There are many welding jobs in the USA. These high-paying, fulfilling careers demand only a reputable certification and willingness to work hard. It’s a job that requires you to follow instructions, think on your feet, and stay calm in high-pressure situations…
The United States produces some of the best welding jobs for those interested in this field for many reasons. For example, there are more than 42,000 such positions nationally that require only a decent certification from one of dozens of well-respected programs around the country.
The good thing is that these jobs have been growing in demand across the nation, especially in areas where the economy and economic demand are always on the rise.
Many people are turning to their local welding union to find a job. Much like the old days in America, unions are making a comeback and have become popular sources of employment for those looking for high-paying careers without any formal education.
But where should you look if you’re new to the welding field? Here is a list of the best places to get a welding job.
The 50 Best Welding Jobs in the USA
01. Louisiana
Louisiana has one of the highest rates of welding jobs and is also one of the few states in the US that requires no formal education to become a certified welder.
At only $5.23/hr with an average annual salary of $45,000+ this is the perfect place for beginners to cut their teeth in the welding field.
02. North Dakota
Another one of the few states to require no formal education to become a welder, North Dakota also has high average salaries for welder positions.
At only $5.00/hr with an average annual income of $44,400+, this is another great state for the inexperienced welder looking to get started in their career.
Read more: 8 Best Small MIG Welders – Top Picks & Guide.
03. Maine
Known for their lobster, Maine is also a great source of welding jobs. The average annual wage is $45,500+ and the low cost of living make this a popular destination for those just starting out in the welding field.
04. Massachusetts
With its rich history and scenic landscape, Massachusetts is a great place to look for welding jobs. Jobs are going at an average wage of $52,000+, as well as being covered by the Patriot Act.
This is also one of the few states that require no formal education for welder certification.
05. Rhode Island
With an average wage of $44,000+ and a low cost of living index, Rhode Island is another popular destination for welder jobs.
There are a limited number of jobs for welder positions in this area, though.
06. Vermont
Another state that also offers no formal education to become a welder, Vermont is one of the few states employees can work without having any high school diploma.
The average wage is $44,500+ and there are approximately 6 jobs for welders.
07. Wisconsin
Home to the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin is one of the best places to get a welding job. There are a limited number of jobs, but they offer high rates of pay with an average annual salary of $40,000+.
Locals and tourists alike enjoy the rich history and scenic landscape.
08. Washington
A great option for those looking for satellite welding jobs, Washington is a great place to get started in the welding field.
The average wage is $46,000+ with an average number of jobs available.
09. New Jersey
New Jersey is known for having high rates of pay and the average annual salary is $50,000.
The cost of living index is low and many locals enjoy the abundant job opportunities.
10. Oregon
Another one of the few states that require no formal education to become a welder, Oregon has a high number of available jobs at an average wage of $43,500+.
The scenic beauty makes this state a great location for welder careers.
11. Pennsylvania
Another state that also requires no formal education to become a welder, Pennsylvania is known as “the heart of the welding industry” and is home to the largest number of welders in the country.
The average wage for welder jobs is $40,000+, with an average annual salary of $41,100+.
12. Delaware
Delaware is one of the rare states that offers no formal education to become a welder and has some of the highest wages in the country.
The average wage for welder jobs is $48,000+ and there are an estimated 6 positions available in the state.
13. Minnesota
Home to the Twin Cities, Minnesota has an average annual salary of $40,100+ with an average number of available jobs.
The cost of living index is low and many enjoy the abundant job opportunities that come from being a popular tourist destination.
14. West Virginia
Home to West Virginia University, West Virginia is another one of the few states that requires no formal education to become a certified welder.
The average wage is $42,000+ with an average number of jobs in the area.
15. New Mexico
New Mexico is home to the Los Alamos National Laboratory and is another one of the few states that offers no formal education to become a welder.
The average wage for welder jobs is $43,200+ with an average number of jobs available in the state.
16. Nevada
Home to Las Vegas and the Hoover Dam, Nevada is another great place to look for welding jobs.
The average wage is $40,000+ with an average annual salary of $40,000+.
17. Alaska
Located in the “Last Frontier State”, Alaska has an average annual salary of $40,200+ with an average number of jobs available.
The cost of living index is high in Alaska, but many locals enjoy the abundance of welding jobs and great pay that comes along with them.
18. Connecticut
Connecticut is one of the few states that offers no formal education to become a welder and has a high number of jobs available.
The average wage for welder jobs is $45,000+ with an average annual salary of $46,500+.
19. Arizona
Another one of the few states that requires no formal education to become a welder, Arizona also has a large number of jobs available at an average salary of $41,100+.
The Cost of living index is low and many enjoy the abundance of welding jobs and great pay.
20. Mississippi
Counting eagle feathers as currency and the largest number of people living below the poverty line, Mississippi is another one of the few states that requires no formal education to become a welder.
The average wage for welder positions is $37,000+ with an average annual salary of $37,500+.
21. Maryland
Known for being the source of the nation’s pride, the Bald Eagle, Maryland is another one of the few states that requires no formal education to become a certified welder.
The average wage for welder positions is $46,000 with an average annual salary of $46,000+.
22. New York
Another state that requires no formal education to become a welder, New York is known for having a fairly high number of available jobs.
The average pay for welders is $42,000+ with an average annual salary of $43,100+.
23. Indiana
Home to the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana is a great place to get your welding career started.
The average wage for welder positions is $36,000+ with an average annual salary of $36,500+.
24. New Hampshire
New Hampshire is another state that requires no formal education to become a welder and has an abundance of jobs available.
The average wage for welder positions is $41,700+ with an average annual salary of $41,200+.
25. Virginia
Virginia provides some of the highest wages in the country, and there are over 6,000 jobs available for welders.
The average wage is $40,000+ with an average annual salary of $40,500+.
26. Oklahoma
Home to the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma is another state that requires no formal education to become a welder.
The average wage for welder positions is $36,000+, with an average annual salary of $36,800+.
27. South Dakota
Home to Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, is another state that does not require any formal education to become a welder.
The average wage for welder positions is $35,000+ with an average annual salary of $35,500+.
28. Tennessee
Another one of the few states that requires no formal education to become a welder, Tennessee has an average wage of $35,000+ with an average number of jobs available.
The cost of living index is low and many enjoy the abundance of welding jobs and high wages in the state.
29. California
California is home to the Silicon Valley and San Jose, so of course there are many welding jobs available.
The average wage for welder positions is $42,000+ with an average annual salary of $42,500+.
30. Ohio
Another state that requires no formal education to become a welder, Ohio is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The average wage for welder positions is $35,000+ with an average annual salary of $36,100+.
31. Texas
With an average wage of $37,200+ for welder positions and an average annual salary of $37,700+, Texas is another one of the few states that require no formal education to become a certified welder.
The cost of living index is low and many enjoy the large number of welding jobs available in the state.
32. South Carolina
Sounding awfully Black-ish, South Carolina is another state that requires no formal education to become a welder.
The average wage for welder positions is $36,000+ with an average annual salary of $36,400+.
33. Michigan
Home to Chrysler, Michigan is another great place to look for welding jobs.
The average wage for welder positions is $36,100+ with an average annual salary of $36,700+.
34. North Carolina
Another one of the few states that requires no formal education to become a welder, North Carolina is home to the Duke University.
The average wage is $36,000+ with an average annual salary of $37,000+.
35. Colorado
Home to the Denver Broncos and Coors, Colorado is another state that provides high wages for welders.
The average wage for welder positions is $40,000+ with an average annual salary of $41,000+.
36. Hawaii
Home to the Aloha State, Hawaii is another state that requires no formal education to become a welder.
The average wage for welder positions is $42,000+ with an average annual salary of $42,400+.
37. Illinois
Sounding like the perfect place for a Harry Caray impersonator, Illinois is another one of the few states that requires no formal education to become a welder.
The average wage for welder positions is $36,700+ with an average annual salary of $37,000+.
38. Utah
Home to the Great Salt Lake, Utah is another state that requires no formal education to become a welder.
The average wage for welder positions is $37,000+ with an average annual salary of $37,600+.
39. Nebraska
Home to Lincoln and the Cornhuskers, Nebraska is another one of the few states that require no formal education to become a welder.
The average wage for welder positions is $34,000+ with an average annual salary of $34,600+.
40. Missouri
Missouri is another state that requires no formal education to become a welder and offers a high number of jobs and wages.
The average wage for welder positions is $35,000+ with an average annual salary of $35,500+.
41. District of Columbia
Home to the White House and other government buildings, D.C. is another one of the few states that requires no formal education to become a welder.
The average wage for welder positions is $41,000+ with an average annual salary of $42,000+.
42. Kansas
Home to the Kansas City Chiefs and the University of Kansas, Kansas is another one of the few states that require no formal education to become a welder.
The average wage for welder positions is $34,000+ with an average annual salary of $34,600+.
43. Alabama
Home to the University of Alabama and Auburn, Alabama is another one of the few states that requires no formal education to become a welder.
The average wage for welder positions is $33,000+ with an average annual salary of $34,000+.
44. Kentucky
Home to the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky is another one of the few states that require no formal education to become a welder.
The average wage for welder positions is $33,000+ with an average annual salary of $33,500+.
45. Montana
Home to the Flathead Lake and Montana, Montana is another one of the few states that require no formal education to become a welder.
The average wage for welder positions is $35,000+ with an average annual salary of $36,000+.
46. Florida
Another one of the few states that require no formal education to become a welder, Florida is home to the Everglades and Disney World.
The average wage for welder positions is $34,900+ with an average annual salary of $35,100+.
47. Idaho
Home to Boise, Idaho is another one of the few states that require no formal education to become a welder.
The average wage for welder positions is $35,000+ with an average annual salary of $35,500+.
48. Arkansas
Home to the University of Arkansas, Arkansas is another one of the few states that require no formal education to become a welder.
The average wage for welder positions is $31,000+ with an average annual salary of $31,500+.
49. Georgia
Home to the University of Georgia, Georgia is another one of the few states that require no formal education to become a welder.
The average wage for welder positions is $32,000+ with an average annual salary of $33,000+.
50. Wyoming
Home to the Wyoming Cowboys and Sheridan, Wyoming is another one of the few states that require no formal education to become a welder.
The average wage for welder positions is $23,000+, with an average annual salary of $24,000+.
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FAQ
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the states with the highest employment levels for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers (as of May 2020) are:
Texas
California
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Illinois
However, it’s important to note that welding jobs can be found in many industries, including manufacturing, construction, and transportation, so job availability may vary depending on location and the specific industry.
Welding jobs can vary in pay depending on the type of welding, the industry, and the location. However, some of the highest-paying welding jobs in the US include:
Underwater Welding: Underwater welders can earn over $100,000 annually, but it is a highly skilled and dangerous profession requiring specialized training and certification.
Aerospace Welding: Welders who work in the aerospace industry can earn upwards of $70,000 per year and may be involved in building components for airplanes, rockets, or satellites.
Pipeline Welding: Pipeline welders can earn over $60,000 per year and are responsible for welding and maintaining pipelines for oil and gas transportation.
Nuclear Welding: Welders who work in the nuclear industry can earn up to $80,000 annually and are responsible for welding and maintaining components for nuclear power plants.
Industrial Maintenance Welding: Welders who work in industrial maintenance and repair can earn around $50,000 to $60,000 annually and may be responsible for welding and repairing machinery in factories or plants.
It’s important to note that these figures are approximate, and actual wages may vary depending on experience, location, and industry demand.
Yes, welding can be a good career in the USA for those who enjoy working with their hands and have the necessary skills and training. The demand for welders will grow in the coming years, particularly in the manufacturing, construction, and transportation industries.
Welding is a skilled trade that requires specialized training but can offer a stable and rewarding career path. Welders can work in various industries, including construction, automotive, aerospace, and more. Additionally, many welding jobs offer good pay and benefits, particularly for those with advanced skills and certifications.
However, it’s important to note that welding can also be physically demanding and may require working in uncomfortable or hazardous conditions. Proper safety equipment and training are essential for avoiding workplace injuries.
The pay for welders in the USA can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, industry, and type of welding. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $44,190 as of May 2020.
However, entry-level welders may earn less, while experienced welders with advanced skills and certifications may earn more. Additionally, some welding jobs, such as underwater, pipeline, and nuclear, may offer higher pay due to the specialized skills and hazardous working conditions involved.
The pay can also vary by state, with some states offering higher wages for welders than others. Researching the pay rates for the specific industry and location where you are seeking a welding job is essential.
Foreigners interested in pursuing welding jobs in the USA may need to obtain work authorization and legal visas. Employers in the USA must verify the employment eligibility of all employees, including non-US citizens.
Regarding job opportunities, welding jobs can be found in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, transportation, and more. Some welding jobs may require specialized skills or certifications, such as pipeline welding, underwater welding, or nuclear welding.
It’s important to note that job availability and requirements may vary depending on the specific industry and location. Foreigners interested in welding jobs in the USA may want to research the job market and requirements in their desired location and obtain any necessary certifications or training to increase their chances of employment.
Conclusion
The story’s moral is that welders are in high demand and can be high-paying.
If you’re interested in welding and can find a job with reasonable wages, apply to your local certified inspectors or look into becoming a state-certified welder through the technical centers in your area.
The World of Welding will also be happy to give you certification information as well as help you find welding jobs.
Good luck!
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Walton M. Edwards was born in 1994 in a coal mining town, he has worked as a welder, a hardware salesman, and as a pipe fitter and has been employed as a laborer for about fifty years. Walton is a native of Wabash County in Indiana, but he now resides in Bloomington, Indiana.