Our world has drastically changed in the last hundred years, and it continues to change even more profoundly now. Infrastructures such as buildings, highways, and bridges continue to emerge that humans of the past couldn’t have simply dreamed of.
And making all of these possibilities are groups of professionals, not the least of which are welders. Because of their ability to fabricate the strongest metals under high temperatures, welders remain crucial to all the key infrastructural developments humans have made and will continue to make.
As a reward, professionals in the field enjoy growing demand and a high level of job security. So, how do you become a welder in Maine so that you can consider yourself a part of this wonderful profession?
We provide an in-depth answer to this question in the guide below.
How to Become a Welder in Maine
The steps involved in becoming a welder in Maine all start with research. Even though it seems like there is only one kind of welding, this couldn’t be further from the truth. There are a few specialized areas, and aspiring welders are advised to get familiar with these specialties before they proceed.
From there, they may go on to enroll in a training program. The section below provides more information regarding the best training schools to consider in the state.
After graduation, the next step is to consider getting more hands-on experience by pursuing an apprenticeship. Once this step is done, the issues of certification and licensure can then be considered. We also discuss these more profoundly in the upcoming sections.
Top Welder Schools in Maine
Below are some of the most noteworthy welder schools in Maine offering comprehensive education with a high graduate success rate.
1. Northern Maine Community College
33 Edgemont Drive, Presque Isle, Maine 04769
Northern Maine Community College was established in 1961 and has produced many brilliant welders in New Hampshire. The school provides a highly structured environment for learning, allowing graduates to build the solid foundational knowledge needed to pursue AWS certification and secure high-paying employment in numerous fields, such as shipbuilding, manufacturing, and metal fabrication.
2. Southern Maine Community College
2 Fort Road, South Portland, Maine 04106
Students studying welding at Eastern Maine Community College enjoy a beautiful facility and a team of experienced instructors. They also get to decide between two programs - the associate of applied science degree program and the certificate program.
The focus topics are SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, and SMAW. Once they graduate, employment is always easy for individuals brought up in the program, thanks to the connection with the wider Maine welding industry.
3. Washington County Community College
One College Dr. Calais, ME 04619
Last but not least option on the least for aspiring welders in Maine is the Washington County Community College. Having been around since 1969, the school is no stranger to producing successful welders.
Another commendable aspect of its activities is that it maintains a small class size so that the instructor-to-student ratio is always at the best and most favorable level.
Among others, students learn techniques in welding, safety principles, particulars of pipe welding, and more. The program requires 36 credit hours for completion.
As with the entries above, students who graduate from here often have an easy time finding employment.
Explore welding schools by city:
Licensure and Certification Requirements
Getting certified as a welder in Maine gives you an additional level of credibility. While there are many options, the most prominent consensus is the credentials offered by the American Welding Society (AWS).
These include the Certified Welder, Certified Welding Educator, Certified Welding Inspector, and Certified Welding Engineer credentials, among others.
Another viable option is to become certified by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
As for state licensing requirements, no law in Maine makes licensure mandatory for welders in the state. Even certification is optional and counts as additional points for employment and salary purposes.
Salary and Job Outlook
Aspiring electricians in Maine can look forward to an impressive annual average salary of $52,013. Of course, this figure only applies to those who have accrued significant experience on the job. Welders just starting typically earn closer to an annual average salary of about $37,731.
On the other hand, those in the top ten percent of earners take home as much as $71,703 every year. Additional benefits may also apply.
The top paying cities for welders in Maine as of 2023 are South Portland, Portland, and Bath, with an annual average salary of $74,250, $65,355, and $58184, respectively. Welders in Waterville and Auburn follow with an average salary of $48,971 and $48,393 per year.
Consider exploring nearby states with comparable salaries and job outlooks:
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