Careers in the welding industry carry solid salaries and strong growth potential, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. This guide provides all the details you need about this hands-on career opportunity, including information about welding schools in Nevada.
What Does a Welder Do?
Welders connect components made of metal using specialized torches and other machinery. They construct and repair buildings, vehicles, tools and heavy equipment. As a welder, you’ll be responsible for reading and understanding design blueprints, measuring components and calculating dimensions, ensuring project safety, and monitoring, maintaining and fixing the tools required for the trade.
Nevada’s desert environment poses special challenges for welders, particularly on outdoor job sites requiring heavy safety equipment in three-digit temperatures. These professionals may also work on elevated scaffolding or in areas with minimal space to move around.
Welding Schools Near Me in Nevada
While you don’t need a license to work as a welder in Nevada, you do need certification. Welding schools in Nevada can help you gain the necessary knowledge and skills to do the job. Start the next chapter at one of these recommended programs in the state.
NateOvation Institute of Safety and Welding
- Location: Las Vegas
- Phone number: 702-445-7800
- Programs available: Level I Welding, Welding Plasma, Welding Safety
- Program duration: Classes range from one to five weeks
- Average cost: $1,000 to $5,000
- Accredited by the American Welding Society
Great Basin College
- Location: Battle Mountain
- Phone number: 775-327-2167
- Programs available: Associates of Applied Science (AAS) in Welding Technology, including training in flux cored arc welding, shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding, plasma arc cutting, air carbon arc cutting, and oxyfuel cutting. Arc Cutti
- Program duration: Approximately two years
- Average cost: $10,500 for an in-state student (AAS degree)
- All instructors are AWS-accredited
College of Southern Nevada
- Location: Las Vegas
- Phone number: 702-651-5000
- Programs available: Associates of Applied Science (AAS) in Welding Technology, including training in flux cored arc welding, shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding, plasma arc cutting, air carbon arc cutting, and oxyfuel cutting.
- Program duration: Approximately two years
- Average cost: $10,500 for an in-state student (AAS degree)
- Three convenient campus locations
Western Nevada College
- Location: Carson City
- Phone number: 775-445-3000
- Programs available: AAS in Welding Technology
- Program duration: Approximately two years
- Average cost: $7,000 for an in-state student (AAS degree)
- Designed to prepare students for certification exam
Career College of Northern Nevada
- Location: Sparks
- Phone number: 775-856-2266
- Programs available: Certificate and AAS degrees in Welding Technology
- Program duration: One to two years
- Average cost: $29,000 for an in-state student (AAS degree)
- Accredited by AWS for Sense II Preparation
Truckee Meadows Community College
- Location: Reno
- Phone number: 775-673-7111
- Programs available: Certificate and AAS degrees in Welding Technology, Certificate in Flux-Cored Arc Welding & Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Skills, Certificate
in Shielded Metal Arc-Welding and Gas Metal Arc-Welding Skills - Program duration: One to two years
- Average cost: $9,000 for an in-state student (AAS degree)
- Choose from four separate welding programs
Las Vegas Institute of Welding
- Location: Las Vegas
- Phone number: 702-518-1157
- Programs available: Introduction to Sheet Metal Welding and Introduction to Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Program duration: Four weeks
- Average cost: $6,000
- Quickly gain key professional knowledge and skills
Welding Career Opportunities in Nevada
You’ll find a wealth of different types of welding careers in Nevada. Many large Nevada employers have a need for welding professionals. You’ll also find unique opportunities for welders in the Las Vegas entertainment and gambling industry. For example, Cirque du Soleil hires these professionals to build, repair and ensure the safety of the structures its acrobats and performers use during each show.
How Much Do Welders Make in Nevada?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that welders in Nevada earn an average of $49,320 and $52,900 a year as of May 2021. This exceeds the average national median wage of $47,030 for those in this profession.
Major Employers of Welders in Nevada
Some of the biggest employers of welders in Nevada include:
- Palacios Marine Industry: A large energy firm always in need of welders, with jobs that include pipework, steel, skids, ASME pressure vessels and more.
- Dynamic Isolation Systems: Seismic isolation construction firm known as the “world leader in seismic construction.”
- Goodfellow Industries: An aggregate machinery company offering welding jobs and internships.
How To Become a Certified Welder in Nevada
Are you wondering how to become a welder in Nevada? Nevada requires welders to hold a certification of their skills and experience. While the state does not specify a certain certification, most welders decide to go through an industry organization such as the AWS or ASME. For example, the AWS requires that you take a certification exam and pay a fee, which varies depending on the type of endorsements and whether you’re a member of the organization.
Do You Need a License to be a Welder in Nevada?
Nevada does not require licensure for welders.
Nevada Welding FAQs
1. How Long Does It Take to Become a Welder?
You can complete a basic welder training course in just a few weeks. If you want to earn certification to improve your chances of hire, you may want to opt for a longer course of study that takes one to two years. Since you don’t need certification, you may be able to work in the industry while you attend school.
2. Does a Welder Need Insurance in Nevada?
You don’t have to have proof of insurance to work as a welder in Nevada. If you’re a small business owner or sole practitioner, general commercial liability insurance can protect your financial interests.
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?
The Nevada Contractors Board can provide more details about licensing and certification for the welding profession. To submit your questions, complete the agency’s online contact form.
By exploring welding schools in Nevada, you can prepare for a career with impressive future prospects.
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 Nevada, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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