Welder in Mississippi
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MS
How to Become a Welder in Mississippi
To become a welding contractor in Mississippi, individuals must obtain a license from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. This requires passing both the Mississippi Welding Contractor Exam and a Business and Law Management exam, along with submitting a comprehensive application and a $400 fee. While a state license is necessary for contractors, individual welders typically rely on industry-standard certifications from organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) and ASME. Reciprocity for the trade exam is available with certain states, but all applicants must pass the Mississippi Law and Business Management examination.
Welder Requirements in Mississippi
| Detail | Mississippi |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Mississippi State Board of Contractors |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Exam | Mississippi Welding Contractor Exam and Business and Law Management exam ($75) |
| Application Fee | $400 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Notes | A state license is required for welding contractors undertaking projects over $50,000 for public projects and $100,000 for private projects. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a valid government-issued ID, complete an accredited welding program, pass a background check, and demonstrate a net worth of at least $20,000 (for specialty classifications). Proof of workers' compensation and liability insurance ($300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate) is also required. Pre-approval from the board is needed to schedule the exams. Once approved, applicants have 6 months of eligibility and unlimited attempts during that time. After 6 months, reapplication is necessary. While a state license is required for contractors, Mississippi does not require a separate state welding license for individual welders; AWS and ASME certifications are the primary credentials for individual welders. |
Welder Salary in Mississippi
The median welder salary in Mississippi is $49,490 per year, which is 3.0% below the national median of $51,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $35,840 |
| 25th | $39,230 |
| 50th (median) | $49,490 |
| 75th | $61,450 |
| 90th (experienced) | $63,000 |
Mississippi employs approximately 6,570 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 Mississippi Worth It?
Factors to consider: Mississippi's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.