Welding Schools in Wisconsin

An aspiring welder in Wisconsin needs to become familiar with the steps involved in the journey as quickly as possible. This way, they will not only be able to plan and make better decisions when the time comes, but they will also be able to do what is expected of them with utmost confidence.

To that end, we have provided below a comprehensive guide detailing the steps an interested candidate must pass through to become a welder in Wisconsin. We examine the steps before shedding further on the specific certification/licensure requirements.

Candidates will also be glad to discover other important information, including possible training destinations for a complete education and salary projections based on various points of a welding career in Wisconsin.

How to Become a Welder in Wisconsin

Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the key requirements to become a welder in Wisconsin.

Basic Requirements

Typically, a welder in Wisconsin is usually someone with a high school diploma or GED. This is because either of these is needed for enrollment into a training program.

While not a requirement, candidates are also encouraged to become familiar with possible specialty areas such as SMAW and GTAW before starting their training programs.

Academic Training

Individuals who love learning in classroom environments usually receive welding training at academic destinations such as trade schools and community colleges. Here, they will acquire the skills needed to secure entry-level employment or opportunities for further learning on the job.

Welding training programs may lead to a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. While certificate programs can be completed within a few months or a year, associate degree programs take two years. Bachelor’s degree programs last for 4 years.

Apprenticeship Training

Candidates who want to avoid acquiring academic welding training in Wisconsin may opt for an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship welding training is an “on-the-job” training arrangement where candidates learn the skills to secure employment in real-world situations.

Students may also be expected to participate in classroom sessions, depending on the program. An apprenticeship welding program may require up to 4 years of training.

Explore Trades with Similar Paths:

• Become an auto mechanic in Wisconsin

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Welders in Wisconsin are only expected to obtain a license or certification from the government in one circumstance, which is when it comes to structural welding. To perform structural welding practices, candidates must obtain a license by passing a state certification test.

Candidates may also want to pursue additional professional certifications to give themselves an edge over the competition in the employment market.

The American Welding Society is the major welding organization that creates standards for welders nationwide. The AWS offers numerous certifications, including the Certified Welding Supervisor, Certified Welding Inspector, Senior Welding Inspector, and Certified Welding Educator credentials.

The particular certification of interest for fresh welders in Wisconsin is the Certified Welder credential, which is performance-based. To obtain this certification, candidates must pass a test at an accredited facility.

Top Welding Schools in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s best and most notable welding training programs are the following.

Explore Welding Schools in Wisconsin by City:

• Welding Schools in Milwaukee

Salary & Career Outlook

As an aspiring welder in Wisconsin, you may look forward to earning an annual average salary of $49,669. This is usually the most common figure for candidates who have gotten to what may be referred to as the midpoint of their careers.

Starting, though, they may expect to earn an annual average salary closer to $37,970, while those who have spent a significant amount of time on the job can earn as high as $64,974 (the top 10%).

The highest-paying city for welders in Wisconsin is Hartford, with an annual average salary of $55,904. Welders in Oshkosh earn $54,519, on average, every year, while those in Fox Lake earn an average salary of $54,312 annually.

Fond du Lac and Milwaukee are also part of the top five highest-paying cities to practice as a welder in Wisconsin. Professionals here typically take home annual average salaries of around $51,776 and $50,458 respectively.