Welder in New Jersey
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NJ
How to Become a Welder in New Jersey
To become a certified welder in New Jersey, individuals are not required to obtain a state license. Instead, the industry standard is certification through the American Welding Society (AWS). Aspiring welders typically need a high school diploma or GED, followed by formal training from a vocational school or community college. Certification involves passing both written and practical exams administered by AWS Accredited Test Facilities, and certifications are valid for three years, requiring retesting for renewal.
Welder Requirements in New Jersey
| Detail | New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | American Welding Society (AWS) |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | High school diploma or GED, often followed by formal welding training from a vocational school or community college. |
| Exam | AWS Certified Welder (CW) exam (practical and written components) ($50) |
| Renewal | Every 3.0 years |
| Notes | New Jersey does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders. Certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and highly recommended for employment. Some local jurisdictions or specific projects may have additional requirements. AWS certifications are valid for three years and typically require retesting for renewal. A 50% discount voucher is often provided for recertification. |
Source: American Welding Society (AWS)
Welder Salary in New Jersey
The median welder salary in New Jersey is $59,630 per year, which is 16.9% above the national median of $51,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $40,410 |
| 25th | $49,250 |
| 50th (median) | $59,630 |
| 75th | $73,630 |
| 90th (experienced) | $90,390 |
New Jersey employs approximately 3,300 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 New Jersey Worth It?
Factors to consider: New Jersey's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.