How to Become a Welder: A Complete Guide
How to Become a Welder: A Complete Guide
How do you become a welder?
Wondering how to become a welder? Welding offers a clear path from basic education through specialized training and certification, leading to a rewarding and in-demand career. This guide will take you through all the necessary steps to become a certified welder and help you decide if this career is right for you.
1. Prerequisites
Start by completing high school or obtaining a GED if you haven't already. Focus on math courses, especially geometry, and take any available shop or welding classes to build foundational skills. Welding may be a good fit for you if you have the following skills and qualities:
Attention to detail
Strong hand-eye coordination
Physical stamina and strength
Mathematical and technical skills
Ability to read blueprints and follow safety protocols
2. Formal training
Once you have a high school diploma or GED, enroll in a welding program at a vocational school, community college, or technical institute. These programs offer hands-on training and cover topics like arc welding, blueprint reading, safety standards, and metal properties. Training takes 6 months to 2 years, depending on the program and specialization.
Explore different welding fields, such as structural, pipe, or underwater welding. Learn about the demands, work environments, and skills required for each area to find the best fit for your interests and strengths.
4. Gain experience
After completing your training, look for an apprenticeship, internship, or entry-level position to apply your skills in real-world settings. There are lots of unions and employers who offer apprenticeships, which provide valuable on-the-job training and mentorship from experienced welders.
5. Obtain certifications
Pursue certifications like the American Welder Society's AWS Certified Welder credential to demonstrate your abilities. Certification exams test both your knowledge and welding skills, so make sure you're prepared before taking the test. Many employers value certifications more than degrees because they prove hands-on competence in specific welding techniques.
6. Start & grow your career
Begin searching for welding jobs that match your skills and certifications. Highlight your training, experience, and certifications on your resume. Continue to network with professionals and seek opportunities for advancement.
With experience and additional certifications, welders can advance to roles such as welding inspector, supervisor, engineer, or instructor. These roles expand your responsibilities and your earning potential.
How to become an underwater welder
Once you're a certified welder, you can transition to an underwater welding professional by following the steps below. This field primarily works in marine construction, salvage, and repair.
Commercial diving certification: Enroll in a commercial diving program accredited by organizations like the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) or Commercial Diver's Certification International (CDCI). These programs last 7 to 10 months and teach you diver communication, underwater inspections, emergency procedures, diving physiology, and the use of commercial-grade underwater tools.
Physical and swimming exams: You must pass a comprehensive physical exam approved by the ADCI. Demonstrate your fitness by swimming at least 400 meters unassisted, as underwater welding demands strong cardiovascular health and swimming ability.
Underwater welding school: With both welding and commercial diving credentials, enroll in an underwater welding program. These courses, which last 6 months to 2 years, focus on wet welding techniques, air and mixed gas procedures, and the operation of underwater welding equipment. Training includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice.
Field experience: Start your career as a dive tender, assisting experienced underwater welders. This entry-level role provides practical experience with underwater equipment, safety protocols, and real-world job sites, laying the groundwork for advancement.
Certifications: Earn certifications for specific underwater welding methods, such as wet welding—shield metal arc welding (SMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW)—and dry welding in hyperbaric chambers. These credentials prove your ability to handle various underwater environments and welding challenges.
Professional development: As you gain experience, pursue advanced certifications and training in areas like underwater cutting, non-destructive testing, and project planning. This ongoing education enhances your skills and career prospects.
Why is underwater welding so dangerous?
Underwater welding is dangerous because it combines risks from both welding and diving. Electric shock is a major hazard since water conducts electricity, and welding underwater also creates explosive gases that can ignite. Divers face dangers like drowning, equipment failure, and getting tangled.
Cold water, high pressure, and poor visibility also make the work physically demanding and risky. Rapid ascent can cause decompression sickness, which can be life-threatening. These dangers make underwater welding one of the most hazardous jobs, requiring careful training to avoid serious injury or death.
How to become a rig welder
In addition to standard welding certifications, rig welders may need to earn certifications for structural steel, petroleum pipelines, or chemical refinery piping. Some regions or employers also require rig welders to obtain special licenses, which may involve passing exams administered by licensing boards or government agencies.
Requirements can vary by location and employer, so aspiring rig welders should check local regulations and job postings to ensure they meet all necessary qualifications. Common requirements include:
Strong communication and teamwork abilities
Math and science proficiency
Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
Physical strength and endurance
How to become a pipeline welder
To gain a specialty in pipeline welding, pursue advanced certifications from the AWS or the API 1104 endorsement. These credentials evaluate your ability to perform high-quality welds on pressurized pipe in challenging positions (5G, 6G). You may need to renew these certifications regularly, about every 6 months.
You'll need to understand and follow industry codes and standards, such as the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and the American Petroleum Institute (API) standards. You'll also learn pipeline-specific welding procedures, including:
Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), or stick welding
Gas metal arc welding (GMAW), also known as metal inert gas (MIG)
Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), also known as tungsten inert gas (TIG)
Lastly, develop expertise in pipeline-specific safety protocols and look for opportunities to work on pipeline projects. This includes performing visual inspections, conducting non-destructive testing (NDT), and maintaining meticulous records to meet regulatory and employer standards.
FAQs about becoming a welder
What is welding?
Welding is a process that joins two or more pieces of metal or thermoplastics to create a strong, permanent bond. It involves melting the base materials and often adding a filler material to form a molten pool that solidifies into a solid joint.
Common welding methods include arc welding, MIG, TIG, and gas welding. Welders use specialized equipment and techniques to ensure precise, durable connections used in construction, manufacturing, automotive, and many other industries. Welding requires skill, safety precautions, and knowledge of materials to produce reliable and high-quality results.
How much does a welder make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders in the U.S. earn a median wage of $47,000 to $62,000 per year, depending on their skill, location, and industry. Welder hourly rates range from $20 to $30 per hour on average, or $45+ per hour for specialized roles or highly skilled welders.
How long does it take to become a welder?
Becoming a fully skilled, certified welder with strong job prospects generally takes 1 to 4 years, depending on your chosen route and dedication to practice.
Basic welding certificate programs last 6 months to 2 years, although some short courses can teach basic welding skills in just a few days or weeks. If you pursue an apprenticeship, expect a longer commitment of 3 to 4 years, combining classroom instruction with extensive on-the-job training.
How much is welding school?
Welding school costs vary widely depending on the program type, location, and length. Community college welding programs cost as little as $350 to $1,400 for in-state students, or up to $9,000 to $10,000 for out-of-state students. Trade schools like Elite Welding Academy charge higher tuition, with specialized welding programs costing upwards of $21,000, including tuition, supplies, and tools.
Additional expenses such as books, safety gear, and materials may add to the total cost. Many schools offer financial aid, scholarships, or payment plans to help manage expenses.
Is welding a good career?
Welding is a solid career choice because it offers good pay, steady demand, and diverse career paths. Skilled welders enjoy job security and advancement opportunities in industries like manufacturing, construction, and energy. Training and certifications boost earning potential and career growth.
Tips for welders
Advancing your welding career takes strategic planning, ongoing education, and a willingness to adapt to new challenges. Whether you want to move into specialized roles, increase your earning potential, or take on leadership positions, these tips can help you build a successful and rewarding path in the welding industry.
Join HomeGuide to gain access to leads and coordinate with clients.
Get advanced certifications for specialized welding techniques.
Learn new welding methods and stay updated on industry trends and technology.
Connect with other welders and professionals by joining associations and attending events.
Take on challenging projects to improve your skills and reputation.
Keep learning by taking courses in areas like blueprint reading, metallurgy, or safety.
Help train or lead others to develop leadership experience.
Explore related jobs such as welding inspector, instructor, or supervisor.
Always follow safety rules and keep a good safety record.
Create a portfolio with photos, certificates, and references from your work.
Be open to traveling or relocating for better job opportunities.
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