirements & salary in all 50 states
arrow_forward
All careers in Vermont
Compare certifications in VT
arrow_forward
CDL Truck Driver in Vermont
Requirements & salary comparison
arrow_forward
Electrician in Vermont
Requirements & salary comparison
arrow_forward
HVAC Technician in Vermont
Requirements & salary comparison
arrow_forward