How to Become a Welder in Ohio

In industries such as vehicle construction, building construction and product manufacturing, welders are essential teammates. Welders are the trained professionals responsible for cutting, joining and bonding metal materials using heat and specialized tools. To become a welder in Ohio, you must be interested in working with a variety of tools, be able to stand on your feet for long periods of time and be able to handle sometimes dangerous work environments.

What Does It Take to Become a Welder?

There are no state requirements for welders to work in Ohio, but a high school degree or equivalent is often necessary, and the completion of accredited welding training makes welders preferable for hire. Organizations generally feel more comfortable with welders who are certified by the American Welding Society (AWS) or a program that meets the AWS welding training guidelines.

Welding Programs of Study

While there are welding programs across the state, some programs, such as those below, offer larger scopes of welding technique training and are aligned with the AWS SENSE guidelines for welding training.

Cincinnati State. Students who attend this school in Cincinnati can pursue a basic Certified Welder (CW) certificate or an Associate in Welding Degree (WLD), which includes education in a large number of welding techniques, such as oxyacetylene welding (OAW), oxyfuel cutting (OFC), gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and flux core arc welding (FCAW).
Hobart Institute of Welding Technology. Based in Troy, Ohio, this school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). There are multiple types of welding training offered here, from general Welder Certification to specific skill and technical training classes. Students at Hobart Institute are trained in structural, pressure piping, production and aerospace welding operations.

There are more than 100 types of welding techniques that can be learned, and different welding career paths may rely on unique sets of these skills, so welders should specialize in techniques specific to the industry in which they want to work.

State Requirements for Welders

While welding does not require a license, certification from a vocational college or the American Welding Society (AWS) is beneficial for welders entering the job market. There are eight welding certifications offered by the AWS through its Welding Inspector, Welding Educator, Welding Engineer and Robotic Arc Welding Programs, among others. Ohio’s only welding regulations are focused on field welders, who require certification from the AWS or Ohio Department of Transportation to perform certain field welding techniques.

Ohio Welder Statistics

The Projections Managing Partnership (PMP) reported that 18,080 welders, cutters, solderers and brazers were employed in Ohio in 2016. Employment demands for Ohio welders are expected to increase slightly by the year 2026, with the PMP predicting that the number of Ohio welders will grow by 2.8 percent within that time period.

In 2017, Ohio welders earned an average salary of $19.31 per hour or $40,160 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Where to Work as a Welder in Ohio

In 2017, the Cincinnati area employed the most welders, solderers, cutters and brazers in Ohio. Welders in Cincinnati earned a mean income of $20.03 per hour, a strong income rate compared to that of the lowest paid welders in Ohio, who made less than $17 per hour. The Cleveland and West Northwestern Ohio metropolitan areas are also good areas of employment for Ohio welders, as they employed the second and third highest populations of welders in 2017. Regardless of location, welding is an excellent career choice for Ohioans interested in construction because of Ohio’s strong metal manufacturing industry.

FAQs

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

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in the state of Ohio made an average of $42,060 per year in 2019. Entry-level welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers earned around $28,840 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $58,420.