How to Become a Welder in Kentucky (2025)
If you're looking for a direct path to a high-paying, hands-on career in Kentucky, becoming a certified Welder is one of the most solid choices you can make. The state's manufacturing and construction industries employ over 5,600 of these skilled professionals, who earn a median salary of $48,900 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This guide provides the definitive 5-step process for navigating Kentucky's training and certification requirements to launch your career building and repairing the world around us.
What About Licensing in Kentucky?
Kentucky does not require a state-issued license for general welders. However, the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction does issue licenses for specific trades that involve welding, such as HVAC and plumbing. For general structural welding, you are required to hold current AWS certifications relevant to the work you are doing.
Requirements to Become a Welder in Kentucky
To become a welder in Kentucky, you will need to meet certain education and legal requirements:
- Education: While a high school diploma or GED is typically sufficient for entry-level positions, obtaining formal training in welding can enhance your job prospects. Vocational schools, technical colleges, and community colleges offer welding programs that provide hands-on training and teach essential skills.
- Legal Requirements: Welders in Kentucky must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license. Additionally, some employers may require welders to pass a drug test and obtain specific certifications, such as the American Welding Society (AWS) certification.
Where Can I Find Welder Classes in Kentucky?
If you are looking for welding classes in Kentucky, Dreambound is the largest platform for students to find and compare vocational training programs. Dreambound offers a comprehensive list of welding training programs in Kentucky.
By visiting Dreambound's website, you can explore various welding classes available in your area. Dreambound makes it easy for aspiring welders to find the right program that suits their needs and preferences.
Remember, pursuing formal training and obtaining certifications can significantly enhance your career prospects as a welder in Kentucky. Start your journey by exploring the welding classes offered on Dreambound and take the first step towards a rewarding career in welding.
How long does it take to become a Welder?
Becoming a certified welder involves several steps with variable timelines based on the chosen training program and personal dedication. Most start with vocational training, which can range from a few weeks to several months and covers welding fundamentals and safety. Following this, gaining hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level jobs is crucial, with the duration depending on individual progress. Finally, to achieve certification, welders must pass a test that demonstrates proficiency in various techniques, such as stick, MIG, or TIG welding. Preparation and testing for certification typically take a few weeks to a few months.
Career Paths and Opportunities after Becoming a Welder
After becoming a certified welder, there are several career paths and opportunities available to you. Here are a few options to consider:
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Construction Industry: Many welders find employment in the construction industry, working on projects such as building bridges, pipelines, or high-rise buildings. In this field, you may be employed by construction companies, contractors, or subcontractors.
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Manufacturing Industry: The manufacturing industry also provides many job opportunities for welders. You may work in factories or plants, welding components for various products. This could include anything from automotive parts to aerospace components.
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Shipbuilding and Offshore Industry: If you are interested in working on large-scale projects, such as shipbuilding or offshore structures, this industry may be a good fit for you. Welders in this field are responsible for welding and fabricating the structural components of ships and offshore platforms.
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Specialized Welding: As you gain experience and expertise, you may choose to specialize in a specific area of welding. This could include underwater welding, which involves welding in submerged environments, or robotic welding, where you operate and program welding robots.
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Welding Inspection and Quality Control: Another career path to consider is becoming a welding inspector or quality control technician. In this role, you would be responsible for inspecting welds for quality and adherence to industry standards.
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Entrepreneurship: If you have the entrepreneurial spirit, you may choose to start your own welding business. This could involve offering welding services to clients or specializing in a specific type of welding or industry.
It is important to note that career opportunities may vary depending on your location and the demand for welders in your area. However, with the right skills, experience, and certifications, you will have a solid foundation to pursue a successful welding career.
How much does a Welder make?
The average salary for a welder can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $43,410 as of May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,860, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $64,240.
Starting salaries for welders can vary greatly. Entry-level welders with little to no experience may start at or near the lower end of the salary range. However, as they gain experience and develop their skills, their earning potential increases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does welding school cost in Kentucky?
A welding certificate program at a public technical college in Kentucky is very affordable, typically costing between $4,000 and $8,000 for the entire program, depending on the length and supplies needed.
Do I need a license to weld in Kentucky?
No, there is no general state license. However, most employers will require you to pass specific AWS certification tests to demonstrate your ability to perform the work required.
How much does a welder make an hour in Kentucky?
The median hourly wage for a welder in Kentucky is approximately $23.51 per hour, according to the latest BLS data from May 2024.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a certified welder opens up a world of opportunities in various industries. By completing a formal education and training program, gaining practical experience, and obtaining your welder certification, you will be well-equipped to start your career as a welder. Remember to continue learning and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in welding technology to remain competitive in the field. With dedication and hard work, you can build a successful and fulfilling career as a welder.
Dreambound offers a window into various career paths, so if you're considering a shift in your career, browse through these articles:
Blessed Joy Amarga is part of the Growth and Sales teams at Dreambound. She helps bring in new leads, increasing the number of people at the top of the sales funnel, and supporting the team in creating graphics to boost social media engagement. Blessed is also a Licensed Architect. Outside work, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places for her vlog.
