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Do you like to work with metals? If you are interested in becoming a trained individual who specializes in welding metals then a career in welding is for you!
Should I Become a Welder in Massachusetts?
Are you interested in working as a welder in the state of Massachusetts? Read this article for further details.
| Education Required | High school education or a GED |
| License/Certification | Dependent on state requirements and job nature |
| Experience/Training | On the job training is required |
| Key Skills | Strong project management skills, Patience, Strong hand eye coordination, etc. |
| Annual Mean Salary – US (2020) | $46,690 (Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers) |
| Annual Mean Salary – Massachusetts (2020) | $53,130 (Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers) |
| Job Outlook – Massachusetts (2018-2028) | 3% (Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*Net Online
Are you interested in working as a welder in the state of Massachusetts? Read this article for further details.
Welder Responsibilities And Duties
Welders typically get employed at construction sites or residential properties. They may also work at shipyards or in automobile companies. The job description of a welder may vary according to their work place however, their usual responsibilities include:
- Lighting and controlling the welding flame and the metals being welded.
- Properly placing and securing metal parts.
- Maintaining, cleaning and properly storing the welding equipment.
- Careful evaluation of the welding work to confirm its safety.
Steps to Become a Welder in Massachusetts
There are several requirements that must be fulfilled if you want to work as a welder in Massachusetts. Here is a step by step guide to help you begin:
- High School Diploma
High school students must complete courses in science and math. Welders need to make precise calculations in their work on a daily basis therefore these courses help them build a strong foundational knowledge.
- Certification/Associate’s Degree in Welding
Obtaining a high school diploma or a GED makes you eligible to enroll in a certificate/associate’s degree in welding. Massachusetts has plenty of institutions that offer a degree in Welding. For instance, Wentworth Institute of Technology offers a Certificate in Welding.
- Internship/Traineeship/Apprenticeship
Apart from completing a formal degree, gaining hands on experience is crucial. Many colleges in Massachusetts help their students get an internship/apprenticeship during their study period.
- AWS Certification/License
To work in Massachusetts as a licensed welder, passing the AWS certification exam is very important. Having a license also improves your job prospects.
Why Get Certified/Licensed as a Welder in Massachusetts?
Even though it is not mandatory for welders to be certified/licensed in the state of Massachusetts, numerous employers prefer to hire certified/licensed welders. Typically, welders take the AWS certification exam to get a license. However, the welders who wish to work on bridges and other highway projects must obtain the MassDOT Welder Certificate. The interested candidates must take and pass the MassDOT Certificate exam to become MassDOT certified welders.
How Much Can I Make as a Welder in Massachusetts?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an annual mean income for Welders, Cutters, Solderers and Brazers in Massachusetts for the last three years i.e., 2016 to 2018, as:
| 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Mean Salary (MA) | $53,060 | $53,540 | $53,130 |
| Annual Mean Salary (US) | $44,360 | $45,190 | $46,690 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
The afore-mentioned income chart depicts an increase in the annual mean salary of Welders, Cutters, Solderers and Brazers in Massachusetts between 2018 and 2019. It decreases slightly in 2020 though. The mean wage in Massachusetts was considerably higher than the national average in each of the three years.
Career Outlook of a Welder
As per the data published by O*Net Online, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers working in the state of Texas will experience 3% growth in employment opportunities between 2018 and 2028.
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