Have you been wondering how to become a welder in Maryland? People who work in this profession in the state make above-average wages and enjoy solid career growth potential. Learn more about welding schools in Maryland to take the next steps toward an exciting opportunity.
What Does a Welder Do?
Welders use special heated torches and other instruments to connect metal components of tools, equipment, vehicles and other items. They must carefully read blueprints and measure the necessary parts to ensure precision as well as adhere to all workplace safety measures. Welders also perform equipment repairs and maintenance as needed.
Many of Maryland’s most important industries rely on welders for operations. You’ll find jobs in this field in a diverse array of sectors, such as manufacturing, defense, aerospace and agriculture. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and waterways such as the Chesapeake Bay creates maritime welding careers in Maryland.
Welding Schools Near Me in Maryland
If you don’t have on-the-job experience, you can attend one of these recommended welding schools in Maryland to prepare for the American Welding Society certification exam.
Earlbeck Gases & Technologies
This regional industry leader offers a range of training and education programs for aspiring welders at several convenient Maryland locations with partners such as Anne Arundel Community College and the College of Southern Maryland.
- Location: Beltsville, Baltimore
- Phone number: 410-687-8400
- Programs available: Welding Basics, Fundamentals of Welding, Intermediate MIG for FCAW Self Shielded, Stainless Steel, and Aluminum, Visual Welding Inspection, Symbols for Welding, Intermediate Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Intermediate Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Intermediate Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Advanced GMAW (Pipe), Advanced SMAW (Pipe)
- Program duration: Four to 54 hours depending on the course
- Average cost: Starts at $175 for Welding Basics up to $3,865 for a comprehensive course package
North American Trade Schools
In this comprehensive training program, you’ll receive hands-on preparation to work up to the welding standards established by the AWS and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
- Location: Baltimore
- Phone number: 410-298-4844
- Programs available: Combination Welding
- Program duration: 36 weeks
- Average cost: $14,606
Frederick Community College
In this comprehensive training program, you’ll receive hands-on preparation to work up to the welding standards established by the AWS and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
- Location: Frederick
- Phone number: 240-629-7912
- Programs available: 2G, 3G, and 4G SMAW welding certifications
- Program duration: 36 weeks
- Average cost: $387 to $490 per class
Lincoln Tech
Learn to weld at the state-of-the-art campus facilities and labs designed for hands-on training in the trades.
- Location: Columbia
- Phone number: 410-290-7100
- Programs available: Welding and Metal Fabrication Technology certificate
- Program duration: 40 weeks
- Average cost: $27,000
Hagerstown Community College
This program offers comprehensive welding training including a course specifically for AWS certification prep.
- Location: Hagerstown
- Phone number: 410-290-7100
- Programs available: Welding Technology courses
- Program duration: One semester per class
- Average cost: $300 to $417 per class
Welding Career Opportunities in Maryland
If you have a specific industry in mind, start your search for welding careers in Maryland at the top companies in that sector. Many high-paying welder jobs in the state have titles such as Welder, Boiler Tube Welder, Boilermaker, Structural Welder and Industrial Pipe Welder. Because Maryland has so many federal agencies, it’s a great place to find a government job or contract as a welder.
How Much Do Welders Make in Maryland?
Maryland welders earn well above the national average of about $47,000 for this profession. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that welders who work in the state earn a median of nearly $55,000 per year or more than $26 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% of Maryland welders earn about $37,000 per year, while the highest-paid 10% earn up to $78,000.
Major Employers of Welders in Maryland
Some of Maryland’s largest employers rely on welders for their core operations. Here are some companies where you can start your search:
- Stanley Black & Decker, located in Towson, is a national manufacturer of small home appliances that hires welders starting at $20 to $30 per hour
- Northrop Grumman Corp., a national defense firm with operations in Maryland, is currently recruiting welders for roles such as Energetics Manufacturing Engineer – Welding
- Constellation Energy, with thousands of employees in Maryland locations such as Curtis Bay, hires welders for Maintenance Technician roles in its facilities
How To Become a Certified Welder in Maryland
Maryland does not require a welding license, but you do need certification from an industry organization such as ASME or AWS.
Do You Need a License to be a Welder in Maryland?
You don’t have to get a license to work as a Maryland welder.
Maryland Welding FAQs
1. How Long Does It Take to Become a Welder?
You can usually become a welder in one to two years if you’re starting with no experience in the field. Generally, you’ll need to take two to four semesters to earn the knowledge to pass the AWS certification test. You might also want to pursue a welding apprenticeship for hands-on training.
2. Does a Welder Need Insurance in Maryland?
You don’t have to have insurance to work as a welder in Maryland, but having this type of policy provides a level of financial protection. It’s a good idea to have general business liability coverage.
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?
You can reach out to the Iron Workers Local 5 Union to learn more about the welding profession in Maryland. Call (301) 599-0960 to connect with the Largo office.
In addition, connecting with the welding schools in Maryland on this list can get you in touch with the right person to answer your questions.
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 Maryland , click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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