It is possible to start a career as a welder in only ten months. Some have been known to begin their career even faster. The ease of getting into the occupation, however, is only one of the reasons most people become welders.
Not only are professionals in the field known to enjoy an impressive salary and continuous demand for their skills, but the projection for the job over the next ten years is also highly promising.
Below we look at everything you need to know to start a career as a welder in Pennsylvania. We discuss crucial topics such as the educational requirements, licensure possibilities, and potential salary.
How to Become a Welder in Pennsylvania
Basic Requirements
The first step to becoming a welder is to fulfill the basic requirements. For individuals in Pennsylvania, these include being at least 18 years old, being able to read and write the English language proficiently, and having a good moral character.
A high school diploma or GED is also necessary to secure admission into training and apprenticeship programs.
Know your Welding Fields
The second step on your path to becoming a welder in Pennsylvania would be to become familiar with the different areas of specialization involved in the job. Welding is a broad term that involves numerous techniques such as TIG welding, SMAW, GTAW, TiG, oxy-acetylene welding, and hyperbaric welding, among others.
It pays to become familiar with these techniques on a fundamental level even before enrolling in a training program.
Enrolling in a Training Program
Enrolling in a training program is undoubtedly the most essential part of becoming a welder. As you’ll see below, there are numerous training programs for aspiring welders in Pennsylvania to consider.
Usually, these are divided into two formal and apprenticeship training programs.
Formal Training Programs
Formal training programs are programs offered by trade schools, vocational schools, and colleges of all sorts. Usually, individuals enroll in traditional training programs because they provide a structured environment to learn about theoretical principles and gain hands-on experience through laboratory and workshop sessions.
They also make it easy to secure employment with a degree.
Apprenticeship Programs
Unions usually run apprenticeship training programs but sometimes can be organized by non-union organizations and even government initiatives. The highlight of apprenticeship programs is that they provide rigorous and hands-on training in real-world environments.
Applicants who complete an apprenticeship program may find securing employment with that organization easier.
Consider Trades with Similar Paths:
Top Welder Schools in Pennsylvania
Below are some of the most noteworthy welder schools in Pennsylvania:
1. Harrisburg Area Community College
Harrisburg Area Community College has an impressive 35-credit certificate program in welding technology that offers a fast-track and efficient route to a successful career as a welder in Pennsylvania.
Not only do students learn how to carry out seven different types of welding, but they will also learn general principles such as inspection and testing and blueprint reading.
Moreover, the program also creates opportunities for students to learn and refresh fundamental Mathematics and English courses.
2. Pennsylvania College of Technology
Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport is another beautiful destination for high-level welding training in the state. Students can choose between a certificate program consisting of 59 credits and an associate degree program.
Notable Mentions
Other notable destinations for high-quality welding technology programs in and around Philadelphia include:
- Camden County College
- Lebanon County Career and Technical Center
- Greater Johnson Career and Technology Center
- Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center
- Johnson College
- All-State Career School
- Philadelphia Technical Training Institute and
- Clearfield County Career and Technology Center.
Explore welding schools by city:
Licensure and Certification Requirements
The state of Pennsylvania expects welders to have a high-school diploma or GED. To become certified, the state also expects aspiring candidates to earn a certification credential which is usually the Certified Welder, Certified Welding Inspector, Certified Welding Educator, or Certified Welding Sales Representative certificates, all issued by the American Welding Society, a non-profit organization with chapters nationwide.
Most entry-level welders usually attend the Certified Welder exam, which costs $35 for registration.
Salary and Job Outlook
Most welders in Pennsylvania earn around $46,070 yearly, the annual average salary for welders in the state. This figure is on par with the national average. Still, of course, it is possible to earn higher or lower depending on a few factors such as experience, location, certification, and specific establishment of employment.
Welders in Pennsylvania who earn the highest tend to take home an annual average salary of around $60,269. In contrast, those who fall into the bottom ten percent of earners earn an average yearly salary of $35,216.
Pittsburgh, Aston, and Philadelphia are the highest-paying cities for welders in Pennsylvania, with annual average salaries of $51,976, $51,960, and $49,473, respectively. Allentown and York are close with $48,376 and $48,702 in the average yearly wage.
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