50 Best Welding Jobs in the USA – Find Your Right One

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 if you’re new to the welding field, where should you look? 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+.

Conclusion

The moral of the story is that welders are in high demand and that they 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 information on certification as well as help you find welding jobs.

Good luck!