Wyoming is one of the few states where you can work as a welder without industry certification or a state license. However, earning credentials from an organization such as the American Welding Society can help you get a job in this lucrative, fast-growing profession. Explore welding schools in Wyoming to learn more about this hands-on career path.
What Does a Welder Do?
As a welder, you’ll use torches and other equipment to connect, or weld, metal parts of larger items such as tools, vehicles, machines and even buildings. Welders also review blueprints, make mathematical measurements, and take care of safety and maintenance responsibilities for their equipment.
Wyoming has one of the top five highest location quotients of welding jobs. You’ll find about seven welding jobs for every 1,000 opportunities, well above the average need for this profession in other states. In other words, there’s no shortage of openings for Wyoming welders.
Welding Schools Near Me in Wyoming
While welding careers in Wyoming don’t require certification, you may want to earn this credential through a welding education program. When you’re ready to take the next step, consider these welding schools in Wyoming.
Western Welding Academy
- Location: Gillette
- Phone number: 307-284-5313
- Programs available: Welder I SMAW Structural Welding Course, Welder 2 SMAW Pipe Welder Course, Welder 3 GMAW Pipe Welder Course, Welder 4 Advanced SMAW DOWWN HILL and GTAW Stainless Pipe Welding, Welder 5 Professional Pipe Welder
- Program duration: Welder 1, five weeks; Welder 2, seven weeks; Welder 3, seven weeks; Welder 4, five weeks; Welder 5, 24 weeks
- Average cost: Welder 1, $5,350; Welder 2, $7,450; Welder 3, $6,450; Welder 4, $6,450; Welder 5, $20,560
- Lifetime job placement assistance for graduates
Casper College
- Location: Casper
- Phone number: 307-284-5313
- Programs available: Certificate in Welding Technology, Associate’s of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology
- Program duration: One year for a certificate, two years for AAS
- Average cost: $7,000 for a certificate, $10,000 for AAS
- Endorsement available to teach welding at the secondary school and technical education levels
Laramie County Community College
- Location: Cheyenne
- Phone number: 307-778-1154
- Programs available: Welding Technology: Combination Welding and Welding Technology: Advanced Pipe Welding (both diploma programs)
- Program duration: One year for each diploma program
- Average cost: $15,000 per program for Wyoming residents
- Prepare for certification and earn opportunities to enter national welding competitions
Eastern Wyoming College
- Location: Torrington
- Phone number: 307-532-8200
- Programs available: Plate Certificate, Welding and Joining Certificate, Welding Specialist Certificate, Machine Tooling Certificate, AAS Degree
- Program duration:
- Plate Certificate: One semester.
- Welding and Joining Certificate: Two semesters.
- Welding Specialist Certificate: Four semesters.
- AAS Degree: Four semesters.
- Machine Tooling Certificate: May be earned in conjunction with the Welding & Joining Technology AAS Degree.
- Average cost: $2,000 to $8,000, depending on program
- Learn from a department of professionals with more than a century of combined welding experience
Welding Career Opportunities in Wyoming
Mining, specifically mineral and gas extraction, remains Wyoming’s primary industry. Many modern mines focus on extracting uranium, methane, crude oil, natural gas, and coal, creating a significant demand for professional welders who can repair drills, rigs and other equipment. Wyoming also thrives in manufacturing and agriculture, two other common areas where welders in the state find work.
How Much Do Welders Make in Wyoming?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders in Wyoming earn a median wage of $63,280 per year or about $30.42 per hour. The state currently pays the fourth highest wages in the nation for those in this profession, so you’ll earn significantly above the national average if you decide to work as a welder here.
Major Employers of Welders in Wyoming
You can find welding jobs at Wyoming employers both large and small. These are some of the top companies hiring for this role in the state:
- Aviat Aircraft, an aerospace company with a factory location in Afton
- Mesa Natural Gas Solutions in Casper
- Kiewit, a construction services firm with positions in Gillette
How To Become a Certified Welder in Wyoming
Several industry organizations provide welder certification, including the American Welding Society. You can earn this credential by passing the AWS exam, which tests your welding knowledge and ensures you’re prepared for the technical and safety requirements of this profession.
Do You Need a License to be a Welder in Wyoming?
While researching how to become a welder in Wyoming, you’ll find that you don’t need a license or certification. Earning a certificate from an industry organization like the AWS can help you attract attention from employers, however.
Wyoming Welding FAQs
1. How Long Does It Take to Become a Welder?
Welding careers in Wyoming don’t necessarily require industry certification, so you might be able to find a job without experience. However, if you decide to attend welding school, you can get a diploma in about a year and an associate’s degree in welding technology in about two years.
2. Does a Welder Need Insurance in Wyoming?
You can work as a welder in Wyoming without insurance. Without business liability coverage, however, you may be financially responsible for accidents or issues that occur at work.
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?
If you plan to start your own welding business, you can consult the Wyoming Business Council for the necessary forms and information.
Welding schools in Wyoming provide the foundation you need for this lucrative career path.
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 Wyoming, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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