As the Ohio economy shifts, job markets are changing. While some vocations are in less demand, many businesses in the state want skilled welding professionals. Now is an excellent time to pursue a welding career, but you need proper training and credentials to attract employers. This guide lists several reputable welding schools in Ohio. You’ll also find out about job prospects, pay rates, and certification.
What Does a Welder Do?
Simply put, welders connect metal pieces together at high temperatures. They used advanced equipment and techniques to achieve this goal. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists other critical skills for welders: mathematics, blueprint reading, calculating part dimensions, workplace safety, and equipment repair.
Ohio welders work in many different industries. They put their skills to use at manufacturing facilities, steel mills, HVAC companies, transportation firms, construction companies, and even food production businesses. To land any of these jobs, specialized training for welders is essential. That means completing a welding training program at an accredited school near you.
Welding Schools Near Me in Ohio
Education is crucial in learning how to become a welder in Ohio. You should choose a reputable training program that fits your schedule, career ambitions, and budget. Several institutions within the state offer the type of training you need. Programs include classroom, lab, and other hands-on learning.
Columbus State Community College
Columbus State’s Skilled Trades division offers several welding certificates and degree programs. Curriculum choices include general welding ad pipe welding certificates. Students may also complete an associate degree plus sheet metal and plumbing apprenticeship readiness certificates.
- Location: Columbus, OH
- Phone number: (614) 287-5353
- Programs available: Associate Degree in Welding; several welding certificates
- Program duration: 12-24 months (certificates); 24 months (associate degree)
- Average cost: $2,530/year (half-time); $5,208/year (full-time)
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Students can complete certificates or an associate degree in welding, learning fundamentals like arc welding, metal fabrication, pipe welding, and workplace safety. Cincinnati State has five campus locations: Clifton, Middletown, Evendale, Harrison, and Butler Tech.
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- Phone number: (513) 861-7700
- Programs available: Welding Certificate; Associate in Welding
- Program duration: 18 months (certificate); 36 months (associate degree)
- Average cost: $4,000/year (full-time students)
Owens Community College
Located in Northeast Ohio, Owens Community College offers a large selection of skilled trade programs. Students can earn an associate degree in welding or choose from several specialized certificates.
- Location: Perrysburg, OH
- Phone number: (567) 661-6000
- Programs available: Associate of Applied Science in Welding; several welding certificates
- Program duration: 6 months (specialized certificates); 24 months (associate degree)
- Average cost: $2,000 (certificate); $14,000 (associate degree)
Eastern Gateway Community College
Eastern Gateway Community College has two campuses: Steubenville and Youngstown. The welding curriculum instructs students on welding processes, blueprint reading, mathematics, and fabrication.
- Location: Steubenville, OH
- Phone number: (800) 682-6553
- Programs available: Associate of Applied Science in Welding; basic and advanced welding certificates
- Program duration: 12 months (certificate); 24 months (degree)
- Average cost: $3,000
Polaris Career Center
Polaris Career Center’s Adult Welding Program covers blueprint interpretation, welding techniques, cutting, and machine safety. Upon completion, students will be able to take the AWS Certified Welder test.
- Location: Middleburg Heights, OH
- Phone number: (440) 891-7600
- Programs available: Adult Welding Program
- Program duration: 36 weeks
- Average cost: $10,495
Welding Career Opportunities in Ohio
Once you’ve completed your education, you can successfully pursue welding careers in Ohio. Opportunities can include direct employment in full-time positions along with apprenticeships and internships. You can apply for apprenticeships at many local trade unions.
How Much Do Welders Make in Ohio?
According to Indeed, average base salaries for Ohio welders start at $18.99 per hour. Cities in which welders earn the best pay include Columbus, with an average of $20.67 per hour. In smaller towns and suburbs like Salem, pay rates are closer to $16.50 per hour.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics adds that the state’s mean annual welder salary is $44.670. Several factors can impact your pay: years of experience, education level, location, and professional certifications.
Major Employers of Welders in Ohio
Those pursuing welding careers in Ohio can find many job opportunities. The largest employers of welders in the state include food production, construction, transportation, and staffing firms. Indeed reveals the top five Ohio employers that regularly hire welders:
- American Crystal Sugar Company: food production; average welder salary of $32.16/hour
- Superior Skilled Trades: construction, repair, and maintenance; average welder pay rate of $30.17/hour
- SmartTalent: human resources and staffing; average welder pay rate of $27.45 per hour
- United Labor Group: construction, average welder pay rate of $27/hour
- Polar Service Centers: transportation and logistics; average welder pay rate of $26.42/hour
How To Become a Certified Welder in Ohio
After you’ve completed your welding education, you can pursue professional certification. The American Welding Society offers almost a dozen options, including the Certified Welder Program. You don’t have to stop there: The AWS also has certifications for welding inspectors and engineers, plus specialized methods such as robotic arc welding.
Achieving certification is a worthwhile investment. The AWS uses performance-based testing, which you can schedule at any time. Certification leads to higher pay and better job opportunities, including specialized roles and management. Employers like certified welders because they can demonstrate foundational knowledge and skills to deliver solid performance.
Do You Need a License to Be a Welder in Ohio?
Ohio does not individually license welders. If you plan on doing construction work as an independent contractor or business, you will need a state license. This requirement pertains to businesses that perform construction or renovation work, including refrigeration and plumbing. Check out Ohio’s contractor licensing requirements for more information.
Ohio Welding FAQs
Excited about welding careers in Ohio? You should now have a good idea of what it takes to get into this profession. If you need more information, check out some answers to frequently asked questions listed below.
1. How Long Does It Take To Become a Welder?
Training, certification, and apprenticeships impact the total time needed to prepare for a welding career. Earning a welding certificate typically takes 12 months, but an associate degree can take 24 months. You’ll need time to take any professional certification tests. Apprenticeships can last a few months or up to a year. Many welders find their first job within 12 to 18 months after starting their training.
2. Does a Welder Need Insurance in Ohio?
Ohio doesn’t require individual welders to carry insurance. However, you may wish to insure your welding equipment so you can replace it if lost, damaged, or stolen. Businesses must also have liability coverage plus worker’s comp insurance if they have employees. Get a FREE business insurance quote below from our trusted partner:
3. Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
You have many potential resources for help in becoming a welder. Professionals at local trade unions such as Ironworkers Local 172 or the Affiliated Construction Trades Local 17 can answer many of your questions. You may also want to check out AWS’ resource list. Don’t forget that your welding instructors are also valuable sources of information.
Ohio employers will need skilled welders for years to come. You can begin preparing no by training at one of the welding schools in Ohio. Other excellent ways to improve your value are professional certifications and apprenticeships. In a short time, you can enter this lucrative career.
[mv_video doNotAutoplayNorOptimizePlacement=”false” doNotOptimizePlacement=”false” jsonLd=”true” key=”n0yjvswgph2vqbyvep4o” ratio=”16:9″ thumbnail=”https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/v1687392215/dq6wv0byct5z2x3kyckz.jpg” title=”Ohio Welding Schools & Careers: Guide on How to Become a Welder in Ohio” volume=”70″]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 Ohio, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
Call Us