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The welding industry offers a range of challenging and dynamic careers. With welding training, you can start your career in underwater welding, aerospace welding, auto body repair and construction.If you are a problem solver, are creative, and love assembling things, then becoming a welder would be the right career move for you. Skim through this guide to learn how to become a welder in New Jersey.

Should I Become a Welder in New Jersey?

The following guide is for you if you want to become a welder in New Jersey.

Education RequiredGED or a high school diploma
License/CertificationDepends on the nature of the job
Experience/TrainingOn the job training is required
Key SkillsPatience, Physical strength, Project management, etc
Annual Mean Salary – US (2020)$46,690 (Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers)
Annual Mean Salary – New Jersey (2020)$53,740 (Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers)
Job Outlook – New Jersey (2018-2028)9% (Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*Net Online

Welder Roles And Responsibilities

As part of their job, welders perform the following duties:

  • Operate flame-cutting and hand-welding cutting equipment such as robotic welding cells, electric arc machine and oxyacetylene torch.
  • Read blueprints and drawings.
  • Test and assess welded surfaces to diagnose problems.
  • Maintain machinery and equipment.

Steps to Become a Welder in New Jersey

The process of becoming a welder in New Jersey consists of the following steps:

  1. Obtain High School Diploma/GED

The first step of the process is to get a high school diploma or a GED, without which you won’t be accepted into a trade school or a community college.

  1. Enroll in a Welding Program

After graduating from high school, you can enroll in an accredited welding program such as an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) or a Technical Certificate in Welding Technology. These programs will help you acquire skills like working in overhead conditions, flux core arc welding, metal fabrication, etc.

  • Welding in overhead, vertical, and horizontal settings.
  • Welding stainless steel, aluminum and carbon steel plates.
  • Metal fabrication techniques.
  • Tungsten Arc Gas Welding.
  • Flux Core Arc Welding.
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding.
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding.
  1. Participate in an Apprenticeship Program

After graduating from a vocational training institute, you can sign up for an apprenticeship program. This program will give you a chance to learn about entry level welding.

  1. Obtain Certifications

You can then get yourself certified through the American Welding Society (AWS). The welding certification usually includes a written test and a welding test. Having a specialized welding certification in hand will make you a more desirable and marketable candidate.

Requirements to Become a Welder

In order to become a welder, you will be expected to meet the following requirements:

You must hold a GED or a high school diploma and post-secondary education (A.A.S or a Technical Certificate) in Welding Technology.
You must possess the following skills:

  • You must hold a GED or a high school diploma and post-secondary education (A.A.S or a Technical Certificate) in Welding Technology.

You must possess the following skills:

  • Physical stamina: You will be expected to perform welding tasks in extreme conditions such as limited workspace and inclement weather conditions.
  • Manual dexterity: You will be required to utilize and operate a variety of hand and power tools to carry out welding activities.
  • Mathematical and quantitative skills: You will be expected to compute complex calculations to determine the configurations and dimensions of a welding project.
  • Project management skills: You will have to be good at multi-tasking, organizing and meeting deadlines.

How Much Does a Welder Make in New Jersey?

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers working in New Jersey, as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, made an impressive annual mean pay of $47,050 in 2018. This figure is higher than the national average of $44,360. Therefore, the state of New Jersey offers lucrative opportunities for welders.

The salary data of for three years is stated below:

201820192020
Annual Mean Salary (NJ)$47,050$49,330$53,740
Annual Mean Salary (US)$44,360$45,190$46,690

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

The table shows that the annual mean wage of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in New Jersey has been consistently on the rise between 2018 and 2020. The state averages for these three years are also higher than the national averages.

Career Outlook

According to the data published by O*Net Online, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers working in the state of New Jersey will experience a 9% growth in employment between 2018 and 2028.

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