Welding Schools in Mississippi

Welding is the art of metal joining and fabrication, used to produce beautiful and functional components that make everyday life easier. Welders are employed in several industries and specialty areas.

Anyone who wants to become a welder in Mississippi must possess valuable skills, including technical, business, and transferable skills. They must also follow a few other steps to meet the state requirements to practice legally and facilitate career growth.

Through the sections below, we introduce interested candidates to all of these steps and considerations while exploring various alternatives in terms of education and certification. We also explore the figures that candidates can expect regarding their yearly earnings on the job.

How to Become a Welder in Mississippi

Residents of Mississippi usually follow the path below to start their welding careers in the state.

Preparatory Stage

Aspiring welders are expected to research various disciplines within the field, such as arc welding and gas welding, among others. At this preparatory stage, they are also expected to have relevant documents (such as a high school diploma or GED) when required.

Educational Pathways

Prospective welders in Mississippi must choose an educational pathway that allows classroom and hands-on training. Many training programs try to help candidates achieve this through a combination approach.

For instance, some academic welding programs offered by community colleges and trade schools also partner with apprenticeship programs. This may be via a direct path for candidates to attend apprenticeship programs after training or even simultaneously with hands-on training in the day and classroom training at night.

Either way, combining both options will allow candidates to earn valuable degrees and develop valuable skills on the job.

Employment & Career Growth

Before employment, aspiring welders in Mississippi must consider the licensure and certification requirements below. Afterward, they may use networking and continuing education to facilitate career growth.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn to become an electrician in Mississippi

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Like most states across the country, Mississippi does not expect welders to receive a license from any organization before they can start working professionally. There are no statewide certification requirements, but candidates typically become certified of their own accord.

This is simply because of professional benefits. For instance, certified welders are highly regarded by employers and customers and, thanks to the certification body, can continue to advance their skills.

Speaking of certification bodies, the American Welding Society and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers are the gold standards for offering credentials for welders in Mississippi and the country.

Candidates may pursue credentials in specialty areas such as education, fabrication technology, inspection, and quality control, among others. They must also be prepared to pass a professional examination and maintain their credentials through periodic renewals.

Top Welding Schools in Mississippi

Here are some high-quality welding technology programs in Mississippi for residents to consider.

Explore welding schools in Mississippi by city:

• Welding schools in Jackson

Salary & Career Outlook

Mississippi offers competitive salaries for welders, which align with the national average. Welders in the state who are among the lowest-paid earn an annual average salary of $29,362, while those among the top earners earn an annual average salary of $90,053.

The majority of welders in the state will be among the median earners; in this case, they will be able to take home an average salary of $51,421 at the end of each year. They can work on their experience level, credentials, and specialty concentrations to optimize their earnings and move to a higher bracket.

Location is another factor influencing how much a welder takes home yearly in Mississippi. Those in Biloxi are the highest-paid on average by location, earning an annual average salary of $96,070.

Olive Branch welders are also well-rewarded, coming second with an annual average salary of $69,468. Southaven welders are the third-highest paid in Mississippi. They make an average salary of $68,989 at the end of each year.