How to Become a Welder in Texas

Updated April 13, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents

Thinking about becoming a welder in Texas? Smart move. From oil pipelines and skyscrapers to shipping yards and solar farms, welders are the backbone of Texas infrastructure — and employers are always hiring.

This guide breaks down exactly how to become a certified welder in Texas, step by step. We’ll cover training, certifications, career paths, and salary expectations — all backed by official sources like the American Welding Society (AWS)1, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)2, and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)3.

🔧 Do You Need a License to Weld in Texas?

Texas does not require a state license to work as a welder, but most employers require one or more industry-recognized welding certifications.

Credential Type Required By Notes
AWS Certification (D1.1) Most employers Structural, pipe, fabrication
ASME Section IX Industrial jobs Boilers, pressure vessels
TxDOT Welding Cert Government work Required for TxDOT bridge/highway projects2

“To weld on TxDOT bridge structures, you must hold an active AWS or TxDOT-approved certification.” — TxDOT Bridge Division2

🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Become a Welder in Texas

1. Meet Basic Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • High school diploma or GED (recommended)
  • Be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Able to pass a physical (good vision, coordination, stamina)

2. Enroll in a Welding Program or Apprenticeship

You don’t need a degree, but you’ll need formal training to pass welding tests and get hired.

Path Duration Description
Trade School / College 6–18 months Fastest route to AWS certification
Union or Employer Apprenticeship 3–5 years Paid, on-the-job + classroom hours
Military / Vocational Varies Welding is common in military training

“Students in approved programs may graduate ready to test for AWS or ASME welding certifications.” — Texas Workforce Commission4

Popular Welding Schools in Texas:

  • Lone Star College – Houston
  • South Texas College – McAllen
  • TSTC – Waco, Harlingen, and Marshall
  • Texas Welding Academy – Houston
  • Arlington Career Institute – Dallas–Fort Worth Area

3. Get Certified by AWS or an Accredited Testing Center

Texas employers expect certified welders. Your training program usually prepares you to pass:

Certification Type Use Case
AWS D1.1 Structural welding (most common)
AWS D1.3 Sheet steel welding
ASME Section IX Pressure vessels, boilers, pipe welds
API 1104 Pipeline welding (oil & gas)
LA City Certification Optional (for multi-state jobs)

AWS tests are performance-based and often held at welding schools or authorized test facilities. You’ll weld coupons in different positions and materials — no multiple-choice test required1.

4. Find a Job or Start an Apprenticeship

Once certified, you're ready to apply for:

Role Type Description
Structural Welder Buildings, bridges, frames
Pipe Welder Industrial piping, HVAC, oil rigs
Fabrication Welder Manufacturing, machinery, railcars
Underwater Welder Requires dive certification; rare & high-paying

Union shops (e.g., UA Local 100, Ironworkers Local 66) offer structured pay scales and benefits. Non-union employers hire too — especially in oil, construction, and manufacturing.

💵 Estimated Cost Breakdown

Item Estimated Cost
Welding Training Program $2,000–$15,000
AWS Certification Exam ~$275–$1,000
Tools & PPE $300–$800
Job Placement or Licensing Fees Free–$200
Continuing Education (Optional) $100–$500/year
Total Startup Range $2,500–$17,500+

💰 Welder Salary & Job Outlook in Texas

Role Avg. Salary3 Demand Level
Entry-Level Welder $40,000–$50,000 High
Experienced Welder $55,000–$70,000 Very High
Pipe/Industrial Welder $75,000–$100,000+ Excellent

“Texas employs more welders than any other state — and pays above the national average, especially in energy, aerospace, and heavy manufacturing.” — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics3

🔗 Other Texas Trade Careers

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to be a welder in Texas?
No — Texas does not issue a welding license. However, nearly all welding jobs require AWS or similar certification.

How long does it take to become a welder?
Trade school programs can take 6–12 months. Apprenticeships and advanced certs take 2–5 years depending on your path.

Is welding a good career in Texas?
Absolutely. Texas is one of the best states for welders — high demand, high pay, and job stability across many industries.

Can I get financial aid for welding school?
Yes. Most welding programs in Texas accept FAFSA, GI Bill, and WIOA career funding.

📚 Citations

  1. American Welding Society – Certification Overview: https://www.aws.org/certification ↩ ↩

  2. Texas Department of Transportation – Welder Certification: https://www.txdot.gov ↩ ↩ ↩

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

  4. Texas Workforce Commission – Career Training Programs: https://www.twc.texas.gov ↩

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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.