Welding Schools in Montana

Anyone who wants to become a welder in Montana must meet the requirements. These include the educational and training requirements, physical requirements, and soft skills such as problem-solving and teamwork.

To help interested individuals start their careers properly, we have prepared an extensive guide below showing all the main considerations expected to become a full-fledged welder in Montana. By the time they are done reading, candidates will have a clear picture of what to focus on and be able to go about the process confidently.

How to Become a Welder in Montana

Candidates in Montana are advised to follow the steps below to launch their welding careers.

Training Options

In Montana, employers permit individuals to receive welding training in various ways, including academic and apprenticeship programs.

Academic Programs

Candidates may attend an academic welding program to earn valuable certificates or associate degrees and then secure further training opportunities with an employer. These programs usually teach fundamental principles, safety, and regulations.

Those who want to start their careers as quickly as possible may participate in 6-month certificate programs. At the same time, those seeking robust training may pursue an associate degree or even a bachelor’s degree.

Apprenticeship Programs

Trade unions and non-union organizations allow candidates to receive all the welding training “on the job” through apprenticeship arrangements. These programs are typically overseen by licensed and experienced welders and tend to provide candidates with an opportunity to earn some income during the latter stages of their training.

Even though apprenticeship programs contain significant classroom instructions, it is common for candidates to complete academic training and then an apprenticeship program afterward.

Specialization

Specialization is not mandatory to become a successful welder in Montana, but it does help candidates focus and develop their skills extensively in one area. Certification can be a good way to verify specialty skills, and we explore this issue further below.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

The American Welding Society and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers are the two organizations known to offer highly-rated credentials to welders in Montana. Both organizations offer certifications that are recognized in the state and welcome across the country.

To become certified, candidates must complete formal education, acquire hands-on skills, and submit an official application. They will then pass a certification examination, receive their credentials, and maintain them periodically through continuing education.

Of course, it is also worth pointing out that no mandatory law requires candidates to be certified or even licensed before they can start working as welders in Montana. However, there are more than enough professional benefits from certification, and many choose to do it anyway despite its optional nature.

Top Welding Schools in Montana

The following schools offer excellent programs for prospective welders in Montana.

Explore welding schools in Montana by city:

• Welding schools in Billings

Salary & Career Outlook

In Montana, the most common welders are those in the median category. At the end of each year, they earn an average salary of around $71,717.

A survey of thousands of welders in the state revealed this. The findings also showed that candidates who make it to the top can earn as high as $97,646 on average at the end of each year, while those who are still among the lowest-paid can expect an annual average salary figure of around $52,673.

The factors that separate professionals in each category are their experience level, industry, location, credentials and specialty, and specific employers.

With location as the defining factor, Bozeman and Missoula boast the highest annual average with figures of $84,679 and $80,430, respectively. Belgrade, MT, comes third with $79,538 in annual average salary.

Individuals working to become welders in Montana will also be glad to know that the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed highly positive year-on-year projections.