According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for welders is expected to increase 8% over the next ten years. Welders are always in demand for a variety of metalworking jobs. If you’re interested in pursuing this challenging career, you need to know about the best welding schools in Alabama.
What Does a Welder Do?
Welders use a variety of methods to repair, cut, or join pieces of metal. A welder probably had a hand in making anything you can think of created using metal.
You need specialized training to become a welder, since there are many different types of welding, including MIG welding, TIG welding, stick welding, plasma arc welding, and electron beam and laser welding.
In Alabama, many welders work in the fabrication and manufacturing of everything from heavy machinery to water pumps. Besides manufacturing, Alabaman welders often work on pipelines, power plants, shipyards, and a variety of construction projects.
Welding Schools Near Me in Alabama
To learn how to be a welder in Alabama, you need to have a high school diploma, get technical training, and apprentice under a seasoned welder for on-the-job training.
There are several popular schools in Alabama where you can learn to be a welder.
Alabama Pipe Welders Academy
With an admirable 5:1 student-teacher ratio for more one-on-one training time, this trade school starts new students every week so there is no need to wait for months to enroll.
- Location: Mobile, AL
- Phone: (251) 222-9799
- Programs available: combination pipe welding, GTAW pipe welding, SMAW pipe welding, MIG pipe welding, pipeline welding, and pipe-fitting courses
- Program duration: 16 weeks
- Average cost: $6,250 to $13,500. Grants, scholarships, and financing options are available.
Bevill State Community College
BSCC offers WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certification.
- Locations: Hamilton, AL, Fayette, AL, Jasper, AL
- Phone: (800) 648-3271
- Programs available: Welding Technology, Welding Technology Long-Term Certificate, GMAW/FCAW Welding Certificate, Pipe Welding Certificate, SMAW Welding Technology Short-Term Certificate
- Program duration: four months to two years
- Average cost: $123 per credit hour, $1,599 to $7,626 depending on certificate or degree
Gadsden State Community College
GSCC has a Career Services program that can aid in job placement.
- Locations: Anniston, AL, Centre, AL, Gadsden, AL
- Phone: (256) 549-8200
- Programs available: Welding Technology Certificate, Welding Technology Pipe Tube Welding Short-Term Certificate, Welding Technology Short-Term Certificate
- Program duration: one to two years
- Average cost: $4,592 to $9,512
Bishop State Community College
Bishop State partners with Ingalls Shipbuilding to train students in their Pipefitting and Shipfitter Apprenticeships.
- Location: Mobile, AL
- Phone: (251) 405-7000
- Programs available: Welding Short Certificate
- Program duration: one year
- Average cost: $4,374
Coastal Alabama Community College
Coastal Alabama’s Career Coach portal provides information on career opportunities and helps you build your resume.
- Location: Atmore, AL
- Phone: (251) 580-2111
- Programs available: Associate’s in Welding Technology, Marine Industry Technology Short-Term Certificate, Pipefitting Short-Term Certificate, Welding – Basic Plate Welding Short-Term Certificate, Welding – Basic Plate Welding – GMAW/FCAW/SMAW Short-Term Certificate, Welding – Basic Plate Welding – SMAW Fillet Welds Short-Term Certificate, Welding – Pipe Welding Short-Term Certificate, Welding – Pipe Welding – SMAW Carbon Pipe Short-Term Certificate, Welding Technology Certificate
- Program duration: four months to two years
- Average cost: $2,916 to $11,664
Central Alabama Community College
This community college offers WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certification.
- Location: Alexander City, AL, Childersburg, AL, Pratt’s Mill, AL
- Phone: (256) 234-6346
- Programs available: Associate in Occupational Technology in Welding, Welding Technology Certificate, Basic Gas Metal Arc Welding Certificate, Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding Certificate, Basic Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Certificate
- Program duration: four months to two years
- Average cost: $989 to $10,382
Southern Union State Community College
SUSCC Career Services offers career coaching, career assessments, campus career events, and more to help students find jobs.
- Location: Wadley, AL
- Phone: (256) 395-2211
- Programs available: Associate in Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing Concentration Area: Welding Technology, Basic Gas Metal Arc Welding Short Certificate, Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding Short Certificate, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Short Certificate, Carbon Arc Pipe Welding Short Certificate, Manufacturing Production Technician Short Certificate
- Program duration: four months to two years
- Average cost: $1,458 to $11,664
Welding Career Opportunities in Alabama
In Alabama, you may work on construction sites, and oil and gas refineries, including off-shore oil rigs, aerospace projects, building or fixing cars and motorcycles, and building ships.
How Much Do Welders Make in Alabama?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that welders in Alabama typically earn between $25,480 and $44,610.
Indeed says that if you have less than one year of experience as a welder, you could make $22.90 per hour, and if you have 10 or more years of experience, you may expect to earn as much as $24.68 per hour. Those figures would give you an average monthly salary of $3,969 to $4,278, and a yearly salary of $47,632 to $51.334.
In addition to standard salaries, welders often have lots of opportunities for overtime work in Alabama when things are booming or when companies are shorthanded. Some welders make as much as double their salary once they add in all their overtime pay.
Major Employers of Welders in Alabama
- Polaris, Inc. is the global leader in Powersports, manufacturing ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and more. Polaris hires welders to work in its factories. Indeed says that Polaris pays welders $19.35 per hour, which is the national average.
- Steward Machine Co., Inc. is the largest manufacturer of moveable bridge machinery globally. It hires welders to work on lock dams, aerospace, power suppliers, sewage, and navy projects. Glassdoor estimates that Steward Machine welders earn between $29,000 and $54,000 per year.
- GRUNDFOS is in the pump business, delivering drinking water, removing sewage and waste, and helping farmers water their crops. It hires welders to help manufacture the pumps. Glassdoor estimates that GRUNDFOS pays its welders between $30,000 and $61,000 per year.
How To Become a Certified Welder in Alabama
To become a welder, you typically just need a high school diploma or GED and training from a school such as those listed above. In addition to the degrees and certificates you can earn in school, many companies want you to be certified by the American Welding Society and/or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
The AWS and ASME have created the standards by which welders can be certified. Having a certificate from one of these bodies means more work is available to you, and you may be able to command a higher salary. These organizations offer multiple certifications for welders.
If you choose not to get certified by the AWS or ASME, you may still be able to get work after going through an apprenticeship with a more experienced welder. Your work options may be limited, though.
Do You Need a License to be a Welder in Alabama?
Alabama doesn’t require welders to be licensed by the state. No such license exists due to the sheer number of certifications welders can earn in school or receive from the AWS and ASME.
Alabama Welding FAQs
1. How Long Does It Take to Become a Welder?
If you have your high school diploma or GED, you could become a junior or apprentice welder with as little as seven months of hands-on training, depending on the type of welding you want to do. It could also take up to two years.
2. Does a Welder Need Insurance in Alabama?
If you’re hanging out your shingle as a welder instead of going to work for a company, you may have to pay for workers’ compensation insurance if you have any employees. Even without employees, it’s a good idea to have workers’ comp insurance to cover you in case you’re injured on the job. Most private health insurance won’t pay for on-the-job accidents.
As an independent welder, it’s also a good idea to have some sort of liability insurance to protect against property damage or injuries to other people. If you don’t have insurance and something does go awry, you could lose everything you have in a lawsuit.
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 have questions about how to become a welder in Alabama, you can reach out to the Iron Workers Union, Local 92, in Birmingham. You can reach them by phone at (205) 323-4551 or via the contact form on their website.
If you want to pursue a career in welding, you must attend one of the welding schools in Alabama. You’ll learn the trade, and you’ll learn about AWS and ASME certification to open up more job opportunities. This in-demand career is an excellent way to earn a living in Alabama.
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 Alabama, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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