Welding Schools in North Dakota

Welders in North Dakota are masters of metal fabrication. Their expertise is in demand in various environments, including civil construction, shipbuilding, and aircraft manufacturing.

Residents are advised to consider this career opportunity by considering a welding career. Starting a career in this field is quite straightforward.

The guide below makes the process even more straightforward, as candidates understand every major expectation before they begin. We analyze educational requirements, basic prerequisites, licensing pathways, and more.

We also reveal the annual average salary figures to expect and the conditions behind these projections.

How to Become a Welder in North Dakota

An aspiring welder in North Dakota may start their career following the outline below.

High School Diploma and Basic Educational Requirements

Individuals starting their welding careers in North Dakota need a high school diploma to secure admission into a training program. Those who don’t have a diploma may use a GED in its place. Candidates are also expected to be at least 18 years old.

Acquire Necessary Skills

After meeting the above requirements, individuals may proceed to acquire the skills they will need to become successful welders in the state. Two broad options to consider are academic institutions and apprenticeship programs.

Academic programs

Academic institutions offer candidates the opportunity to not only receive relevant skills but also graduate with a certificate or an associate degree. Naturally, all of these are highly rated among potential employers and may lead to career opportunities.

Apprenticeship programs

Apprenticeship programs offer students the opportunity to receive classroom and hands-on training through the same educational provider. It is common for trade unions and professional organizations to have very high-quality apprenticeship programs that may even come with an opportunity to earn during training.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become an auto mechanic in North Dakota

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The state of North Dakota has no specific licensing requirements for welders or certification requirements, but many employers do have their own preferences.

Most companies that work with welders in the state will prefer to hire those who are already certified and have completed all the steps outlined above.

Certification is especially valuable because it helps candidates set themselves apart from the competition and take advantage of other career opportunities, such as continuing education and networking resources.

Currently, the American Welding Society is one of the most prominent organizations offering highly respected credentials for welders in North Dakota and elsewhere in the country. The society offers different credentials that represent different specialties and levels of expertise.

Some popular options are the Certified Welder, Certified Welding Inspector, and Certified Welding Educator credentials.

Top Welding Schools in North Dakota

Candidates may consider any of the top-quality institutions below for their welding training in North Dakota.

Explore welding schools in North Dakota by city:

• Welding schools in Fargo

Salary & Career Outlook

Anyone already working as a welder in North Dakota may earn around $55,222 - $71,843 at the end of the year. The first figure of $10 is usually more common for those who are among the state’s median earners, while the second figure of $10 is usually more appropriate for those who are already among the highest-paid in the top 10%.

Candidates move from a low to a higher income level by working on vital factors such as experience and location. In welding, a candidate’s specialty and credentials will also influence how much they can manage at the end of the year.

Even though we mentioned that those who are already on the job may earn the figures above, it is also possible to go below this, especially for those who are just starting. Those in this category may fall among the bottom 10%, making an annual average salary of $42,447.

With time, they can also start optimizing relevant factors and earning more. Regarding location, Hillsboro is the city where welders in North Dakota are rewarded with the highest annual average salary. Those who work here manage around $65,873 per year.

Grand Forks and Bismarck Welders are also competitively paid, with annual average salaries of $58,670 and $57,638, respectively.