Welding Schools in Missouri

To become a welder in Missouri, individuals must not only receive appropriate training in their field of specialty but also meet specific state requirements and be able to leverage certain career choices to enjoy stronger advantages in the employment market.

Below, we provide a comprehensive and easily digestible guide on becoming a welder in Missouri and highlight some career choices that can lead to better employment and growth opportunities.

Candidates will also discover the major licensing and certification options, the top welding training programs in the state, and an in-depth analysis of the potential salary they can expect, depending on a few optimizable factors.

How to Become a Welder in Missouri

Aspiring welders in Missouri are advised to follow these steps to begin their careers on the right path.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

In Missouri, welders must meet a few basic requirements, including 18 years old and possessing a valid driver’s license. These are generally required to secure admission into the best training programs and are often set by employers.

Step 2: Enroll in a Training Program

To obtain training in welding technology, candidates may follow either of the avenues below.

Academic Training

Community colleges, vocational schools, and trade schools offer top-quality training in welding technology that candidates may leverage to begin their careers successfully. An advantage of attending an academic training program—apart from the fact that it emphasizes strong fundamentals—is that it offers degrees and certificates that employers tend to value highly.

On-the-Job Training

To acquire practical experience before they begin their careers, it is possible for aspiring welders in Missouri not to attend an academic program but instead participate in an apprenticeship program.

Even candidates participating in academic programs may consolidate their training through internships or apprenticeships. Another advantage of on-the-job training programs is that they sometimes allow candidates to earn some level of income even as they learn.

Step 3: Prepare for Certification

Fresh welders in Missouri are typically advised to pursue certification to make securing employment easier. These credentials appeal to employers and can help candidates grow through continuing education and networking with fellow professionals. We discuss certification for welders in Missouri below.

Consider trades with similar paths:

• How to become a carpenter in Missouri

Top Welding Schools in Missouri

The following are some of the top welding schools in Missouri.

Explore welding schools in Missouri by city:

• Welding schools in Kansas City

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Welders in Missouri are not required to register with the state or earn a state-wide license to do their jobs professionally. However, depending on local building department regulations in some municipalities, they may need special permits.

As for certification, the American Welding Society offers several credentials to help candidates distinguish themselves and take advantage of career opportunities. Examples include the Certified Welder, Certified Welding Inspector, and Certified Welding Educator credentials.

All of these require passing a certification examination. The exams typically involve questions about specific welding techniques, codes, and standards. A few resources online may help candidates prepare for the tests.

Salary & Career Outlook

As a fresh welder in Missouri, you may expect to earn an average salary of $44,115 annually. This is the figure given for the average welder in the state.

Of course, you may get lucky and find yourself among the top 10% earners in the state, taking home an annual average salary of $57,106 every year. You may also have to work up from the bottom 10%, earning an annual average salary of $34,079.

In truth, luck doesn’t play a huge role in determining the annual average salary of a welder in Missouri. The factors that contribute to this are location, experience, specialization, and establishment of employment.

For those looking to optimize their location, Riverside is the highest-paying destination for welders in Missouri, with an annual average salary of $89,861. Kansas City and St. Louis follow this with annual average salaries of $47,642 and $45,937, respectively.

Saint Peters and Jefferson City also make the top five, with annual average salaries of $44,785 and $42,914, respectively.