How to Become a Welder

Welding is one of the most accessible skilled trades for people with criminal records. Here is why: First, welding does not require a state license in most states. Unlike electrical work or plumbing, you do not need government approval to work as a welder. Your skills and certifications are what matter. Second, demand is high and growing. Infrastructure projects, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and energy all need welders, and many employers are willing to overlook criminal records to fill positions. Third, you can work as an independent contractor or start your own welding business without needing anyone's permission. A portable welding rig and some certifications are all you need. Fourth, welding certifications from the American Welding Society are based entirely on your ability to produce quality welds -- they do not involve background checks.

There are several welding processes, and most training programs cover at least three. MIG (GMAW) welding is the easiest to learn and most commonly used in manufacturing and auto body work. It uses a continuously fed wire electrode and is good for production work. TIG (GTAW) welding produces the highest quality welds and is used in aerospace, food-grade fabrication, and artistic metalwork. It is harder to learn but commands higher pay. Stick (SMAW) welding is the most versatile and widely used in construction, pipeline, and structural work. It works in all positions and in outdoor conditions. Flux-Core (FCAW) welding is similar to MIG but uses a flux-filled wire, making it ideal for thick materials and outdoor work.

Most entry-level jobs require MIG and stick proficiency. Learning TIG opens up higher-paying specialty work. Pipeline welding, underwater welding, and aerospace welding are the highest-paid specialties, with experienced welders in these fields earning $75,000-$150,000+.

The American Welding Society (AWS) offers certifications that prove your welding skills to employers. The most common is the Certified Welder (CW) credential, which tests your ability to produce quality welds following specific procedures. AWS certifications are performance-based -- you take a welding test, and your welds are inspected. There is no background check involved. AWS-certified welders earn 20-30% more than non-certified welders on average. Certifications are specific to the welding process, position, and material thickness you test on. For example, you might get certified in 6G pipe welding (all positions), which is one of the most valuable certifications for pipeline and structural work.

More advanced credentials include the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), which requires experience and a written exam but can push your salary to $70,000-$90,000+. The Certified Welding Educator (CWE) credential lets you teach welding. None of these certifications involve background checks.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is $47,010 as of the most recent data. The top 10% earn over $68,000. However, these numbers represent averages across all experience levels and specialties. Experienced welders in construction, manufacturing, and energy consistently earn $55,000-$75,000. Specialized welders earn significantly more: pipeline welders average $70,000-$100,000+, underwater welders earn $54,000-$150,000+ depending on experience, and aerospace welders earn $60,000-$80,000.

Job growth for welders is projected at about 2% through 2033, which is about average. However, the real story is replacement demand -- about 47,600 welding positions open each year due to retirements and workers leaving the field. The average age of welders in America is over 55, meaning a massive wave of retirements is coming. Infrastructure spending from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and CHIPS Act is creating additional demand.

The states with the highest employment of welders are Texas, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. Texas leads by a wide margin due to its oil and gas industry, refineries, and construction activity. The highest-paying states for welders are Alaska ($68,560 average), Hawaii ($65,210), Wyoming ($61,280), North Dakota ($59,780), and Washington ($59,620). Many of these high-paying states have strong oil, gas, and mining industries.

If you are willing to travel, welding offers exceptional opportunities. Shutdown and turnaround welders who travel to refineries and power plants for scheduled maintenance can earn $150-$250+ per day in per diem on top of their hourly rate. Travel welding is especially lucrative and accessible for people with records since these employers are focused on skill and availability.

Start by filling out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. The Pell Grant provides up to $7,395/year for 2025-2026 and does not need to be repaid. Drug convictions no longer affect your financial aid eligibility. If your welding program costs $5,000-$8,000, a Pell Grant may cover the entire cost. WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants through your local American Job Center can also pay for approved welding programs -- visit careeronestop.org to find your nearest center. The American Welding Society Foundation offers scholarships ranging from $500 to $10,000 for welding students. Many community colleges and trade schools also have their own scholarship programs. If you are a veteran, GI Bill benefits can cover welding training. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement -- ask about this when applying for welding jobs.