The abundance of manufacturing and oil-related industries in Louisiana means a consistent demand for skilled welders and pipefitters. However, before starting a career, you will need to complete training.
This guide provides information on possible job opportunities, major employers, and some of the top welding schools in Louisiana to help you find a rewarding career.
What Does a Welder Do?
In a nutshell, welders work joining metal components together to build or repair things. Those things can range from small personal items or household goods to automobiles, construction equipment, or airplanes. It even includes some of the bridges and roadways you drive on every day.
Louisiana’s location on the Gulf Coast makes it an ideal place for welders who want to work on marine applications, such as bridges or shipbuilding. The oil and gas industry is also an excellent place for building welding careers in Louisiana.
Welding Schools Near Me in Louisiana
Welders need to complete training to perform the specific tasks of their job. This means attending one of the many welding schools in Louisiana for most people. Programs vary in length, depending on whether you want to learn one specific type of welding or multiple different ones and what kind of credentials you desire.
Fletcher Technical Community College
Fletcher Technical Community College offers two accredited programs that can be completed in as little as one year.
- Location: Thibodaux
- Phone number: (985) 448-5924
- Programs: Certificate, diploma
- Program duration: one to two years
- Average cost: $4,000-$8,000
Delgado Community College
In nine months, students can earn one of three technical certificates in welding at Delgado Community College.
- Location: Jefferson and River City
- Phone number: (504) 671-5000
- Programs: Certificate of Technical Studies in Welding (FCAW & GMAW, GTAW, SMAW)
- Program duration: nine months
- Average cost: $4,000
Moore Career College
Students without a high school diploma or GED can enroll in the certificate program. Job placement resources are available to students who complete the program.
- Location: Baton Rouge
- Phone number:
- Programs: Certificate in combination welding
- Program duration: eight months
- Average cost: $13,500
Northwest Louisiana Technical College
Welding certificate designed to prepare students for the AWS Entry Level Welder test.
- Location: Minden
- Phone number: (318) 371-3035
- Programs: Certificate in welding
- Program duration: one year
- Average cost: $8,000
Welding Career Opportunities in Louisiana
There are many job opportunities for welders in Louisiana. Some of the most popular industries include marine applications, manufacturing, and oil and gas (pipe fitting, refineries, and power plants).
How Much Do Welders Make in Louisiana?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a welder in Louisiana can expect to earn an average of $52,780 annually, or a little over $23.00 per hour.
Indeed provides an average base salary for welders in the state of $21.65. This is 9 percent above the national average, making welding an attractive career.
Major Employers of Welders in Louisiana
Louisiana is now of the best states in the U.S. for people looking to begin a welding career. While there are usually many companies and staffing agencies recruiting for open positions, the following four are examples of some of the top employers for welders in the state:
Turner Industries
- Industry: Construction
- Possible careers: Structural Welder, Pipefitters
Sabre Industries
- Industry: Energy & Utilities
- Possible careers: Welder, Lead Welder, Welder-Fitter
Northrop Grumman
- Industry: Aerospace
- Possible careers: Pipefitter
Caterpillar
- Industry: Manufacturing
- Possible careers: welder
How To Become a Certified Welder in Louisiana
The steps for how to become a welder in Louisiana are straightforward. First, interested individuals should complete high school or its equivalent. Career tracks in some Louisiana high schools allow you to graduate with the skills and knowledge to start in an entry-level position. If you did not participate in a high-school program, you should enroll in one of the welding schools in Louisiana.
Louisiana welders are not required to hold a state certification. However, many employers prefer to hire candidates with AWS or ASME certifications. Additionally, industry certifications can help you advance your career and move to higher-paying or supervisory positions. As a result, many welding schools in Louisiana provide the training needed to obtain these as part of their programs.
Do You Need a License to be a Welder in Louisiana?
You do not need a license to work as a welder in Louisiana. However, if you are also performing general construction services, you will need to contact the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors to get an appropriate contractor license. This guide provides more information about that process.
Louisiana Welding FAQs
The following FAQ provides more information about how to become a welder in Louisiana.
1. How Long Does It Take to Become a Welder?
It takes about two years for most prospective welders to complete training and start a job search. However, this can vary from person to person, especially if you choose an accelerated training program, enroll in an apprenticeship program, or complete your training as part of a high school career program.
It can take an additional two or three years before you are ready to take on unsupervised work in your chosen specialty.
2. Does a Welder Need Insurance in Louisiana?
Louisiana does not require welders or business owners to carry commercial liability insurance. However, going without it can leave you open to financial risks. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase liability and equipment coverage to protect your assets.
You can easily request a free commercial insurance quote from our partners using the tool below.
3. Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
Suppose you still have questions about career paths, job opportunities, or welding schools in Louisiana. In that case, it is often helpful to reach out to a local trade group or industry-related union. A few operating in the state include:
- American Welding Society
- The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- Sheet Metal Workers Local 214
- United Steel Workers Local 13-555
- Iron Workers Local 623
Questions about training programs can be directed to the Louisiana Department of Education (high school programs) or individuals welding schools in Louisiana.
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 Louisiana , click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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