Becoming a Welding Technician in Delaware
Welding technicians build and repair metal structures, including factory equipment, buildings, cars and more. They often use blueprints, design skills and their knowledge of metal properties to complete their work. Welding is a creative and hands-on job that keeps people engaged in their work and provides them with a sense of accomplishment each day, making it an excellent choice for people who want to see tangible results from their daily work and who would prefer an active career.
Necessary Skills
Aspiring welding technicians should have either prior experience in the field or have completed a formal training program to learn the necessary skills. In some cases, employers may offer on-the-job training or paid apprenticeships that allow those with little to no experience to begin work right away. Many of these jobs can also help more experienced welders learn a specialized area of welding.
Certifications for Welding Technicians
Delaware does not require that welding techs working in the state have any specific certifications or licenses. Individual employers may request that new hires obtain an American Welding Society (AWS) certification, particularly for specializations such as robotic ARC welding or welding engineering and inspections. These training courses are sometimes available online.
Training Programs in Delaware
People who would like to become welding technicians may benefit from enrolling in a training program at a community college, educational center or technical school. The following schools in Delaware offer courses in welding:
- Delaware Tech. At Delaware Tech’s Innovation and Technology Center, students receive customized training in a state-of-the-art facility. A needs assessment and skills verification test in each class ensures that instructors take students’ unique learning styles into consideration. Daytime and evening classes are available to accommodate students who are working while completing their coursework.
- Delaware Skills Center. The Delaware Skills Center offers a 21-week course that prepares students for entry-level jobs in welding. Students learn a variety of welding techniques in the program, giving them more options when it comes to selecting a job after graduation. A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred but not necessary for enrollment.
Salary and Career Estimates
Welding is a growing industry in Delaware, and jobs should be widely available. The Projections Managing Partnership estimates that welding jobs will increase by 6.6 percent in Delaware during the 10 years from 2016 to 2026.
The average salary of a welding technician in the state is $48,450 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those with more experience, education or areas of specialization can expect to make above that amount.
Working as a Welding Technician in Delaware
Jobs for welders are physical, active jobs that require creativity and problem-solving skills. Welding technicians can work in factories, machine shops and construction sites. They may also be able to find short-term projects as independent contractors. Wilmington, Dover and other large Delaware cities offer the highest salaries and highest concentration of jobs, though work can be found throughout the state.
FAQs
How much do welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers earn in the state of Delaware?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in the state of Delaware made an average of $55,480 per year in 2019. Entry-level welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers earned around $33,570 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $81,830.