If you want a rewarding, in-demand career that allows you to use reasoning, creative skills, and your hands daily, consider training to become a welder. There are excellent welding schools in South Carolina that can prepare you for a career. Learn more about how to get started in this welding school and training guide.
What Does a Welder Do?
Welders work with metal. They put pieces together using high heat, smooth and polish surfaces, and inspect materials for imperfections. They may also read and interpret blueprints or other architectural drawings.
Welders in South Carolina commonly work for utility companies, on railways, or with marine applications, such as shipbuilding.
Welding Schools Near Me in South Carolina
Potential welders can pursue several paths for training. The most common is to attend one of the excellent welding schools in South Carolina. This is often a public community college or technical school.
High school students who know early on that they want to learn welding may be able to get training through the local school system. Apprenticeships are also available through unions and trade organizations.
Aiken Tech College
Aiken Tech offers a unique opportunity for qualified students through its ATC Technical Scholars program. This program covers the cost of tuition, books, and equipment. In addition, students work part-time with local companies for a fair wage during enrollment.
- Location: Aiken
- Phone number: (803) 593-9231
- Programs: Certificate, AAS in Welding Technology
- Program duration: one to three years
- Average cost: $6,000-$13,000
Bamberg Job Corps Center
This federally funded program offers free high school completion and career training to eligible young adults. It also provides counseling and other related support services in an on-campus experience.
- Location: Bamberg
- Phone number: (800) 733-JOBS
- Programs: Certificate
- Program duration: varies
- Average cost: Free
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
HGTC offers a certificate program that prepares students for entry-level welding careers. Job placement assistance is available.
- Location: Conway
- Phone number: (843) 347-3186
- Programs: Certificate in Advanced Welding Technologies
- Program duration: three semesters
- Average cost: $5,000 (plus $815 for supplies)
Palmetto Training Inc.
Palmetto training offers full-day programs at three locations in South Carolina. This accelerated training program will have you on your way to a career in just nine weeks.
- Location: North Charleston, Hardeeville & Walterboro
- Phone number: (843) 538-2090
- Programs: Welding – NCCER Accredited Training Unit
- Program duration: nine weeks
- Average cost: $5,500
South Carolina School of Welding
The South Carolina School of Welding has new classes starting every week so that you can get started on the road to a rewarding welding career in South Carolina on your own time. Classes are scheduled for day and evening students, and financial aid and job placement services are available.
- Location: Beech Island
- Phone Number: (706) 836-7007
- Programs: Combo Pipe Welder
- Program duration: up to 24 weeks
- Cost: $12,500
Welding Career Opportunities in South Carolina
South Carolina is home to several industries that routinely hire welders. You may find yourself working in state and local government, the energy sector, manufacturing, or the marine industry.
How Much Do Welders Make in South Carolina?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average wage for a welder (code 4121) in South Carolina is $20.85 per hour or $43,370 per year. This is slightly lower than the national average.
BLS averages are in line with estimates from Glassdoor, which say to expect a pay range between $26,000 and $82,000 per year. These figures include base and premium pay amounts.
Major Employers of Welders in South Carolina
According to employment sites, including Glassdoor, the following are some of the top companies for welding careers in South Carolina:
- Curtiss-Wright — Aerospace and defense
- EnerSys — Electronics manufacturing
- GE Companies — Machinery manufacturing
- Nucor — Metal and mineral manufacturing
- State of South Carolina — Government agency
- Westinghouse — Energy and utilities
How To Become a Certified Welder in South Carolina
The steps for how to become a welder in South Carolina are pretty straightforward. In general, you will need a high school diploma or GED. You will also need to attend a training program that provides essential information about metallurgy, blueprint reading, shop mathematics, and physics.
Training programs often include additional certifications in specific types of welding. Many employers will also require AWS certification, so look for that component when researching welding schools in South Carolina. Because many welders in South Carolina work in the energy sector, you might also consider pursuing the American Petroleum Institute certification.
Do You Need a License to be a Welder in South Carolina?
Welding careers in South Carolina do not require a state license. However, you may decide to pursue a contractor license if you will be performing larger projects.
See also: South Carolina Contractor Licensing Guide
South Carolina Welding FAQs
You have options when exploring welding careers in South Carolina. The following FAQ can help clarify any remaining confusion about welding schools and potential career paths.
1. How Long Does It Take to Become a Welder?
Expect your training to take between one and two years before you are ready for entry-level welding careers in South Carolina. However, accelerated training programs with job placement assistance may reduce this time.
2. Does a Welder Need Insurance in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not have an insurance requirement for welders. However, you might choose to purchase professional liability and tool policies to protect yourself and your equipment.
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?
Who you contact about how to become a welder in South Carolina will depend on the type of questions you have. For training program information, contact individual welding schools in South Carolina. Contact the appropriate certifying organization for questions about industry certification (AWS, API, ASME).
If you have questions about welding in general or possible career paths in the state, it is often helpful to reach out to local trade groups or unions. In South Carolina, those include Iron Workers Local 846 and Plumbers and Pipefitter Local 421.
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 South Carolina, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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