Welder in Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA
How to Become a Welder in Virginia
To become a welder in Virginia, individuals typically need to obtain certification through the American Welding Society (AWS), as Virginia does not have a state-level welding license. Aspiring welders should complete a vocational training program lasting 6-12 months or pursue an associate's degree, which usually takes two years. While there are no state-mandated age requirements, employers may have their own minimum age policies, and some positions may require drug testing or physicals.
Welder Requirements in Virginia
| Detail | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard for certification; Virginia does not have a state-level licensing body for welders. |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent, completion of a 6-12 month training program from a vocational school, or an associate's degree (A.A.S.) in welding. |
| Exam | AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance test |
| Renewal | Every 0.5 year |
| Notes | Virginia does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders. Certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and is often required by employers. Other certifications like American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and American Petroleum Institute (API) may be required for specialized welding jobs. A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required. Some employers may have minimum age requirements, and drug testing or pre-employment physicals may be required. |
Welder Salary in Virginia
The median welder salary in Virginia is $57,350 per year, which is 12.5% above the national median of $51,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $39,660 |
| 25th | $47,700 |
| 50th (median) | $57,350 |
| 75th | $64,010 |
| 90th (experienced) | $78,000 |
Virginia employs approximately 10,690 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 Virginia Worth It?
Factors to consider: Virginia's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.