Choosing a Career in Welding in Nevada
The employment rates of welders in Nevada are projected to grow four times faster than those across the country, making this state an excellent place to begin your career in welding. Welders specialize in the cutting, bonding, fitting and fabricating of metal materials. Building and bridge construction, product manufacturing, maintenance and repair of agricultural equipment, and assembly of automotive systems all require the skills of welders.
This wide career field holds an endless number of job opportunities, and welding experience and certification are easily transferable across the country. Each welder specializes in the skills they need to advance toward their unique career goals.
The Path to Welding
Most welders should, at minimum, complete high school or earn a GED equivalent. After that, many aspiring welders take classes at a trade school or gain on-the-job welding experience through an apprenticeship. The more skills and certifications you earn, the more employable you are and the higher income you can earn as a welder.
Welding Classes and Schools
Check out these popular welding schools in Nevada:
- College of Southern Nevada (CSN). With locations in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson, this school offers two welding training programs. Their Welding Technology Certificate of Achievement (CA) requires 30 credits and prepares students for entry-level welding jobs. Students can continue their study to earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree as an Advanced Level Welder which requires two years of education total.
- Truckee Meadows Community College. Located in Reno, this community college offers Skill Certificates in Welding Technology and four commonly used welding techniques. Each of these Skill Certificates can be completed within one semester. There is also an Associate Degree of Applied Science (AAS) in Welding, which can be completed in four semesters or two years.
Welding Certification and Accreditation
The American Welding Society (AWS) offers standardized certifications to welders across the country, ranging from Certified Welder (CW) to Certified Welding Engineer (CWE). The AWS’s Schools Excelling through National Skills Education (SENSE) program sets standards in welding safety and technique training. Schools who offer SENSE-aligned training ensure their students receive top welding training and are eligible to receive Perkins funds from the government.
The Future for Welders in Nevada
The Projections Managing Partnership (PMP) predicts an especially high growth rate for welder employment in Nevada by 2026, with a projected increase of 23.2 percent. Nevada’s growth rate is almost four times higher than the predicted growth rate for welders across the country (six percent) as reported by BLS in 2016.
Nevada welders are also paid higher than average, with a mean income rate of $24.02 per hour or $49,960 annually in 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That mean income was about five dollars higher than the national average of $19.35 per hour.
Welding Throughout the State of Nevada
The highest number of welders in Nevada are concentrated around the state’s center of commerce — Las Vegas. However, the BLS reported that, in 2017, Nevada’s welder employment per 1,000 jobs was the highest in the North Nevada nonmetropolitan area. Welders in this area were also paid the highest in the state, at $27.17 per hour. That’s about eight dollars more than the national mean hourly wage for welders of $19.35.
With a faster-than-average employment growth rate and solid welding income statistics, Nevada’s market for welders is as promising as ever. If you can read charts and instructions, understand basic math concepts and desire to work with powerful heat tools, a career welding in Nevada may be the right path for you.
FAQs
How much do welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers earn in the state of Nevada?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in the state of Nevada made an average of $48,290 per year in 2019. Entry-level welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers earned around $31,650 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $74,740.