Many have found a rewarding and fulfilling career in welding. And thanks to an optimistic growth projection for the upcoming decade, it is inevitable that many more will.
If you are a resident of Texas that would like to pursue a career in this field and enjoy the numerous benefits that welders in the state want, this is the perfect place to start.
Below we provide an in-depth guide containing the steps involved in starting a career as a welder in Texas, the state licensure and certification requirements, top training programs, and the potential salary based on different criteria.
How to Become a Welder in Texas
To become a welder in Texas, aspiring candidates must follow the steps below.
Step 1: Understand the Different Specializations
Welding is a broad term; welders carry out different duties using different techniques. Generally, the most common types of welding include Arc, MIG, TiG, and oxy-acetylene welding, among a handful of others.
Step 2: Have your High School Diploma or GED
Once you know which kind of welding specialization you would like to go for, the next thing to do is to fulfill the basic educational requirements needed for that specialty.
Most training programs will ask for your high school diploma or GED before you can enroll.
It also pays to have experience in mathematics and geometry.
Step 3: Enroll in a Training Program
Trade schools and community colleges all over the state offer welding programs. Some can last up to two years, while others can be completed in 10 months.
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in welding is also possible, which can take up to four years to complete.
Step 4: On-the-Job Training
Welders can obtain real-world, hands-on experience through an apprenticeship program. These programs are valuable in teaching future welders what to expect on the job in a real-world scenario.
Welders who have undergone a training program and apprenticeship usually need help securing high-paying employment.
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Top Welder Schools in Texas
Below are some of Texas’s most noteworthy welder schools offering comprehensive education with a high graduate success rate.
1. Texas State Technical College
Texas State Technology College is usually one of the first options to pop up on any list of Texas’s best welding training programs. With multiple campuses across the state, students get enough flexibility and can even choose between numerous programs, such as the associate of applied science degree program and multiple certificate programs.
Graduates also qualify to sit for the AWS-certified welder exam.
2. Arclabs Welding School
Arclabs Welding School offers a highly streamlined welding program with fast completion time and comprehensive coursework.
One of the things that separate the school from the rest is that they prioritize intense hands-on training complemented by rigorous classroom sessions.
Training can be completed in 6 months for those who can keep up and follow instructions. Others may have to spend a few more months before they can graduate.
Notable Mentions
Other notable destinations for acquiring high-level welding training in Texas include South Coast Welding Academy, Lone Star College, Griffin’s Industrial Welding School, and Lincoln Tech. All of these options offer straightforward paths to employment and possible certification.
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Licensure and Certification Requirements
Most states in the US require welders to have a license before they can practice, and Texas is no different. However, to be a licensed welder in Texas, you have to be certified by the American Welding Society (AWS).
The American Welding Society is a popular welding organization known to create standards for welders nationwide. The organization offers numerous certifications, including the Certified Welder, Certified Welding Inspector, Certified Welding Educator, Certified Welding Supervisor, and Senior Welding Inspector credentials.
The particular certification of interest at this point in a welder’s career is the Certified Welder credential which is performance-based. Aspiring welders must take a test at an accredited testing facility to earn this certification.
Salary & Job Outlook
Aspiring welders in Texas can look forward to an annual average salary of $45,135 once they are in the middle of their careers. Starting, they will earn an average yearly wage closer to $31,049, while those who have spent a significant amount of time on the job can make as high as $65,613.
The highest-paying city for welders in Texas is Odessa, with an annual average salary of $53,488. Welders in Midland earn $52,946 on average yearly, while those in Houston earn $48,695 annually.
San Antonio and Bowman round out the top five highest-paying cities for welders in Texas, with annual average salaries of $47,213 and $45,968.
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