How to Become a Welder in Michigan

Welding is an advanced field that involves working with metals under high-temperature conditions. It also requires a lot of calculations, measurement, and understanding of scientific principles.

This is why every journey to begin a career as a welder in Michigan must start with enrolling in a training program. As you’ll see below, there are few alternatives in this regard, but usually, the most important thing is to be aware of these requirements before you begin the process.

For aspiring welders in Michigan, we have provided a comprehensive guide below to help them become familiar with what to expect right from the start. This way, the entire journey becomes a lot more pleasant and straightforward.

How to Become a Welder in Michigan

Below are the steps involved in becoming a welder in Michigan.

Basic Educational Requirements

Michigan does not set an essential educational requirement for welders, but it is always important to have your high school diploma or GED. This is necessary not just for admission into training programs but also to receive primary education in subjects such as algebra, mathematics, and geometry, which will prove valuable.

Attending a Formal Academic Program

Aspiring welders in Michigan will have to obtain actual welding training before they can start their careers. A popular destination to get such training is academic programs offered by community colleges and trade schools.

Luckily for interested individuals in the state, Michigan is home to numerous quality welding programs that offer comprehensive coursework and practical sessions. We will look at a few of the available alternatives below.

Attending an Apprenticeship Program

Aspiring welders in Michigan have the option of combining academic training with apprenticeship programs. Those who don’t fancy educational programs may apply directly for an apprenticeship.

Usually, apprenticeship programs are organized by welders and other welding stakeholders. They offer an excellent avenue for hands-on experience in the real world, along with a few classroom instructions.

Consider trades with similar paths:

Steps to become a CNC machinist in Michigan.

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Firstly, Michigan has no certification or licensing requirements for welders. However, many employers expect certification anyway. This is because such credentials add a layer of verification for a welder’s skills in particular areas.

The American Welding Society is the leading authority in certification for welders in Michigan and everywhere else. At the fundamental level, fresh welders in the state are expected to have a Certified Welder credential.

As they proceed in their careers, they may go for other certifications, including the Certified Welding Inspector, Senior Certified Welding Inspector, Certified Welding Supervisor, and Certified Welding Educator credentials, among others.

Top Welding Schools in Michigan

Below are some of the top welding schools in Michigan.

Michigan Career and Technical Institute

Michigan Career and Technical Institute is one of the topmost destinations for trade and technical programs in the state. Aspiring welders who wish to attend the school’s welding technology program will graduate with a certificate and qualify for employment in various welding specialties.

Ferris State University

Aspiring welders in Michigan may also go for the program offered by Ferris State University. Here, they will become familiar with essential topics such as material science and machine tools and will be able to graduate with an associate of applied science degree.

Muskegon Community College

Muskegon Community College is another top destination for high-quality training as an aspiring welder in Michigan. Like most top programs in the state, the school combines laboratory training for hands-on experience with classroom lectures for foundational theoretical principles.

Additionally, the school also provides job placement assistance thanks to its connection with the Michigan welding industry.

Notable Mentions

Other notable destinations for aspiring welders in Michigan to receive high-quality training include Southwestern Michigan College, Mid Michigan College, Kellogg Community College, Henry Ford Community College, and Lansing Community College.

Explore welding schools by city:

Welding schools in Grand Rapids

Salary & Career Outlook

Several factors determine how much a welder will earn in Michigan. Among these are the individual’s location in the state, experience level, certification, and the particular establishment and area of specialization they work in.

Based on these factors, the highest-paid welders in the state can earn as high as $61,638, while the lowest-paid take home an annual average salary close to $31,152.

Generally, however, the annual average salary for all welders in Michigan is $43,820 – just in line with the national average.

Concerning location, the highest-paying cities for welders in Michigan include: