Welder in Kentucky
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for KY
How to Become a Welder in Kentucky
To become a welder in Kentucky, individuals do not need a general state-issued license; however, certifications are crucial for employment. The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction oversees regulations for specific trades involving welding, such as boiler and pressure vessel work, which requires ASME Section IX certification. Aspiring welders typically complete vocational training or apprenticeships and must pass performance qualification tests, such as those offered by the American Welding Society (AWS), to demonstrate their skills.
Welder Requirements in Kentucky
| Detail | Kentucky |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | No formal education is required, but vocational training or an apprenticeship is recommended. Welders must pass a performance qualification test. |
| Exam | Performance qualification test (e.g., AWS Certified Welder, ASME Section IX for boilers/pressure vessels) ($35) |
| Notes | Kentucky does not require a general state welding license. Certification is primarily managed through the American Welding Society (AWS) and ASME. Welders working on boilers and pressure vessels must be certified per ASME Section IX. AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance tests must be maintained every 6 months through continued welding activity or retesting. Minimum age of 18 is generally required for most job sites. |
Source: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction
Welder Salary in Kentucky
The median welder salary in Kentucky is $49,260 per year, which is 3.4% below the national median of $51,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $37,400 |
| 25th | $43,900 |
| 50th (median) | $49,260 |
| 75th | $58,160 |
| 90th (experienced) | $64,630 |
Kentucky employs approximately 7,360 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 Kentucky Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $50 and a median salary of $49,260 in Kentucky, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: Kentucky's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.