Welding in New Hampshire

A welder is a skilled laborer who is responsible for permanently fusing metal parts. To become a welder, you must pay attention to detail and be adept in subjects such as math and communication. An occupation like welding provides entry into careers such as civil engineering, manufacturing and industrial maintenance and repair. Welders work with their hands and may work in hazardous conditions, such as on oil rigs and bridges. Compared to nationwide figures, New Hampshire welders earn slightly higher-than-average yearly salaries.

Being a New Hampshire Welder

There are no laws or licensing requirements to work as a welder in New Hampshire. It is encouraged that entry-level welders obtain certifications and degrees to get ahead in a welding career. Most employers will require more than a high school diploma or GED. However, some businesses provide on-the-job training and offer apprenticeships. Having welding skills and experience will make you more marketable, as will multiple certifications.

How to Become a Welder in New Hampshire

As with most of the U.S., New Hampshire businesses will be partial to welders who have certifications. Welders who complete the Certified Welding Educator Program will have a higher likelihood of finding a well-paying position. The American Welding Society (AWS) offers students a program in which basic knowledge and exam preparation is the primary focus. The AWS certificate is the starting point to pursue other certifications in the welding industry.

Welding Education in New Hampshire

Entry-level welders can increase their chances of finding work by taking classes and earning degrees or certifications. Most welders will begin by learning the basic techniques of Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). These are the three major types of welding that could help you secure a job almost anywhere in New Hampshire and beyond.

These schools will help you earn certifications or degrees as a welder.

Manchester Community College, Manchester. This community college in New Hampshire has a variety of options for students seeking a welding degree. The school provides students with the opportunity to obtain an Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S) if they can pass basic math and English requirements. Additionally, they offer a two-year Welding Technology degree or a Welding Technology certificate. These classes have both day and evening options available.
White Mountains Community College, Berlin. White Mountains offers 28 welding courses, including the accredited AWS course. Students can learn anything from pipe welding to advanced ARC welding. Some of the classes finish with certifications, and some are conducted in three parts. The first class on welding safety is required to take concurrently with welding courses.

Career Overview and Wages Outlook

New Hampshire has one of the slowest job growth rates for welders. The U.S. Department of Labor shows that New Hampshire welding career opportunities will increase very slightly by 4.1 percent over the next seven years. This percentage of growth predicts an average of 100 new welding jobs annually.

Welding in New Hampshire can be lucrative with the right position. In 2017, the average yearly salary was $42,900, and the average hourly pay rate was $20.62, for welders in the state. Salaries can differ extensively depending on the welder’s role, experience and certifications.

Working as a Welder in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is a small state with few opportunities for welders. However, welders will find the most opportunity in the largest county, Hillsborough, where the local economy is stable. The unemployment rate is 4.8 percent, so there is a constant need for skilled laborers. A certified welder can find a job in construction and agricultural and structural metals. Accredited specialists can even become SCUBA diving welders.

Although a New Hampshire is expected to see only a slight increase in welding job growth over the next several years, the need is not declining. Finding a welding job in New Hampshire is perfect for someone who wants to work with their hands on the East Coast.

FAQs

How much do welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers earn in the state of New Hampshire?

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in the state of New Hampshire made an average of $49,990 per year in 2019. Entry-level welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers earned around $32,820 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $68,820.