Welding is a career path with many job opportunities in Georgia. While you don’t need a state-issued license to be a welder in Georgia, having the proper training and certifications is important for building a good reputation in the industry. This article covers how to become a welder in Georgia and provides you with a list of some of the top welding schools in Georgia so you can get started on this exciting career path.
What Does a Welder Do?
A welder is someone who works with metal. Welders use special equipment to cut and join pieces of metal to construct pipelines, heavy equipment, buildings and other structures.
Welding is used in many industries in Georgia, making job opportunities plentiful. Work with a car manufacturer to create structures for various vehicles. Become a construction welder and work on bridges and buildings. The movie industry is rampant in Georgia, so you can often find temporary jobs working on various TV and movie sets.
Welding Schools Near Me in Georgia
Becoming a welder in Georgia is fairly simple since there are few regulations. You must have earned a GED certificate or completed high school, and you must have completed training via an apprenticeship or approved training course. While some companies are willing to hire apprentices and provide them with on-the-job training, the majority of welding employers prefer to hire someone who has completed an approved training course.
Southern Crescent Technical College
This school offers dual enrollment for high-school students who are nearing graduation so they can get a headstart on their career goals. Daytime and evening class options make this school a prime choice for people who need to study around working another job.
- Location: Griffin
- Phone number: 770-228-7348
- Programs available: CCL in Welding and Joining Technology
- Program duration: six to twelve months
- Average cost: $3,126 (in-state tuition)
Albany Technical College
With small class sizes, this school provides you with plenty of hands-on training during its welding program. Counselors are available to help you find a job upon completing the course.
- Location: Albany
- Phone number: 229-430-3500
- Programs available: CCL in Welding and Joining Technology
- Program duration: 12 months
- Average cost: $2,996 (in-state tuition)
Augusta Technical College
This school provides students with small class sizes and flexible hours. It offers multiple welding certifications.
- Location: Augusta
- Phone number: 706-772-4000
- Programs available: CCL in Pipe Welding, CCL in Shielding Metal Arc Welding, CCL in Gas Pipe Welding
- Program duration 1 to 2 years
- Average cost: $3,232 (in-state tuition)
Welding Career Opportunities in Georgia
Georgia has a booming manufacturing industry. You could become a plant maintenance welder and work on improving the structural integrity of factory buildings. Start a job as a pipe welder and work for any type of manufacturing business. You could even work at the largest airline hub in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, and work on planes as an aviation welder.
How Much Do Welders Make in Georgia?
Entry-level welders in Georgia can make an average salary between $22,000 and $34,000 per year. Welders with more than 10 years of experience can earn an annual salary of up to $55,000. The average hourly wage for a welder in Georgia is $17.37 per hour, although some companies pay experienced welders more than $40 per hour.
Major Employers of Welders in Georgia
Welders have many job opportunities in Georgia. A few of the top companies that hire welders are:
- Toyota: The company pays experienced welders $40.63 per hour. Welders work on creating the structures of various vehicle models.
- Zachry Construction Corporation: The company hires structural welders to work on the metal frames of commercial buildings. Experienced welders can expect to earn up to $37 per hour.
- Bechtel: This engineering and construction business pays experienced welders $43.83 per hour. It has an excellent reputation for employee satisfaction.
- Mcdermott: The engineering company hires welders to work on structures that improve energy efficiency. The work culture is excellent, and welders can make up to $39 per hour depending on experience.
How To Become a Certified Welder in Georgia
Earning your welding certification through the American Welding Society proves to employers that you have mastered the techniques and equipment you use for various jobs. You must have completed high school or earned a GED certificate, and you must have completed an approved training program. AWS certifies welders through an exam administered by an approved testing facility. The testing center in Georgia is the Norfolk Southern Training Center in McDonough. You can contact the center directly at 770-914-3516 to schedule a test for certification.
Do You Need a License To Be a Welder in Georgia?
Georgia does not issue welding licenses at the state level, so you do not need a license to work in this industry. However, many employers prefer to hire welders who have national certifications issued by the AWS or the American Society of Mechanical Engineering.
Georgia Welding FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Become a Welder?
Most welding technology training programs in Georgia can be completed within one year. A few advanced programs may last for up to two years, but in general, you can start a welding career within approximately one year from beginning your training.
Does a Welder Need Insurance in Georgia?
Welders are not required to have insurance in Georgia. However, if you plan to open your own welding company and perform work for other businesses, you must have commercial insurance. Liability and workers’ compensation insurance are also important to have. Get a FREE insurance quote from our partners below:
Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions??
Contact your local welding school such as Southern Crescent Technical College for information on specific programs. The Norfolk Southern Training Center can answer questions about the exam for certification, and the AWS and ASME can provide you with additional information about the welding industry.
Becoming a welder in Georgia is a great career choice. The stable industry and decent salary make welding a lucrative career opportunity, so start looking into welding schools in Georgia to get the training you need for a successful career.
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 Georgia, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
Call Us