Welder in Georgia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for GA
How to Become a Welder in Georgia
While Georgia does not require a state license for welders, industry-recognized certifications are crucial for employment. The American Welding Society (AWS) offers the most widely accepted certifications, such as the AWS Certified Welder (CW), which requires passing a performance-based test. For those working on structural steel for the Georgia Department of Transportation, a specific GDOT Field Welder Certification is necessary, obtained by passing their qualification test. AWS certifications generally require maintenance every six months through continued welding activity or retesting.
Welder Requirements in Georgia
| Detail | Georgia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | American Welding Society (AWS) for general certification; Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for Field Welder Certification |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | High school diploma or GED recommended; formal welding training program often preferred by employers. |
| Exam | AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance qualification test; GDOT Field Welder qualification test ($35) |
| Renewal | Every 0.5 year |
| Notes | Georgia does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders. Certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and often required by employers. For welding on structural steel components for the Georgia Department of Transportation, a specific GDOT Field Welder Certification is required. AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance tests must be maintained every 6 months through continued welding activity or retesting. ASME Section IX certification is required nationwide for welding on boilers and pressure vessels. |
Welder Salary in Georgia
The median welder salary in Georgia is $48,000 per year, which is 5.9% below the national median of $51,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $37,160 |
| 25th | $41,480 |
| 50th (median) | $48,000 |
| 75th | $56,400 |
| 90th (experienced) | $64,750 |
Georgia employs approximately 14,030 welders.
Welder Job Outlook
AI Impact on Welders
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.20/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Welder in Georgia Worth It?
Factors to consider: Georgia's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.