Welder in Louisiana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for LA
How to Become a Welder in Louisiana
In Louisiana, there is no general statewide license required for welders. However, specific certifications are necessary for certain types of work, such as projects for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), which requires passing a performance qualification test. Many employers also expect industry certifications like the AWS Certified Welder (CW), which involves passing a performance qualification test administered at AWS Accredited Test Facilities. While formal education is not always mandatory, completing a welding training program through a community college, vocational school, or apprenticeship is highly recommended to prepare for these certifications.
Welder Requirements in Louisiana
| Detail | Louisiana |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) for DOTD projects; Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors for certain contractor licenses; American Welding Society (AWS) for general certifications. |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Pass a performance qualification test (e.g., AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX, or state-specific standard). Formal education through community colleges, vocational schools, or apprenticeships is recommended but not strictly required for all welding work. |
| Exam | Performance qualification test (e.g., AWS Certified Welder (CW) test, DOTD Welding Certificate tests) ($35) |
| Notes | Louisiana does not require a general statewide license for welders. Certification is typically project-specific or employer-driven. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) requires specific certifications for welders working on DOTD projects (bridges, highways). These DOTD certifications require 6 months of experience in the certification area before taking the performance evaluation. Costs for performance qualification tests are associated with third-party testing facilities (e.g., AWS Accredited Test Facilities). Welders operating as independent contractors may need to verify contractor licensing requirements with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance qualifications must be maintained every 6 months through continued welding activity or retesting. AWS CWI certification is valid for 3 years and requires 80 Professional Development Hours per cycle for renewal. |
Welder Salary in Louisiana
The median welder salary in Louisiana is $59,860 per year, which is 17.4% above the national median of $51,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $41,130 |
| 25th | $49,040 |
| 50th (median) | $59,860 |
| 75th | $75,610 |
| 90th (experienced) | $83,250 |
Louisiana employs approximately 12,360 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 Louisiana Worth It?
Factors to consider: Louisiana's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.