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If you are interested in working with metals, there are many different ways to develop the skills that are needed to work as a welder.
Should I Become a Welder in New Indiana?
Are you physically fit and want to work as a welder in Indiana? Read this piece for more information.
| Education Required | GED or high school education |
| License/Certification | Varies from state to state and employer |
| Experience/Training | On the job training is needed |
| 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 – Indiana (2020) | $43,470 (Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers) |
| Job Outlook – Indiana (2018-2028) | 5% (Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*Net Online
Steps to Become a Welder in Indiana
To become a welder in Indiana, you may follow the procedure mentioned below:
- Getting a High School Diploma
- Completing a high school diploma with courses in math and science is beneficial in the long run, since welders carry out specific calculations in their routine work.
- Completing a Certification/Associate’s Degree in Welding
- Some employers in Indiana hire inexperienced welders at entry-level positions and train them on the job. However, majority of the employers prefer to hire welders who have completed formal training programs.
- Get Internship/Traineeship/Apprenticeship
- The welding schools in Indiana help students secure internships, traineeships or apprenticeships to obtain hands on experience during their formal training programs.
- AWS Certification/License
- Being a licensed welder makes a significant difference to your job prospects.
Learn About Being A Welder
The usual responsibilities of a welder include:
- Studying blueprints, sketches and specifications.
- Calculating dimensions that need to be welded.
- Inspecting, positioning, aligning and securing metal parts prior to welding.
- Igniting welding torches and welding metallic objects in flat, vertical or overhead positions.
- Monitoring the welding process to avoid overheating or mishaps.
- Operating safety equipment and practicing safe work habits.
- Maintaining equipment and machinery.
A welder may get employed at residential properties, construction sites, bridges, shipping yards and in automobile companies etc. The responsibilities of a welder may vary depending upon their workplace.
What Type of License Do I Need as a Welder in Indiana?
Although it is not mandatory in the state of Indiana to obtain a license to work as a welder, numerous individuals do so for better job opportunities. Generally, the AWS certification/license is a combination of written and practical exam. Welders must retake this exam every 5 years to keep their license valid. There are 2 particular types of certifications/licenses that welders may opt for based on their interest.
- Welding Engineer AWS Certification (CWE):
This exam tests welding engineers on topics like, fundamental techniques and geometry etc.
- Commercial Welding/Certified Welder License (CW):
Usually, majority of welders take the AWS GMAW or the MIG 3G license/certification exam. Individuals who successfully pass this license/certification are called Certified Welders.
How Much Can I Make as a Welder in Indiana?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the annual mean income for Welders, Cutters, Solderers and Brazers in Indiana from 2016 to 2018, as:
| 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Mean Salary (IN) | $40,900 | $42,160 | $43,470 |
| Annual Mean Salary (US) | $44,360 | $45,190 | $46,690 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
The afore-mentioned income chart depicts only a gradual rise in the annual mean salary of Welders, Cutters, Solderers and Brazers in Indiana from 2018 to 2020.
Career Outlook of a Welder
O*Net Online has predicted a 5% employment growth for Welders, Cutters, Solderers and Brazers over the decade i.e., from 2018 to 2028. This employment growth rate is reported to be slower than the average for other occupations.
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