Welding Schools in Massachusetts

Welding is an intricate art that requires complex instruments at very high temperatures. It demands that professionals be creative, bold, and precise.

The state of Massachusetts offers a straightforward process for area residents looking to begin successful welding careers. Below, we break down all the major components involved in this process.

We break down the journey into the key steps before highlighting the most important licensing and certification requirements. Further down the road, we highlight some of Massachusetts’s top training programs offering high-quality welding training.

Lastly, we will conclude the article with a few salary projection figures that interested candidates may want to know.

How to Become a Welder in Massachusetts

The following are the steps involved in becoming a welder in Massachusetts.

Prepare for Training

The ultimate aim of becoming a welder in Massachusetts is to receive adequate training. However, candidates must prepare themselves by having a high school diploma or GED and brushing up on key topics in mathematics, algebra, and geometry, among other subjects.

Choosing a Specialty

Even though they are all referred to as a collective, there are a few specialty areas in welding. These include MiG and TiG in arc welding, oxy-acetylene welding in gas welding, and others, including pipe welding and robotics.

Candidates may start making the decision regarding specialty as early as possible.

Obtaining Training

As mentioned above, the most important step in becoming a welder in Massachusetts is obtaining the necessary training. This can typically be obtained from several sources, including vocational schools, community colleges, and trade schools.

These all offer academic training in a typical classroom environment with provisions for hands-on learning.

Another option is to attend an apprenticeship program. This is usually an appealing alternative as it emphasizes hands-on learning and sometimes allows candidates to earn while they learn.

Gaining Experience

After obtaining academic training, fresh welders in Massachusetts may opt to gain additional experience by working entry-level jobs or under the supervision of established and experienced professionals in the field.

Furthermore, even after kick-starting their careers, welders in the state are encouraged to continue improving by participating in continuing education programs.

Consider trades with similar paths:

• How to become a masonry worker in Massachusetts

Top Welding Schools in Massachusetts

Below are some top institutions offering comprehensive training for aspiring welders in Massachusetts.

Explore welding schools in Massachusetts by city:

• Welding schools in Boston

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters is responsible for issuing licenses to welders in the state. However, as a fresh welder working only on residential projects, you do not need to obtain a license at the state level.

All you need to do is keep an eye out for local building codes requiring permits and certification because of the complexity of your project. As for commercial projects, these require a license from the board. Such licenses vary depending on the welding process and complexity.

Along with licensing, certification is another issue of importance to a welder in Massachusetts. While not required by law, certification from the American Welding Society may help a welder in the state stand out and take advantage of employment opportunities.

Salary & Career Outlook

The average salary of a welder in Massachusetts depends on several factors, including their experience, location within the state, and work location.

Data shows that those who fall in the middle of these factors (i.e., an average welder in the state) will earn an average salary of around $52,610 annually. Those who fall among the bottom 10% will earn an annual average salary of $36,639, while those who fall among the top 10% will earn an annual average salary of $75,542.

The best locations for welders in the state are Boston, with an annual average salary of $86,035; Fall River, with an annual average salary of $56,934; Peabody, with an annual average salary of $56,820; Medway, with an annual average salary of $54,596; and Woburn, with an annual average salary of $53,319.