Welder in South Carolina
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SC
How to Become a Welder in South Carolina
To become a welder in South Carolina, individuals typically pursue certifications through the American Welding Society (AWS), which is the industry standard. While a state license is not required for employee welders, independent contractors may need to register with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR). Aspiring welders usually complete a welding education program and then pass practical and written exams to obtain AWS certifications. For specific work like pressure vessels or SCDOT projects, additional certifications such as ASME Section IX or qualifications under AASHTO/AWS D1.5 may be necessary.
Welder Requirements in South Carolina
| Detail | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | American Welding Society (AWS) for certifications; SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) for independent contractors |
| State License Required | No |
| Notes | South Carolina does not require a state license for individual welders working as employees. However, independent contractors bidding on construction projects over $200 may need to register with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) as a Residential Specialty Contractor or General Contractor. Certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and is widely accepted. ASME Section IX certification is required for welding on boilers and pressure vessels. For structural field welding on South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) projects, welders must be qualified in accordance with AASHTO/AWS D1.5, Bridge Welding Code. AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance tests must be maintained every 6 months through continued welding activity or retesting. A high school diploma or GED is typically required for admission to technical colleges and most employment. |
Welder Salary in South Carolina
The median welder salary in South Carolina is $49,120 per year, which is 3.7% below the national median of $51,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,300 |
| 25th | $43,090 |
| 50th (median) | $49,120 |
| 75th | $56,700 |
| 90th (experienced) | $66,160 |
South Carolina employs approximately 7,600 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 South Carolina Worth It?
Factors to consider: South Carolina's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.