Welder in North Dakota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ND
How to Become a Welder in North Dakota
North Dakota does not have a general state-wide welding license. However, welders working on new or existing boilers and pressure vessels must meet specific requirements set by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, Boiler Inspection Program. This involves passing a performance qualification test for ASME position "6G" or equivalent, documented on an ASME Section IX "QW-484" form, with tests conducted by a certified laboratory. While there is no application fee for this specific registration, exam costs are typically paid to third-party inspectors.
Welder Requirements in North Dakota
| Detail | North Dakota |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, Boiler Inspection Program |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Must pass a performance qualification test for ASME position "6G" or equivalent, documented on a current ASME Section IX "QW-484" form, with tests of welded specimens made by a certified testing laboratory. Alternatively, a firm with a valid ASME certificate of authorization for new boiler construction or a National Board "R" certificate may have welder qualifications audited by the chief boiler inspector. |
| Exam | ASME Section IX Welder Qualification Test (for boiler and pressure vessel welding) |
| Notes | This certification is specifically for welders working on new or existing boilers and pressure vessels. North Dakota does not have a general state license for all welding. Welders must be at least 18 years old. Some employers may require AWS certification. |
Source: North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, Boiler Inspection Program
Welder Salary in North Dakota
The median welder salary in North Dakota is $60,270 per year, which is 18.2% above the national median of $51,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $45,510 |
| 25th | $51,100 |
| 50th (median) | $60,270 |
| 75th | $70,280 |
| 90th (experienced) | $83,080 |
North Dakota employs approximately 2,720 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 Dakota Worth It?
Factors to consider: North Dakota's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.