Welding Schools in Tennessee

All aspiring welders in Tennessee must consider some important requirements before they begin their careers. While technically, individuals can start a career without meeting all these requirements, doing so ensures a smoother and more straightforward journey with a better potential for higher salary and career growth.

This article aims to introduce candidates to all of these requirements and more.

We begin with the basic educational, training, and licensure/certification requirements. Then, we move on to the top training programs in the state for candidates to consider and the salary range to expect for specific locations and experience levels.

How to Become a Welder in Tennessee

The following are the requirements to start a successful welding career in Tennessee.

Basic Requirements

Aspiring welders in Tennessee must meet the basic requirements leading up to actual skills acquisition. The first point of focus here should be physical fitness and sound health.

From there, candidates can concern themselves with the basic educational requirements, which are the possession of a high school diploma/GED and proficiency in basic mathematics and physics.

Academic Training

Academic training prepares individuals for welding careers through classroom and laboratory training. Most community colleges and trade schools in the state offer such programs, some of which we will be examining below.

Candidates looking to acquire welding training from an academic destination may also choose between certificate programs lasting for a few months and associate degree programs lasting for a few years.

On-the-Job Training

Instead of attending a community college, aspiring welders in Tennessee may simply enroll in an apprenticeship program. They will still have to meet the basic requirements above, but they will focus more on hands-on training in real-world work environments.

Some apprenticeship programs may offer candidates a stipend for their efforts and possible job placement assistance upon graduation.

Preparing for Certification

To prepare for their careers and enjoy professional opportunities such as networking and continuing education, welders in Tennessee are often advised to pursue certification.

They may apply for any of the options we discuss below.

Explore Trades with Similar Paths:

• Become a truck driver in Tennessee

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Tennessee remains among the states where welders are not expected to acquire specific certifications and licenses before they start working professionally. Despite this, most employers will gravitate towards certified candidates because they show commitment to the field and because it verifies expertise.

The most notable professional organization offering nationally-recognized credentials for welders in Tennessee is the American Welding Society. The organization offers credentials in several specialty areas through an examination comprising written and practical skills demonstration.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers also offers respected credentials through the same approach. This option is especially appealing for welders who work with piping systems, boilers, and pressure vessels.

Top Welding Schools in Tennessee

Below are some of Tennessee’s most prominent training programs for aspiring welders.

Explore Welding Schools in Tennessee by City:

• Welding Schools in Nashville

Salary & Career Outlook

In Tennessee, the average salary for welders among the midpoint is $43,901. The annual average salary for those among the bottom 10% is $33,704, while the annual average salary for those among the top 10% is $58,271.

Those on the lower end of the spectrum looking to move on to the higher end may optimize factors such as location, certification, experience, and company of employment.

Sorting only by their location within the state, we find that welders in Dyersburg are the highest-paid in the entire state, with an annual average salary of $52,170. They are followed by welders in Columbia and Dickson with annual average salaries of $51,578 and $49,589, respectively.

Welders in Chattanooga and La Vergne are among the top five, with annual average salaries of $46,442 and $46,175, respectively.