How to Become a Welder in California

Updated April 13, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents

So, you're thinking about becoming a welder in California? Good call. With booming industries like construction, aerospace, energy, and shipbuilding, California is one of the best states in the U.S. to start a welding career.

Whether you’re fresh out of high school, switching careers, or looking to build a hands-on trade, this guide walks you through how to become a certified welder in California — backed by the American Welding Society (AWS)1, the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS)2, and the U.S. Department of Labor3.

🔥 Do You Need a License to Be a Welder in California?

There’s no state-issued license for welders in California. However, certification is often required by employers, unions, and contractors — especially for structural, pipe, or high-pressure welds.

Requirement Description
AWS Certification Industry-standard certification recognized in all 50 states1
Union Membership Required for many apprenticeship and jobsite placements
Employer Training Often required before working on certain jobs or sites

"Most employers require welders to pass a performance-based test for certification from the American Welding Society (AWS)." — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics3

🧰 Step-by-Step: How to Become a Welder in California

1. Meet Basic Eligibility

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Pass a basic physical (vision, dexterity, stamina)
  • Be legally eligible to work in the U.S.

2. Complete a Welding Training Program

You don’t need a degree to become a welder, but formal training is strongly recommended — and often required by employers.

Training Option Duration Description
Trade School / College 6–18 months AWS-aligned certification prep
Apprenticeship 3–5 years Paid on-the-job training + classroom work
Military / Vocational Varies Welding offered in many military branches

"Approved programs prepare students for AWS and LA City certifications and are often a prerequisite for apprenticeships." — CA Dept. of Industrial Relations2

Top California Welding Schools:

  • Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
  • San Diego College of Continuing Education
  • Universal Technical Institute (Sacramento & Long Beach)
  • College of the Sequoias (Visalia)

3. Choose a Welding Certification Path

Welding isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your certification depends on the type of work you want to do.

Certification Type Description Certifying Body
AWS D1.1 Structural steel welding (most common) American Welding Society (AWS)1
LA City Welder License Required for structural welding in the City of L.A. Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)4
ASME Section IX Pressure vessels, boilers, pipe welding American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
API 1104 Pipeline welding in oil and gas American Petroleum Institute

4. Pass a Performance-Based Welding Test

Certification exams are hands-on performance tests, not written. You’ll be judged on the quality and safety of your welds.

  • AWS tests are typically offered at trade schools or accredited testing facilities
  • LA City license requires a test at an approved facility under LADBS supervision4
  • Many tests include flat, vertical, and overhead positions using different welding processes (SMAW, MIG, TIG, FCAW)

5. Apply for Jobs or Apprenticeships

Once certified, you can apply for entry-level jobs or union apprenticeships.

Job Types Description
Structural Welder Buildings, bridges, infrastructure
Pipefitter / Pipe Welder Oil, gas, HVAC, or industrial piping
Aerospace / Manufacturing Precision and TIG welding for aircraft, parts
Underwater Welder Specialized field with additional certifications

Union programs (like UA Local 250 or Local 393) offer paid apprenticeships, excellent benefits, and guaranteed wage increases.

💰 Estimated Cost Breakdown

Item Estimated Cost
Welding School / Program $2,000–$18,000
AWS Certification Exam ~$275–$1,000
LA City License Exam (if needed) ~$100–$200
PPE & Tools (helmet, gloves, etc.) $300–$800
Job Application / Apprenticeship Free – Varies
Total Startup Range $2,500–$20,000+

💵 Welder Salary & Job Outlook in California

Role Avg. Salary3 Job Outlook
Entry-Level Welder $40,000–$50,000 Growing
Experienced Welder $55,000–$70,000 Strong
Certified Pipe Welder $75,000–$90,000+ Very High

“California is one of the highest-paying states for welders, with high demand in shipbuilding, aerospace, utilities, and public infrastructure.” — U.S. BLS3

🔗 Related California Trade Careers

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to weld in California?
No state license is required, but most jobs require AWS or LA City certification.

How long does it take to become a welder?
Anywhere from 6 months (fast-track programs) to 3–5 years (full apprenticeship).

Is welding a good career in California?
Yes. Welders in California earn high wages and enjoy diverse work across multiple industries.

Can I get financial aid for welding school?
Yes. Many welding programs accept Pell Grants, FAFSA, veteran benefits, and WIOA funding.

📚 Citations

  1. American Welding Society (AWS) – Certification Overview: https://www.aws.org ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. California Division of Apprenticeship Standards – Welding Apprenticeships: https://www.dir.ca.gov/databases/das ↩ ↩

  3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) – Licensed Welders: https://www.ladbs.org ↩ ↩

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.