Best Welder Schools in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Quick Facts
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| State median annual wage | $52,900 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| State employment | 17,850 workers | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| State location quotient | 1.10 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| State unemployment rate | 3.8% | BLS LAUS (2024) |
Top Cities for Welder Training in Pennsylvania
The cities below have the highest concentration of welder training programs and population centers within Pennsylvania. Click through for school listings near each:
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Lancaster, Pennsylvania
- Reading, Pennsylvania
- Allentown, Pennsylvania
- Erie, Pennsylvania
- York, Pennsylvania
- Scranton, Pennsylvania
- Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Steps to Become a Licensed Welder in Pennsylvania
- Choose an accredited training path. Options typically include trade schools, community colleges, and registered apprenticeships.
- Complete the required classroom instruction in code, safety, and trade theory.
- Log on-the-job training hours under a licensed or experienced professional.
- Pass the state or local licensing exam where required.
- Apply for licensure or certification, then maintain it through continuing education as required.
Specific welder licensing rules vary in Pennsylvania; verify current requirements with the relevant state agency before enrolling.
State Wage and Employment
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports approximately 17,850 welders working in Pennsylvania as of May 2025, earning a median annual wage of approximately $52,900 (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025). Pennsylvania’s location quotient of 1.10 indicates jobs in this trade are more concentrated than the national average (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Apprenticeships in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, registered apprenticeships are listed through the Pennsylvania of Labor and Industry - Registered Apprenticeship (CareerOneStop, U.S. Department of Labor). Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, typically over 3 to 5 years. American Welding Society (AWS) certifications are widely recognized; Ironworkers, Boilermakers, and UA locals run welder apprenticeships.
Find Welder Programs Across Pennsylvania
The cities below have local welder program directories. Click any city to compare schools nearby:
- Allentown, Pennsylvania
- Altoona, Pennsylvania
- Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
- Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
- Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
- Butler, Pennsylvania
- Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
- Chester, Pennsylvania
- East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
- Easton, Pennsylvania
- Erie, Pennsylvania
- Hanover, Pennsylvania
- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- Hazleton, Pennsylvania
- Indiana, Pennsylvania
- Johnstown, Pennsylvania
- Lancaster, Pennsylvania
- Lebanon, Pennsylvania
- Lewistown, Pennsylvania
- Meadville, Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Do welders need a license in Pennsylvania?
Licensing requirements for welders vary across Pennsylvania. CareerOneStop and the relevant state agency publish current credential lists; verify scope and exam rules before applying.
How long does welder training take in Pennsylvania?
Typical certificate programs run 6 to 12 months, associate degrees take about 2 years, and registered apprenticeships generally last 3 to 5 years while paying on-the-job wages.
What is the median wage for welders in Pennsylvania?
BLS reports a median annual wage of approximately $52,900 for this occupation in Pennsylvania (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Wages vary by experience, employer, and metro area.
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.