Welder in Michigan
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MI
How to Become a Welder in Michigan
Michigan does not require a state license for welders; however, certification is highly recommended and often required by employers. The American Welding Society (AWS) certification is the industry standard and is recognized nationwide. For those working on Michigan's public infrastructure, such as bridges and highways, a specific MDOT Welder Certification is necessary, which follows AWS D1.1 and AASHTO/AWS D1.5 codes and is valid for two years. Aspiring welders typically need a high school diploma or GED and should complete a welding training program, which can take 6 to 18 months, before pursuing certification.
Welder Requirements in Michigan
| Detail | Michigan |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | American Welding Society (AWS) or Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | High school diploma or GED and completion of a welding training program (typically 6-18 months) |
| Exam | AWS Welding Certification Test or MDOT Welder Certification Test |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Michigan 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 Michigan's bridges, highways, and public infrastructure, MDOT Welder Certification is required. MDOT certification is valid for two years, provided the welder remains active. A clean background check and being at least 18 years old are requirements for some certifications. |
Source: American Welding Society (AWS) or Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
Welder Salary in Michigan
The median welder salary in Michigan is $48,930 per year, which is 4.1% below the national median of $51,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $37,440 |
| 25th | $43,680 |
| 50th (median) | $48,930 |
| 75th | $58,530 |
| 90th (experienced) | $72,420 |
Michigan employs approximately 13,640 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 Michigan Worth It?
Factors to consider: Michigan's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.