Welding Schools in Oregon

As a welder in Oregon, it will be your duty to work on various plumbing systems in several work environments, from shipping industries to bridges and other construction projects. Candidates need to be familiar with the major requirements to start their careers.

Thankfully, such is the exact purpose of this article.

Readers will discover all the major steps involved in the process, starting from the basic educational requirements, training options, and licensure/certification requirements. They will also find a list containing the most notable schools for the best training.

To conclude the guide, we also outline figures for the annual average salaries of welders in Oregon based on key factors such as experience and location within the state.

How to Become a Welder in Oregon

Below are the considerations that must be made by candidates looking to start a successful welding career in Oregon.

Step 1: Preparation

The preparatory step towards becoming a welder in Oregon involves having a high school diploma or GED. It also includes physical preparation, such as good physical condition, as the field requires many exerting activities.

Step 2: Technical Training

Candidates who have a strong technical foundation will be able to thrive in the real world and understand the basic principles behind what they’re doing. Candidates tend to consult academic destinations such as trade schools and community colleges.

Here, they can exchange ideas with like-minded individuals while leaving with a certificate or an associate degree.

Step 3: Hands-On Training

Along with a strong technical foundation, aspiring welders in Oregon should also be comfortable carrying out their duties in a real-world scenario even before they are employed.

This is why candidates typically look to apprenticeship programs and other “on-the-job” training arrangements. Of course, these destinations also provide an extra advantage when earning potential income as a learner.

Step 4: Employment and Specialization

Fresh welders in Oregon are expected to specialize for better career opportunities. Specialization may also lead to direct job placement.

Another step that leads to career opportunities is certification. We discuss more on possible certification alternatives in the section below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a plumber in Oregon

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Welders in Oregon tend to improve their proficiency on the job through certification. For example, the American Welding Society (AWS) offers professional credentials that fit this purpose.

Along with skills acquisition and continuing education, certification offers an opportunity to specialize. Some popular specialty credentials offered by AWS include Certified Welding Educator, Certified Welder, and Certified Robotic Arc Welder (CRAW).

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers is another reputable organization offering specialty credentials.

These certification organizations also set continuing education requirements for credential renewal. This is done to ensure that welders in the country continue to improve themselves as they spend more years on the job.

Top Welding Schools in Oregon

Aspiring welders in Oregon may consider the following schools for top-class training.

Explore welding schools in Oregon by city:

• Welding schools in Portland

Salary & Career Outlook

In Oregon, a welder who has already scaled their earnings to be among the top 10% in the state may take home at least $69,889 in average salary every year. Those just starting may earn an annual average salary of $37,740, while those in the middle may look forward to an annual average salary of $51,358.

Currently, the best places to work in the state for the highest average salary include Portland, with an annual average salary of $58,469; Hillsboro, with an annual average salary of $55,731; Clackamas, with an annual average salary of $53,834; Salem, with an annual average salary of $53,758; and Springfield, with an annual average salary of $52,573.

Location, as we’ve seen above, plays a big role in determining the average salary of a welder in Oregon, but so do other factors ranging from experience and company of employment to specialty areas and certification.