How Much School to Be a Welder?
After you start working as a welder, you can complete jobs such as repairing buildings and bridges. Specific jobs you can work as a welder include field fabricator, arc welder, sheet metal welder or underwater welder. Generally, you must have at least a high school diploma to be hired as a welder. Some cities may mandate that you gain official certifications or licenses before you start working on welding projects. Depending on where you live, it may take several months to meet all the qualifications to become a welder.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, some employers provide on-the-job training for newly hired welders. However, many employers prefer that welders complete welding classes at postsecondary schools such as technical and vocational schools and accredited colleges and universities. Courses you might have to take include physics, chemistry, math, metallurgy and blueprint drawing. Some programs require you to complete 160 hours of coursework, but you may have to complete 900 hours of coursework to graduate from other programs.
Depending on whom you work for, you may be required to get certified. The American Welding Society offers welding certifications. You must submit an application, pay an application fee and pass an examination to get certified. Topics you will be tested on include welding of pipelines and related facilities, gas metal arc welding, sheet metal welding, groove welding and structural welding codes.
The city you work in might mandate that you become licensed before you start working as a welder. Generally, this involves passing a written examination approved by the state. In addition, in some cities, licenses are administered through transportation or building departments.
If you plan on working as an underwater welder, you must complete commercial diving courses. Types of classes you may take include mixed gas diving, decompression, dive boat seamanship, rigging and pipe penetration. As an underwater welder, you can perform a variety of tasks, including inspecting and repairing bridges, vessels and water treatment plants.
From 2010 through 2020, the job growth rate for welders, solderers, brazers and cutters is expected to be approximately 15 percent. This growth rate is about average compared to other occupations. The statistics bureau also reports that, as of May 2011, welders, solderers, brazers and cutters earned a mean annual salary of $37,920.
- U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics: Welders, Cutters, Solderers and Brazers
- U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics: Welders, Cutters, Solderers and Brazers, May 2011
- American Welding Society: Guide to Starting an Underwater Welding Career
- American Welding Society: Internships
- Calumet Welding Center: Understanding the Welding Industry
Rhonda Campbell is an entrepreneur, radio host and author. She has more than 17 years of business, human resources and project management experience and decades of book, newspaper, magazine, radio and business writing experience. Her works have appeared in leading periodicals like "Madame Noire," "Halogen TV," "The Network Journal," "Essence," "Your Church Magazine," "The Trenton Times," "Pittsburgh Quarterly" and "New Citizens Press."