Are you looking for a career that allows you to work with your hands, offers excellent pay and benefits, and is in high demand? Consider becoming a welder in Idaho! Welding is a vital skill that is used in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation. As a welder, you will have the opportunity to build and repair structures, equipment, and machinery that are essential to our daily lives. Welding is a fulfilling career that offers job security and a path for advancement.
Advantages
- High demand: Welders are in high demand across a wide range of industries, making it a secure career choice.
- Good pay: Welders in Idaho earn an average of $20 per hour, with the potential to earn even more with experience and additional certifications.
- Hands-on work: If you enjoy working with your hands and problem-solving, welding is a perfect career for you.
- Opportunity for advancement: Welders can advance to become welding inspectors, supervisors, or even open their own welding businesses.
- Flexibility: Welding jobs are available in various industries and locations, providing you with the flexibility to work in the field that interests you the most.
Skills and Qualifications Required to Become a Welder
To become a welder in Idaho, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, you need to complete a welding program or apprenticeship and obtain a certification from the American Welding Society. Some of the skills required to become a successful welder include:
- Attention to detail: Welding requires precision and accuracy, so attention to detail is a must.
- Hand-eye coordination: Welders need to have excellent hand-eye coordination to ensure that they can weld accurately.
- Physical dexterity: Welding is a physically demanding job that requires good dexterity to handle welding tools and equipment.
- Problem-solving skills: Welders must have good problem-solving skills to troubleshoot welding problems and make repairs.
- Knowledge of welding techniques: Welders need to have a good understanding of different welding techniques, materials, and tools to create high-quality welds.
Top 5 Welding Schools in Idaho
| School Name
| Location | Courses Offered | Duration | Skills Learned |
| Idaho State University | Pocatello, ID | Welding Technology Certificate | 1 year | Welding techniques, blueprint reading, and welding safety |
| College of Southern Idaho | Twin Falls, ID | Welding Technology Certificate | 1 year | Welding theory, metallurgy, and blueprint reading |
| Lewis-Clark State College | Lewiston, ID | Welding Technology Certificate | 1 year | Welding processes, welding codes and standards, and welding inspection |
| North Idaho College | Coeur d’Alene, ID | Welding Technology Certificate | 1 year | Welding fundamentals, blueprint reading, and welding symbols |
| Eastern Idaho Technical College | Idaho Falls, ID | Welding Technology Certificate | 1 year | Welding principles, fabrication, and welding inspection |
Becoming a welder in Idaho is an excellent career choice for those who enjoy working with their hands, problem-solving, and seek a fulfilling career with good pay and job security. With the right skills, qualifications, and certification, you can join the industry and work towards a fulfilling career.
Welder Career Outlook in Idaho
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in Idaho is projected to grow by 28% between 2020 and 2030, which is much higher than the national average of 2%. The BLS also reports that welders in Idaho earned an annual mean wage of $44,230 as of May 2021. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry.