Welder in New York
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NY
How to Become a Welder in New York
To become a licensed structural welder in New York City, individuals must obtain a Welder License from the NYC Department of Buildings. This requires successfully completing either the American Welding Society (AWS) Manual-Shielded Metal Arc Welding Process (SMAW) certifications or the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Field Welder Certification (SMAW). After obtaining the required welding certifications, applicants must undergo a background investigation and submit an application through DOB NOW: Licensing. There is no specific education prerequisite, but applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to read and write English.
Welder Requirements in New York
| Detail | New York |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | New York City Department of Buildings |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | None (High school diploma or equivalent recommended for general welding career path, but not a specific licensing prerequisite) |
| Exam | AWS Certified Welder (SMAW) or NYSDOT Field Welder Certification (SMAW) |
| Application Fee | $330 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Notes | Licensing for structural welding in New York City is regulated at the city level by the NYC Department of Buildings. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, able to read and write English, and possess good moral character. The NYC Department of Buildings no longer issues designations of Class 1, 1R, 2, 2R, 3, 3R or 4 Welder licenses. The NYS Department of Transportation also has a separate certification program for its projects, which requires maintaining a work record signed every six months by a qualified person. |
Welder Salary in New York
The median welder salary in New York is $57,230 per year, which is 12.2% above the national median of $51,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $40,130 |
| 25th | $48,340 |
| 50th (median) | $57,230 |
| 75th | $66,280 |
| 90th (experienced) | $80,910 |
New York employs approximately 7,810 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 York Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $600 and a median salary of $57,230 in New York, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: New York's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.