Welder in North Carolina
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NC
How to Become a Welder in North Carolina
To become a certified welder in North Carolina, individuals typically pursue certification through the American Welding Society (AWS), as the state does not offer a general welding license. Prerequisites generally include a high school diploma or GED and completion of an approved welding training program. Welders working on North Carolina Department of Transportation bridge projects may need to obtain the NCDOT Field Welder Certification, which requires a performance test and a minimum age of 18. Those working on historic boilers in North Carolina may need qualification through the North Carolina Department of Labor, Boiler Safety Bureau.
Welder Requirements in North Carolina
| Detail | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | North Carolina Department of Labor, Boiler Safety Bureau |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | High school diploma or GED; completion of an approved welding training program (academic or apprenticeship). |
| Exam | American Welding Society (AWS) Welding Certification Test or NCDOT Field Welder Certification Program (for bridge projects) or NCDOL Welder Qualification Test (for historic boilers) |
| Notes | North Carolina does not issue a general state welding license. Certification is available through organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) or for specific types of work, such as the NCDOT Field Welder Certification Program for bridge projects or the NCDOL Welder Qualification for historic boilers. Minimum age of 18 for NCDOT certification. |
Source: North Carolina Department of Labor, Boiler Safety Bureau
Welder Salary in North Carolina
The median welder salary in North Carolina is $49,860 per year, which is 2.2% below the national median of $51,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,800 |
| 25th | $44,560 |
| 50th (median) | $49,860 |
| 75th | $60,040 |
| 90th (experienced) | $70,500 |
North Carolina employs approximately 12,020 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 North Carolina Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $25 and a median salary of $49,860 in North Carolina, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: North Carolina's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.