Welders are professionals who have trained for years to fabricate and manipulate strong metals using heat and other specialized equipment. And even though this may seem like a daunting task at first, the path to becoming a welder in Louisiana is quite straightforward.
As one would expect, the hardest and most important part is the training. But once this is complete, the additional requirements can be completed easily and should come naturally once you have obtained the right foundational knowledge from a training school.
To that end, we have provided an in-depth guide below containing key information on how to become a welder in Louisiana, including how to begin, the potential salary, and certification/licensure requirements.
How to Become a Welder in Louisiana
Louisiana has a straightforward path for aspiring welders. First, a high school diploma or GED is required to gain admission into top programs and become certified.
Those with these credentials may proceed to enroll in any of the top programs in the state, including the ones we have listed below. From there, certification is the next important step.
No law requires all welders to be licensed, but it is still a highly advisable endeavor because it lends more credibility and makes employment seeking more convenient.
All in all, it takes around two years for most aspiring welders to complete all of these steps and begin their job search. Accelerated programs, of course, may take less time.
Top Welder Schools in Louisiana
Having become familiar with the most common pathway for becoming a welder in Louisiana, below are some of the best training programs to consider to help you get there quickly and effectively.
1. Delgado Community College
615 City Park Ave. New Orleans, LA 70119
While there is a great deal of impressive welding training programs in Louisiana, Delgado Community College is usually among the top names to be mentioned in this list.
The school boasts highly experienced instructors and wonderful facilities. Students become well-versed in skills such as SMAW, FCAW, and GTAW by the time they’re done.
The program requires 24 credit hours and can be completed in nine months, earning the students an associate of applied science degree.
2. Baton Rouge Community College
201 Community College Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Another highly impressive welding training program in Louisiana, the welding program at Baton Rouge Community College, always continues to produce talented graduates every year.
Founded in 1998, the school has numerous high-quality instructors teaching topics in FCAW, GMAW, SMAW, blueprint reading, joints, and welding symbols.
Graduates can sit for the American Welding Society’s entry-level worker test immediately. Thanks to the school’s credibility with notable welding companies, students often find it easier to secure high-paying employment opportunities.
3. Advanced Welding School (AWS)
10340 Florida Blvd. Walker, LA 70785
Lastly, the Advanced Welding School in Walker, Louisiana, is another option. Much newer than the other entries on the list, the school is fast creating a name for itself as one of the best destinations for aspiring welders in the state.
Experienced instructors provide comprehensive training in SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, and GTAW, and classes run for eight weeks in an enrollment cycle that is always open.
What’s more, not only do students get to register at any time of the year, but they also get to move at their own pace.
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Licensure and Certification Requirements
Louisiana, like most other states, does not have licensure requirements for welders. This means that individuals only need to complete their high school diploma or GED, complete an accredited training program, and they can begin seeking employment in establishments of choice.
As mentioned earlier, to make the employment-seeking process a lot more convenient, it is usually advisable to pursue certification. Employers simply give more consideration to certified welders than those who are not.
Among the certification options available to welders in Louisiana are the Certified Welder, Certified Welding Educator, Certified Welding Inspector, and Certified Welding credentials, all offered by the American Welding Society (AWS).
Salary and Job Outlook
The average salary for welders in Louisiana is $50,793 annually, 11% higher than the national average. For individual welders, the exact number depends on factors such as experience level and location.
Those with less than a year of experience earn around $53,855 annually, while those with over 10 years of experience earn an annual average salary of $58,037.
As for specific locations within the state, New Iberia, Gonzales, and Morgan City are the top three highest paying, with annual averages of $55,850, $52,451, and $52,188, respectively. Baton Rouge and Alexandria round up the top five with $50,448 and $48,450, respectively, in annual average salary.
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