Welder in Missouri
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MO
How to Become a Welder in Missouri
In Missouri, welders are not required to hold a state-issued license. Instead, industry-recognized certifications, primarily from the American Welding Society (AWS) or American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), are the standard for demonstrating proficiency and are often required by employers. Aspiring welders typically complete a training program or apprenticeship and then pass a performance-based certification exam, such as the AWS Certified Welder (CW) test. These certifications are widely accepted across the United States, offering reciprocity.
Welder Requirements in Missouri
| Detail | Missouri |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | American Welding Society (AWS) or American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | No formal education required, but training programs (6 months to 2 years) or apprenticeships (3-4 years) are recommended and often preferred by employers. |
| Exam | AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance test, or ASME Section IX qualification test for pressure vessels. Other AWS certifications like Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) are also available. ($35) |
| Notes | Missouri does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders. Certification through organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) or American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is the industry standard and often required by employers, especially for specific projects like pressure vessels. AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance tests must be maintained every 6 months through continued welding activity or retesting. Minimum age for some training programs is 17 or 18 years old. Some municipalities may have special permits. |
Source: American Welding Society (AWS) or American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Welder Salary in Missouri
The median welder salary in Missouri is $49,460 per year, which is 3.0% below the national median of $51,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $36,780 |
| 25th | $43,170 |
| 50th (median) | $49,460 |
| 75th | $60,110 |
| 90th (experienced) | $73,990 |
Missouri employs approximately 10,270 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 Missouri Worth It?
Factors to consider: Missouri's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.