Welding Schools in West Virginia

The extensive guide on this page was created to help residents of West Virginia familiarize themselves with the steps needed to become thriving welders in the state. By consuming the resources here, candidates will be as well-prepared as possible for their prospective career journey and be able to handle any kind of challenge that may arise along the way.

More specifically, the guide provides a step-by-step analysis of the requirements involved in becoming a welder in West Virginia. It reveals the different kinds of educational arrangements that candidates need to be as well-rounded as possible.

It also explores the licensing and certification requirements, the relevant institutions with high-quality programs, and the salary outlook.

How to Become a Welder in West Virginia

The following is a step-by-step overview of becoming a successful welder in West Virginia.

Academic Education

Although formal education from an academic program is not compulsory for an aspiring welder in West Virginia, it is still a common approach to starting a career in the state, thanks to some unique benefits that those who choose this approach enjoy.

Formal education from a community college or vocational school includes awards and certificates or associate degrees. It includes extensive classroom instruction, laboratory and workshop training, and possible job placement assistance.

On-the-Job Training

West Virginia residents can escape academic education and instead choose to begin their careers by participating in “on-the-job” training. Apprenticeship programs and potential employers are the most popular sources of this form of education.

Some benefits of this approach include real-world familiarity, mentorship opportunities, and the potential to earn a salary during the latter training stages.

Specialization & Job Placement

During real-world training, candidates may choose a particular specialty area and prefer to work in specific industries, such as construction and aerospace.

It is also advisable for candidates in West Virginia to consider welding certification for career growth.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Become an auto mechanic in West Virginia

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The main requirements for becoming a professional welder in West Virginia are as follows: Residents don’t need to worry about state registration or licensing before they can start working legally.

However, candidates are still advised to pursue certification anyway because it is a veritable way to stand out regarding job placement. Furthermore, certification can help candidates network with other certified professionals and carve out career opportunities even after securing employment.

Currently, most welders pursuing certification in West Virginia turn to the American Welding Society. Before being certified, they must choose a particular credential, and several options exist.

For instance, the society issues the Certified Welder credential for fresh candidates, the Certified Welding Inspector credential for inspectors, the Certified Welding Supervisor credential for supervisors, and the Certified Welding Educator credential for educators.

Top Welding Schools in West Virginia

The schools below offer high-quality welding training programs for candidates in West Virginia.

Explore welding schools in West Virginia by city:

• Welding schools in Charleston

Salary & Career Outlook

Both practicing and prospective welders in West Virginia will be glad to know that the projections for the future are very promising. Data revealed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that in the coming 10 years, the employment rate for welders will increase by 2% every year.

Without looking too far ahead, welders in West Virginia manage an annual average salary of $30,743 if they are among the bottom 10% and an annual average salary of $42,739 if they are among the median earners. However, candidates in the state can ultimately work on several factors to increase their yearly earnings to the figure of the top 10%.

This figure of $59,415 can be attained by those with experience, professional credentials, and lucrative specialty, among other factors. A welder’s location in West Virginia will also influence their annual earnings.

At present, Martinsburg is the best city in the state to work as a welder, thanks to its annual average salary of $52,195. Another notable mention is Morgantown, where welders earn an annual average salary of $48,485.