If you are looking for a career in welding, New Jersey is a great place to start. Ranked in the top 15 states in the nation for welding jobs, New Jersey has both educational and occupational opportunities available for new and experienced welders.
What Does a Welder Do?
Welding is a process that uses a heat source to join together pieces of metal, such as aluminum, brass, or stainless steel. The skill of welding is in demand across a number of industries, with the profession expecting growth of 8% over the next decade. Welders in New Jersey generally work in construction work, manufacturing, the gas and oil industry, or steel fabrication.
Welding Schools Near Me in New Jersey
In New Jersey, welders can be trained through a vocational program in high school, a post-secondary vocational training program, or a two-year associate degree in welding technology. The American Welding Society offers welding certification, which is preferred by most employers. There are many schools in New Jersey that can prepare you for a career as a welder.
Bergen Community College
Bergen is a two-year college that offers an associate degree in manufacturing and logistics, which includes welding courses and certification.
- Location: Paramus, NJ
- Phone number: 201-447-7100
- Programs available: Manufacturing & Logistics
- Program duration: two years
- Average cost: $5,000 tuition per year
Brookdale Community College
While Brookdale does not advertise a degree in welding, they periodically offer grant-funded, free welding training programs for the area’s unemployed.
- Location: Lincroft, NJ
- Phone number: 732-224-2186
- Programs available: STEM training, embedded and periodic welding programs
- Program duration: associates degree two-year program
- Average cost: varies
Camden County Technical Schools
This technical school district offers welding certification programs for vocational high school diplomas and for adult students.
- Location: Camden County, NJ
- Phone number: 856-767-7000
- Programs available: high school and adult programs
- Program duration: 3-24 months for adult programs
- Average cost: N/A
HoHoKus School of Trade and Technical Sciences
Equipped with modern machine shops and welding to provide students with hands-on, real-world training.
- Location: Paterson, NJ
- Phone number:
- Programs available: American Welding Society certification
- Program duration: 6-12 months
Lincoln Technical Institute – South Plainfield
Students learn four types of popular welding processes from instructors experienced in the field.
- Location: South Plainfield, NJ
- Phone number: 732-548-8798
- Programs available: Welding and Metal Fabrication Technology; Welding Technology
- Program duration: 34-44 weeks
Lincoln Technical Institute – Mahwah
Students begin with a study of metal properties before entering a robust training program and end with a 10-hour safety orientation approved by OSHA.
- Location: Mahwah, NJ
- Phone number: 732-548-8798
- Programs available: Welding and Metal Fabrication Technology; Welding Technology
- Program duration: 34-44 weeks
Ocean County Vocational-Technical School
This high school offers vocational training for students as well as evening and accelerated programs for adults.
- Location: Toms River, NJ
- Phone number:
- Programs available: Basic Welding 1 & 2
- Program duration: 12+ weeks
- Average cost: $675-$1,200
Welding Career Opportunities in New Jersey
The most lucrative welding jobs in New Jersey include aerospace welders, military support welders, pipe welders, underwater welders, and certified welding supervisors. Salaries are based on the type of work and the welder’s skill level.
How Much Do Welders Make in New Jersey?
The career site Indeed.com reports that welders in New Jersey earn an annual base salary of $49,581, which is equal to the national average. However, highly skilled welders in specialized industries can expect to earn around $100,000 annually.
Major Employers of Welders in New Jersey
The top employers for welders in New Jersey include the following:
- Bechtel (average $92,111): With over 10,000 employees, Bechtel is a well-established construction, global engineering, and project management company.
- Toyota (average $86,509): Skilled tool and die team members and production engineer welders are some of the welding opportunities at Toyota.
- McDermott (average $83,460): Provides technology-driven construction and engineering solutions for the energy industry.
- Zachry Construction Corporation (average $80,813): focuses on industrial maintenance and construction projects, including bridges, dams, highways, chemical refineries, commercial buildings, air quality control systems, and more.
- Faurecia (average $79,325): known for being an innovative and dynamic company, and a preferred partner of automobile manufacturers across the world.
How To Become a Certified Welder in New Jersey
Most employers are not interested in providing on-the-job training to new welders, so it’s important to find a program for training prior to seeking a job. Some high schools provide vocational training in welding that culminates in certification. Adult training is available through technical schools, associate degree programs in community colleges, and even some alternative training programs for adults at high schools.
Do You Need a License to be a Welder in New Jersey?
The state of New Jersey does not require practicing welders to hold specific licensing, although most employers do prefer certification through the American Welding Society.
New Jersey Welding FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the more commonly asked questions about pursuing welding as a career.
1. How Long Does It Take to Become a Welder?
Welding as a skill requires intense training due to the hands-on nature of the profession. Mastering welding requires a knowledgeable instructor, a strong understanding of chemistry, patience, and time. Before achieving certification, most welding students require 7 months to 2 years of instruction, depending on the intensity of the program and frequency of classes.
2. Does a Welder Need Insurance in New Jersey?
The state of New Jersey does not require welders to carry insurance. However, independent welders and welding shop owners should consider an adequate insurance policy due to the number of responsibilities and inherent risks involved in the business.
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 American Welding Society is available to answer your questions at 800-443-9353. The office is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM through 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.
Welding is a useful skill with a number of lucrative applications. The demand for welders will continue to increase over time, and the career opportunities in New Jersey can be personally rewarding and financially beneficial.
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 New Jersey, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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