How to Become a Welder in Pennsylvania (2026)
Pennsylvania employs about 17,850 welders earning a median $52,900 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). No statewide license is required; most welders train through a certificate program and earn an industry certification before employers will hire them.
Compare Welder Schools in Pennsylvania
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welder Training and Testing Institute | 71.9 | Contact school for pricing | $56,121 | 85% | — | 49 mi |
| 2 | Burlington County Institute of Technology-Adult Education | 61.2 | Contact school for pricing | Not reported | 84% | — | 19 mi |
Sponsored Ad | |||||||
| 3 | Ocean County Vocational-Technical School | 59.5 | Contact school for pricing | $42,510 | 65% | — | 52 mi |
| 4 | Camden County College | 55.1 | $4,320 in-state / $4,416 out-of-state | $55,466 | 31% | Yes* | 13 mi |
Sponsored Ad | |||||||
| 5 | Northampton County Area Community College | 50.3 | $5,550 in-state / $15,270 out-of-state | $49,408 | 24% | Yes* | 51 mi |
| 6 | Delaware County Community College | 50.1 | $6,930 in-state / $15,540 out-of-state | $56,647 | 24% | Yes* | 12 mi |
Sponsored Ad | |||||||
| 7 | Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc | 49.1 | Contact school for pricing | $57,080 | 63% | — | 25 mi |
| 8 | All-State Career School | 41.9 | Contact school for pricing | $48,534 | 53% | — | 9 mi |
Sponsored Ad | |||||||
| 9 | Philadelphia Technician Training | 19.7 | Contact school for pricing | $33,267 | 50% | — | 8 mi |
| 10 | Triangle Tech Inc-Bethlehem | Not rated | Contact school for pricing | $55,189 | 77% | — | 50 mi |
Sponsored Ad | |||||||
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Pennsylvania employs approximately 17,850 welders according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $52,900 1. 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 Pennsylvania, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Pennsylvania): $52,900 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Welder in Pennsylvania
How to become a Welder in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania 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 into the welder field take 1 to 5 years, depending on whether you complete a trade school program, a registered apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Pennsylvania? 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 Pennsylvania? The median annual wage for welders in Pennsylvania is $52,900 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $40,510 and experienced professionals can earn $74,870 or more 1.
How to Become a Welder in Pennsylvania
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Pennsylvania training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an approved trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Pennsylvania that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Earn an industry certification. While Pennsylvania does not require a statewide license, earn AWS Certified Welder (CW) to meet employer expectations and improve hiring prospects.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Welder Certification Options in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania for details on certification preparation courses.
Welder Apprenticeship Information in Pennsylvania
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Pennsylvania’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Pennsylvania of Labor and Industry - Registered Apprenticeship 4.
Contact Information:
- Office: Apprenticeship and Training Office, PA Department of Labor and Industry
- Address: 1301 Labor and Industry Building, Harrisburg, PA 17121
- Phone: (800) 932-0665
- Email: [email protected]
Welder Wages by Metro Area in Pennsylvania
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Wages by Metro Area in Pennsylvania
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers wages in Pennsylvania vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | 4,630 | $58,380 | $60,650 | $44,430 | $79,960 |
| Pittsburgh | 3,600 | $53,610 | $57,520 | $43,280 | $75,780 |
| Lancaster | 1,270 | $54,370 | $56,020 | $41,480 | $73,900 |
| Reading | 870 | $54,840 | $54,910 | $42,320 | $70,720 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | 860 | $54,790 | $56,650 | $43,720 | $74,820 |
| Erie | 740 | $49,180 | $54,860 | $38,580 | $83,450 |
| York-Hanover | 730 | $55,070 | $56,170 | $41,600 | $73,860 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre | 560 | $49,090 | $54,100 | $40,110 | $72,420 |
| Chambersburg | 510 | $53,340 | $56,580 | $43,100 | $71,650 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | 420 | $52,330 | $56,470 | $39,780 | $74,430 |
| Lebanon | 250 | $50,920 | $53,300 | $38,900 | $65,600 |
| Altoona | 170 | $51,540 | $52,880 | $38,790 | $63,460 |
| Johnstown | 170 | $46,780 | $47,730 | $38,160 | $62,490 |
| Williamsport | 160 | $48,130 | $52,920 | $37,980 | $69,390 |
| State College | 140 | $51,030 | $50,810 | $36,560 | $64,950 |
| Gettysburg | 110 | $49,010 | $53,440 | $37,710 | $73,010 |
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 .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for welders in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania currently employs approximately 17,850 welders 1. Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2.2% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Pennsylvania? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Pennsylvania. You can also contact the Pennsylvania of Labor and Industry - Registered Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do welders earn in Pennsylvania compared to the national average? The median annual wage for welders in Pennsylvania is $52,900, which is $1,900 above the national median of $51,000 according to BLS data 1.
Related guides
In Pennsylvania
Top local programs
- Best Welding Schools in Allentown, Pennsylvania (2026)
- Best Welding Schools in Altoona, Pennsylvania (2026)
- Best Welding Schools in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania (2026)
- Best Welding Schools in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (2026)
- Best Welding Schools in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania (2026)
- Best Welding Schools in Butler, Pennsylvania (2026)
- Best Welding Schools in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania (2026)
- Best Welding Schools in Chester, Pennsylvania (2026)
- Best Welding Schools in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania (2026)
- Best Welding Schools in Easton, Pennsylvania (2026)
- Best Welding Schools in Erie, Pennsylvania (2026)
- Best Welding Schools in Hanover, Pennsylvania (2026)
Related trades & nearby areas
- Best Carpenter Schools in Pennsylvania (2026)
- Best Electrician Schools in Pennsylvania
- Best HVAC Schools in Pennsylvania (2026)
- Best Plumber Schools in Pennsylvania
- Best Plumbing Schools in Pennsylvania (2026)
- Best Welder Schools in Delaware
Explore More Trades in Pennsylvania
- Electrician in Pennsylvania
- Plumber in Pennsylvania
- HVAC Technician in Pennsylvania
- Carpenter in Pennsylvania
- Solar Installation Technician in Pennsylvania
- Auto Mechanic in Pennsylvania
- CNC Machinist in Pennsylvania
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Pennsylvania
- Medical Assistant in Pennsylvania
- Massage Therapist in Pennsylvania
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/ ↩︎
Pennsylvania of Labor and Industry - Registered Apprenticeship: 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) |