Welding Schools in Maryland

Becoming a successful welder in Maryland is a journey that begins not with the first training season but with the preparatory steps before training. Candidates are expected to understand the journey ahead, making shrewd decisions about the most optimal training paths for their particular skill set and disposition.

To help candidates in Maryland acquire such a clear understanding of the process, we have provided this in-depth article examining how to become a welder in the state. It includes an analysis of the step-by-step requirements and possible licensure/certification options.

We also examine top training programs to enroll in and potential salary for candidates to expect depending on a few key factors.

How to Become a Welder in Maryland

Below are the key considerations involved in starting a welding career in the state of Maryland.

Develop Non-Technical Skills & Attributes

Aspiring welders in Maryland must acquire technical know-how to perform their major duties. However, it is also equally important that they incorporate some intangible attributes into their job at some point or another during their training.

These include time management, interpersonal skills, attention to detail, patience, safety awareness, design skills, commitment to growth, and physical strength.

Enroll in a Training Program

As one would expect, all aspiring welders in the state must acquire relevant training before they can be gainfully employed. Typically, two destinations offer such training; we look at both below.

• Academic Training - Academic institutions are Maryland’s first category of welding training providers. In a typical academic fashion, candidates learn key topics in a classroom environment and graduate with either a certificate or an associate degree.

These programs may also be part of a larger technology program where candidates can earn bachelor’s degrees.

• Apprenticeship Training - Candidates who may prefer direct training on the job should opt for an apprenticeship program instead of academic training.

Of course, Combining these training arrangements for a more complete experience is also possible.

Choose a Specialty Area

To enjoy a better time securing employment, it is common for candidates to choose a particular area of specialty. Welding is a broad field with many possible specialty areas, so finding a suitable option should be easy.

Explore Trades with Similar Paths:

• Become a carpenter in Maryland

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Welders in Maryland are expected to obtain a license after they can secure employment and start working legally. This will be pleasant news for those who want to avoid state licensing examinations.

However, candidates may have to sit for professional examinations anyway, especially if they want to become certified. Certification is attractive as it helps candidates stand out.

Having credentials also makes professional networking easier while opening up access to continuing education resources. A fresh welder looking to become certified in Maryland may consider any nationally recognized certificates offered by the American Welding Society (AWS).

Top Welding Schools in Maryland

The following are some of Maryland’s best training programs for aspiring welders.

Explore Welding Schools in Maryland by City:

• Welding Schools in Baltimore

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary to look forward to for a fresh welder in Maryland is around $52,083. This is the figure for the midpoint earners in the state, as obtained from a survey of welders in Maryland. The figure is also in line with the national average.

For those who fall among the bottom 10% of welders in the state by earnings, the average salary to take home at the end of the year is usually around $38,407. For those who fall among the top 10%, the figure tends to be as high as $70,629.

Experience and location are among the key factors that push a welder in Maryland from the bottom end of the salary spectrum to the middle or top end.

Concerning location, Baltimore has the highest pay for welders in the state, with an average annual salary of $60,830. Glen Burnie and Beltsville follow with annual average salaries of $59,313 and $57,635 respectively.

The top five also include Salisbury, with an annual average salary of $51,357, and Elkton, with an annual average salary of $47,044.