Welder in Nevada
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NV
How to Become a Welder in Nevada
Nevada does not require a state license for individual welders; however, employers typically expect industry certifications such as the AWS Certified Welder (CW). To become a welding contractor, you must be licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board, which requires at least four years of experience, passing a Business and Law exam and a trade exam, and a $300 application fee. The American Welding Society (AWS) offers various certifications, with the Certified Welder (CW) exam costing around $35 and offering nationwide reciprocity. Some positions, especially with the Nevada Department of Transportation, may specifically require AWS certifications.
Welder Requirements in Nevada
| Detail | Nevada |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Nevada State Contractors Board (for welding contractors); American Welding Society (for individual welder certifications) |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | High school diploma or GED (minimum); formal welding training preferred by employers |
| Exam | AWS Certified Welder (CW) or other industry-recognized certifications; Business and Law exam and Trade exam for welding contractors ($35) |
| Application Fee | $300 |
| Notes | Nevada does not license individual welders. However, a welding contractor must be licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board. Some positions, particularly with the Nevada Department of Transportation, may require specific AWS certifications. Minimum age of 18 and a valid driver's license are generally required by employers. Some positions may also require a drug test and background check. AWS Certified Welder (CW) certification does not require recertification but requires renewal maintenance. |
Welder Salary in Nevada
The median welder salary in Nevada is $59,370 per year, which is 16.4% above the national median of $51,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $40,090 |
| 25th | $47,230 |
| 50th (median) | $59,370 |
| 75th | $75,850 |
| 90th (experienced) | $92,070 |
Nevada employs approximately 2,080 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 Nevada Worth It?
Factors to consider: Nevada's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.