How to Become a Certified Welder in California
So, you’re Thinking about how to become 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.
Quick answers
Do you need a welding license in California?
California does not issue a state welder license. Most employers require a welding certification (often AWS), and some jobs require a local credential like the LA City welder license.
How long does it take to become a welder in California?
Trade school or college training is typically 6 to 18 months. Apprenticeships are typically 3 to 5 years.
Which welding certifications are common in California?
This page covers AWS D1.1, the LA City welder license, ASME Section IX, and API 1104. The right credential depends on the type of welding work you want to do.
Are welding certifications written tests or hands-on tests?
The certification exams described here are hands-on, performance-based welding tests. You are judged on weld quality and safety, not a written exam.
How much does it cost to get started?
The estimated startup range on this page is $2,500 to $20,000+, depending on your training path, exam fees, and tools.
What kinds of welding jobs can you pursue after certification?
Examples on this page include structural welding, pipe welding, aerospace and manufacturing work, and underwater welding (with additional certifications).
At a glance
- California does not issue a state welder license; certification is commonly required by employers.
- Training paths include trade school or college (6 to 18 months) and apprenticeships (3 to 5 years).
- Common credentials include AWS D1.1 and, for structural work in Los Angeles, the LA City welder license.
- Certification tests are performance-based and offered through schools or approved testing facilities.
- Estimated startup costs on this page range from $2,500 to $20,000+.
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 standardized wage increases per contract.
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 Wages by Metro Area in California
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Wages by Metro Area in California
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers wages in California vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | 7,850 | $56,160 | $60,120 | $44,530 | $79,870 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | 3,810 | $52,050 | $57,320 | $43,970 | $76,410 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | 2,940 | $62,560 | $65,350 | $46,700 | $82,470 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | 1,990 | $64,320 | $70,680 | $48,010 | $99,930 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | 1,530 | $57,290 | $60,940 | $47,220 | $79,950 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | 1,050 | $64,140 | $69,120 | $49,130 | $92,310 |
| Fresno | 950 | $50,550 | $55,810 | $42,850 | $73,730 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | 800 | $57,360 | $58,650 | $38,020 | $78,710 |
| Stockton-Lodi | 740 | $51,480 | $56,900 | $41,600 | $74,280 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | 580 | $54,560 | $58,550 | $40,690 | $80,120 |
| Modesto | 450 | $52,590 | $57,620 | $42,850 | $75,670 |
| Visalia | 350 | $46,850 | $51,310 | $37,440 | $71,960 |
| Merced | 310 | $50,340 | $52,470 | $43,330 | $62,530 |
| Vallejo | 280 | $63,860 | $68,110 | $46,550 | $87,730 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | 260 | $56,720 | $61,320 | $46,260 | $85,900 |
| Salinas | 200 | $58,240 | $61,120 | $39,920 | $89,330 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | 180 | $53,280 | $59,220 | $42,240 | $81,070 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | 170 | $52,800 | $59,170 | $40,730 | $80,090 |
| Chico | 160 | $48,740 | $53,120 | $39,520 | $67,040 |
| Redding | 100 | $52,450 | $56,980 | $39,070 | $77,860 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | 90 | $50,840 | $58,570 | $40,080 | $81,580 |
| Yuba City | 90 | $51,040 | $59,610 | $38,700 | $93,950 |
| El Centro | 70 | $58,350 | $60,400 | $38,280 | $90,930 |
| Napa | 70 | $62,890 | $67,150 | $44,580 | $87,480 |
| Hanford-Corcoran | 60 | $47,520 | $53,050 | $41,850 | $76,470 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Related California Trade Careers
- Electrician in California
- Plumber in California
- HVAC Technician in California
- Solar Installer in California
- Carpenter in California
More welding resources
- Welder Programs Near You
- How to Become a Welder
- How to Get EPA Section 608 Certified (2026 Guide)
- Skilled Trade Salary Comparison (2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to weld in California?
No state license is required, but many jobs require AWS certification or a local credential such as the LA City welder license.
How long does it take to become a welder?
Trade school or college programs are typically 6 to 18 months. Apprenticeships are typically 3 to 5 years.
Which certification should I choose?
It depends on the work you want to do. Common options on this page include AWS D1.1 (structural steel), the LA City welder license (City of Los Angeles structural work), ASME Section IX (pressure vessels and pipe), and API 1104 (pipelines).
Where can I take a welding certification test?
AWS tests are typically offered at trade schools or accredited testing facilities. The LA City license requires testing at an approved facility under LADBS supervision.
How much does it cost to become a welder in California?
The cost breakdown on this page estimates a total startup range of $2,500 to $20,000+, including training, exams, and basic PPE and tools.
Citations
American Welding Society (AWS) - Certification Overview: https://www.aws.org ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
California Division of Apprenticeship Standards - Welding Apprenticeships: https://www.dir.ca.gov/databases/das ↩︎ ↩︎
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm ↩︎ ↩︎
Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) - Licensed Welders: https://www.ladbs.org
↩︎ ↩︎Welder Salary in U.S.
Median Salary $53,750 $25.84/hrAverage Salary $56,760 $27.29/hrSalary Range
$39,240 10th pctl$53,750 Median$77,530 90th pctl10th Percentile $39,240 $18.87/hr25th Percentile $46,790 $22.50/hr75th Percentile $63,010 $30.29/hr90th Percentile $77,530 $37.28/hrEmployment & Outlook
Total Employed416,210Growth (2024-2034)2.2%Annual Openings45,600Jobs per 1,0002.7
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/.