Welding vocations continue to grow throughout the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates an 8% growth of jobs in this field until 2030. To land one of those jobs, you need specialized training. Keep reading to learn about welding schools in Indiana. You’ll also find information about licensing, certification, and insurance requirements.
What Does a Welder Do?
While learning how to become a welder in Indiana, you must know what the vocation entails. Welders use tools and heat to join metal pieces together. Welding is one of the oldest forms of metallurgy. Professionals in modern times also use vital skills like blueprint reading, mathematics, repairing equipment, and parts measuring.
Indiana welders work in many different industries, including manufacturing, construction, transportation, defense, agriculture, and energy production. Job-relevant training is critical to entering this field and maintaining a successful career.
Welding Schools Near Me in Indiana
Several welding schools in Indiana offer certificate and degree programs. You can choose a program that fits your budget and schedule. Check with each school for more details on tuition, curriculum, and required materials.
Stark County Initiative for Lifelong Learning
SCILL’s Adult Welding Technology department offers training for beginning welders and experienced professionals who want certification. Topics include blueprint reading, welding methods, measuring, brazing, and plasma cutting. Students can take the AWS Certified Welder test and earn transferrable college credits.
- Location: Knox, IN
- Phone number: (574) 772-8001
- Programs available: beginning welder training; Step-Up training for experienced welders
- Program duration: 12 weeks
- Average cost: Call for details
Lincoln Technical Institute
Lincoln Technical Institute offers two welding programs: a Welding a/Metal Fabrication certificate and a Welding Technology diploma. Students learn welding techniques, fabrication, pipe welding, and cutting.
- Location: Indianapolis, IN
- Phone number: (317) 632-5553
- Programs available: Welding Technology; Welding and Fabrication Technology
- Program duration: 34 weeks (certificate); 44 weeks (diploma)
- Average cost: $34,000
Everett Light Career Center
JELCC offers a welding program that teaches welding methods and other fundamental skills. Students also learn plasma cutting and oxy-fuel cutting. Graduates can take the American Welding Society’s Certified Welder test. JELCC’s program is designed for high school students.
- Location: Indianapolis, IN
- Phone number: (317) 259-5265
- Programs available: welding certificate
- Program duration: 12 to 24 months
- Average cost: N/A
Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech’s Industrial Technology program offers several certificates and degrees. Its welding curriculum includes relevant topics like welding methods, mathematics, and workplace safety. Graduates can earn transferrable credits toward more advanced degrees.
- Location: Fort Wayne, IN
- Phone number: (888) 489-5463
- Programs available: Welding Technology certificate; Associate of Applied Science in Welding
- Program duration: 12 to 18 months (certificate); 24 to 30 months (associate degree)
- Average cost: $2,300/semester for full-time students
Vincennes University
Vincennes University’s welding program instructs students on welding methods, plasma arc cutting, blueprint reading, and equipment safety. After completing the certificate, students can take more courses to earn an associate’s degree. The program also prepares learners to earn AWS certifications.
- Location: Vincennes, IN
- Phone number: (800) 742-9198
- Programs available: Welding Technology certificate
- Program duration: 12 months
- Average cost: $7,000/year (full-time students)
Welding Career Opportunities in Indiana
Welding careers in Indiana provide lots of potential opportunities. Skilled welders with solid credentials and employment histories can always find jobs. Participating in apprenticeships can increase your employability. For instance, the Indiana State Pipe Trades Association offers welder apprenticeships with classroom and on-the-job training.
How Much Do Welders Make in Indiana?
While salary statistics vary by source, they provide a general idea of pay rates for welders in Indiana. The BLS reveals that Indiana welders make an average salary of $46,290. It cites an average hourly pay of $22.25, while Indeed quotes a base pay of $19.63 per hour.
Your individual pay rate depends on your education, experience, and location. Indeed indicates that welders with 10 years of experience earn a base pay of $22.43 per hour. Professionals in Bristol have the highest compensation, with an average base pay of $21.44 an hour. Meanwhile, welders in Elwood earn the least, with an average hourly rate of $15.62. Salaries at some Indiana employers tend to be higher. Professional certifications may increase your potential compensation.
Major Employers of Welders in Indiana
Skilled and knowledgeable welders can easily find work as in Indiana. While there’s a variety of employers in the state, most jobs are in manufacturing and construction. Indeed lists some large Indiana employers:
- Toyota: automobile manufacturing; average pay rate for welders $40.63/hour
- Zachry Construction Corporation: industrial maintenance and construction; average welder pay rate $37.96
- Fluor Corporation: construction, repair, and maintenance; average welder salary $32.47/hour
- Northrop Grumman: aerospace and defense; $31.67/hour
- Turner Industries: manufacturing; $28.55 per hour
How To Become a Certified Welder in Indiana
The American Welding Society offers several welding certifications. Its Certified Welder Program is a great place to start, but you can also get certified as a welding engineer, inspector, educator, or sales representative. The AWS also has resistance welding and arc welding certifications.
To qualify for an AWS certification, you must take a performance-based test. You should demonstrate that you can perform specific welding techniques. Prospective welders can take this test whenever they like, but you may opt to do so after completing your certificate or degree.
Certified welders remain in demand. Employers often prefer them to other candidates because their certifications prove their knowledge and skills. Becoming certified can help you land better-paying jobs. You also stand a better chance of breaking into management positions.
Do You Need a License to Be a Welder in Indiana?
Indiana does not mandate individual licenses for welders. However, it does require general contractors to become licensed. Some contractors must get licensed in their local municipalities, while others must apply with the state. The City of Indianapolis offers more specifics about these requirements.
Indiana Welding FAQs
There’s a lot involved in becoming a welder, so it’s normal to have some questions. Below, you’ll find answers to some frequently asked questions.
1. How Long Does It Take To Become a Welder?
Most welding certificate programs take 12 months to complete. If you opt for an associate degree, you should expect to graduate in about 24 months. Don’t forget to factor in additional time for earning professional certifications. Apprenticeships and internships can help you gain more experience. Many Indiana welders find employment about 12 to 18 months after starting their vocational training.
2. Does a Welder Need Insurance in Indiana?
Welders employed by other companies usually don’t need to carry insurance. However, it’s wise to purchase coverage for your tools and equipment. Independent contractors and entrepreneurs will need liability insurance to obtain contractors’ licenses. Check with your municipality for further details.
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3. Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
Many people and organizations can answer your questions about welding careers in Indiana. You could contact local trade unions like the Ironworkers Local 22 or the Indiana State Pipe Trades Association. Your welding program instructors can also answer many of your questions. The AWS resource page is another place to find information about welding careers.
Welding is a rewarding profession that calls for expert knowledge, skill, and dedication. Training begins with education at one of the welding schools in Indiana. Apprenticeships and professional certification can help you attract potential employers and land a job you enjoy.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become a Welder in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in Indiana, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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