Welder in District of Columbia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DC. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, District of Columbia.
Jobs (DC)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
route How to become a welder in District of Columbia
To become a certified welder in the District of Columbia, individuals generally need a high school diploma or GED, with post-secondary training highly recommended. While the American Welding Society (AWS) certification is the industry standard and widely accepted, a specific DC Welding Certification card is required for those working on boilers or unfired pressure vessels. This certification is renewed every two years and is overseen by the District of Columbia Department of Buildings (DOB) / Board of Industrial Trades. Welders must be at least 18 years old to work on construction sites.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for District of Columbia. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist District of Columbia requirements
| Licensing body | District of Columbia Department of Buildings (DOB) / Board of Industrial Trades |
| State license | Required |
| Education | High school diploma or GED, and often post-secondary training from a vocational school, community college, or trade school. |
| Exam | DC Welding Certification card exam (for boiler/unfired pressure vessel work); AWS certification exams (industry standard) |
| Application fee | $65 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Welders in DC must be at least 18 years old to work on construction sites. While AWS certification is widely accepted, a specific DC Welding Certification card is required for anyone welding on a boiler or unfired pressure vessel under construction, installation, repair, or alteration. The Board of Industrial Trades oversees various trades, including steam and operating engineers who ensure the safe operation of boiler plants and heavy construction equipment. Reciprocity is available for some trades licensed in Maryland or Virginia, but specific details for welders are not explicitly stated beyond general acceptance of AWS certification. |
Source: District of Columbia Department of Buildings (DOB) / Board of Industrial Trades
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleDistrict of Columbia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk