Welding Schools in Oklahoma

An aspiring welder in Oklahoma who understands the requirements of launching such a career right from the beginning automatically has an edge over the competition. Not only will their steps be more straightforward, but they will also be able to handle any challenge more comfortably.

To help candidates attain this edge, we have outlined everything they must know to start a successful welding career in Oklahoma. These include the basic educational requirements, licensure/certification requirements, and training routes.

To help them understand what to expect salary-wise, we have highlighted some annual average salary figures based on important criteria such as location, experience level, and professional credentials.

How to Become a Welder in Oklahoma

The following are the steps involved in launching long-lasting welding careers in the state of Oklahoma.

Minimum Requirements

The minimum requirements to become a welder in Oklahoma can be classified into two categories: educational and physical requirements.

Concerning the educational requirements, candidates are expected to have a high school diploma or GED while being solid in basic mathematics and physics subjects.

The physical requirements include being in solid shape and able to withstand strong heat and external conditions.

Training Requirements

Employers set the training requirements for welders. However, most employers prefer those who are already trained, although some may offer on-the-job learning opportunities for specialist projects and those with experience in the field.

Generally, training arrangements for future welders in Oklahoma may be divided into the following:

• Academic Training — Academic training like those offered by community colleges is among Oklahoma’s most popular sources of welding training. These programs offer strong classroom training, but some also incorporate a lot of hands-on training where students get to have their “hands-on” actual tools and equipment as early as possible.
• On-the-Job Training — On-the-job training arrangements for prospective welders in Oklahoma encompass any destination offering welding training in a “real world” scenario.

Apprenticeship programs fall under this category.

Some on-the-job training arrangements also offer students the opportunity to earn some income at some point during their training duration.

In an upcoming section, we explore some of the top welding training programs for candidates to consider.

Specialization & Certification

Choosing a field of specialty within plumbing is technically optional for all welders. However, specialization offers so many benefits that virtually all professionals in the field do it anyway.

The same goes for certification, which offers advantages such as networking opportunities and tools for continuing education.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become an auto mechanic in Oklahoma

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Welders in Oklahoma are not expected to register or obtain a license. They are not expected to become certified, but the American Welding Society offers several nationally recognized and highly sought-after certifications.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has appealing options as well.

All of these credentials offer the benefits highlighted earlier and have a high appeal to employers, leading to better employment chances.

Top Welding Schools in Oklahoma

Below are the top training programs for aspiring welders in Oklahoma to consider.

Explore welding schools in Oklahoma by city:

• Welding schools in Oklahoma City

Salary & Career Outlook

The state of Oklahoma remains among the most notable when it comes to annual average salaries for welders. Here, those among the top 10% earn an annual average salary that can get as high as $63,534, and those among the bottom 10% earn an annual average salary that can get as high as $37,952. At the same time, those among the middle earners take home an annual average salary of around $49,105.

Sorting only by their location within the state, welders in Norman are the highest paid, taking home close to an average of $55,051 at the end of each year. Welders follow them in Catoosa with an annual average salary of $53,192, and welders in Sapulpa with an annual average salary of $51,351.

Welders in Broken Arrow are among the top five with an annual average salary of $51,212, as are welders in Collinsville with an annual average salary of $50,813.