How to Become A Welder in Kentucky
Kentucky employs approximately 6,630 welders according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $51,470 1. The state’s concentration of welder jobs is 1.24x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 45,600 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a welder in Kentucky, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Welder in Kentucky
How do I become a welder in Kentucky? Kentucky does not require a state license for welders, but employers typically expect industry certifications such as AWS Certified Welder (CW) and OSHA 10/30 Safety Certification. Complete a training program to prepare.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Kentucky? No state license is required, but certifications such as AWS Certified Welder (CW) and OSHA 10/30 Safety Certification are expected by most employers.
What do welders earn in Kentucky? The median annual wage for welders in Kentucky is $51,470 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $39,300 and experienced professionals can earn $69,010 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Kentucky): $51,470 per year 1
Welder Certification Options in Kentucky
Kentucky does not require a state license to work as a welder. However, industry certifications can strengthen your resume and may be required by employers.
Common certifications for welders include:
- AWS Certified Welder (CW)
- OSHA 10/30 Safety Certification
For more information, visit the American Welding Society (AWS) 3. Contact training programs in Kentucky for details on certification preparation courses.
Welder Apprenticeship Information in Kentucky
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Kentucky’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Kentucky Office of Apprenticeship and Training 4.
Contact Information:
- Office: Office of Employer and Apprenticeship Services
- Address: 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40601
- Phone: (502) 564-5920
- Email: [email protected]
Welder Wages by Metro Area in Kentucky
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Wages by Metro Area in Kentucky
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers wages in Kentucky vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati | 3,160 | $51,990 | $55,730 | $39,460 | $73,970 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County | 1,790 | $50,870 | $54,800 | $41,070 | $70,360 |
| Elizabethtown | 660 | $59,900 | $58,450 | $48,960 | $71,100 |
| Huntington-Ashland | 550 | $46,980 | $51,010 | $36,780 | $71,310 |
| Clarksville | 490 | $52,970 | $53,180 | $40,280 | $62,500 |
| Lexington-Fayette | 480 | $53,680 | $55,020 | $40,170 | $66,300 |
| Owensboro | 410 | $51,700 | $50,690 | $40,160 | $60,170 |
| Bowling Green | 400 | $53,630 | $52,110 | $42,710 | $59,820 |
| Paducah | 310 | $48,560 | $52,270 | $39,300 | $66,580 |
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.
Top Metros for Welders in Kentucky
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest welder employment within Kentucky according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County | 1,790 | $50,870 |
| Elizabethtown | 660 | $59,900 |
| Lexington-Fayette | 480 | $53,680 |
| Owensboro | 410 | $51,700 |
| Bowling Green | 400 | $53,630 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for welders in Kentucky? Kentucky currently employs approximately 6,630 welders 1. Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2.2% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Kentucky? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Kentucky. You can also contact the Kentucky Office of Apprenticeship and Training for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do welders earn in Kentucky compared to the national average? The median annual wage for welders in Kentucky is $51,470, which is $470 above the national median of $51,000 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
American Welding Society (AWS): https://www.aws.org/certification/ ↩︎
Kentucky Office of Apprenticeship and Training: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |