Being a Welding Technician in Wyoming

A welding technician is responsible for fusing and fabricating many types of metal and metal components. Welding demands a high level of technique and practice. A career in welding is great for someone who likes working with their hands and is good at math. A welding technician can work in industries like machinery manufacturing and construction. They must be proficient not only in assembly but also soft skills like communication. Wyoming is a big state with a high demand for experienced welders.

Working as a Welding Technician in Wyoming

The state of Wyoming does not require that welding technicians begin their career with anything more than a high school diploma or GED. However, most companies will want their welders to have specific certifications depending on the job requirements. Rudimentary welding procedures can be learned through on-the-job training or by taking courses. Welding technicians will have more job prospects with supplementary training and certifications. Wyoming has a growing demand for skilled welders, and some employers will pay for extra training.

Developing Skills to Become a Welding Technician

The American Welding Society (AWS) offers one of the most widely recognized certifications for entry-level welding technicians. Although Wyoming doesn’t require welders to have a degree or license, most states prefer that welders have completed the Certified Welding Educator Program. This accredited course prepares students for exams that can further their career. The AWS certification also helps students learn new welding skills and methods.

Schools for Welding Technicians in Wyoming

Students can enroll in a program either before or after their AWS certification is complete, although training will be easier if welding basics are understood. Two- or four-year degree programs will generate even more opportunities in a welding career.

One of the highest paid welding professions in Wyoming is a rig welder. Rig welders specialize in heavy industrial construction while working with high-pressure natural gas lines. To become a rig welder, you’re required to pass a welding test with a Certified Welding Inspector.

Here are some schools in Wyoming that can help you pass tests for welding technicians.

  • Central Wyoming College. With Campuses in Riverton, Lander, Jackson and Dubois, this school provides an Associate of Applied Science degree program. Students work hands-on and learn things like blueprint reading, weld inspection and metallurgy. Before students can enroll in the welding program, they must complete six credits of general education, which includes writing, social science, oral communications and more. The welding professor is a Certified Welding Inspector and has many years of experience in the industry.
  • Casper College, Casper. Casper is an accredited college designed to help launch welding technicians into the field. This school offers training in several different programs. Students can enroll to graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree. The school emphasizes job placement, professional skill development and a positive environment. Students will practice the latest techniques in Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) and others.

Welding Technician Overview and Wages in Wyoming

Wyoming has a high demand for certified welding technicians. The state’s welding industry is expected to rise by 19.4 percent over the next seven years, according to The U.S. Department of Labor. This puts Wyoming very high on the list of welding job growth, at number 8 in the U.S. Welding technicians will be in high demand and the demand will continue to grow with about 270 new job opportunities every year. This number is much higher than the national average, making Wyoming a great place to begin a welding career.

Wages for welding technicians in Wyoming are very high compared to the rest of the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average yearly wage was $57,550 in 2017, and the average hourly rate for welders was $27.67. These numbers can vary based on the specific job, experience and certifications a welding technician has.

Working as a Welding Technician in Wyoming

Wyoming has the lowest population in the U.S., but the welding industry is booming. Most welding jobs can be found in the bigger cities such as Cheyenne or Casper. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Wyoming is enjoying the highest growth rate in the country. This creates more jobs for skilled workers like welding technicians. A top earner in the larger cities can expect to earn as much as $86,660 per year, while entry-level welders can expect to make between $16.91 and $18.00 per hour in less populated areas of Wyoming. Hourly earnings in Cheyenne or Casper can be as high as $41.66.

Welding technicians in Wyoming earn far higher salaries than most other states. With steady growth in the population and the welding industry, Wyoming is an excellent place for an entry-level welder to find lucrative work.

FAQs

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

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in the state of Wyoming made an average of $61,650 per year in 2019. Entry-level welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers earned around $36,060 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $91,190.

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