If you’re ready to start a stable and rewarding career in Idaho, welding is a great option. There are numerous opportunities to work in warehouses and with mechanics as a welder, but having the proper training to use various welding equipment and techniques is essential. Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a welder in Idaho so that you can decide if this is the right career for you.
What Does a Welder Do?
Welders are responsible for working with all types of metal. They cut and join sheets of metal to make pipes, equipment and rigs used in industries of all types.
Idaho has a wide variety of job opportunities for welders. You may choose to work in a factory creating dairy equipment for farms or take a job as a diesel mechanic and work on the structures of heavy vehicles. You can also become a fabricator in a factory setting.
Welding Schools Near Me in Idaho
To become a welder in Idaho, you must complete an approved training program. You are not eligible to enroll in a training course until you have earned your GED certificate or completed high school, but once you are ready to begin training as a welder, you have several welding schools to choose from in Idaho.
College of Southern Idaho
This school has four campuses and offers evening and daytime classes for students who need flexible school schedules.
- Location: Twin Falls
- Phone number: 208-732-6795
- Programs available: CCL in Welding Technology
- Program duration: 12 months
- Average cost: $4,200 (in-state)
North Idaho College
This school offers accelerated courses, flexible start dates and dual enrollment opportunities so that you can start preparing for a welding career on your own time.
- Location: Rathdrum
- Phone number: 208-769-3448
- Programs available: Intermediate Certificate in Welding Technology, Advanced Certificate in Welding Technology, Associate of Applied Science in Welding Technology
- Program duration: Two years
- Average cost: $1,698 (In-state, county resident)
Lewis-Clark State College
Small class sizes and plenty of hands-on experience with various welding techniques make this school a great choice for aspiring welders.
- Location: Lewiston
- Phone number: 208-792-2378
- Programs available: AAS, ATC, ITC in Welding Technology
- Program duration: One to two years
- Average cost: $6,982 per year (in-state)
Welding Career Opportunities in Idaho
Most welders in Idaho work within the manufacturing industry. You may become a fabricator working on various types of machinery in a factory. A job as a diesel welder with a structural mechanic is a good option, or you could work on equipment in the dairy farm industry.
How Much Do Welders Make in Idaho?
Welders in Idaho make an average of $18.29 per hour, which equals an annual salary of approximately $38,000. Welders with more than 10 years of experience earn an average of $20 per hour, although some companies pay welders up to $43.83 per hour.
Major Employers of Welders in Idaho
There are many promising job opportunities for those who wish to pursue welding careers in Idaho. Some of the state’s top welding employers are:
- Bechtel Corporation: This company falls in the construction and engineering industry and has a great reputation for employee satisfaction. It pays experienced welders up to $43.83 per hour.
- Fluor Corporation: This engineering company pays welders an average of $31 per hour. It is a Fortune 500 company with global career opportunities.
- Toyota: The popular car manufacturer hires welders to construct vehicle frames. The average pay for a welder is $40.63 per hour.
- Zachry Construction Corporation: With its positive work environment and competitive salary of $37.96 per hour, this company is a great employer for welders.
- McDermott: You can expect to earn an average annual salary of $86,509 when you work as a welder for this construction and engineering company.
How To Become a Certified Welder in Idaho
Welding certifications in Idaho as issued by the American Welding Society. This certification is issued nationally rather than at the state level. You must complete high school or earn the GED equivalent before you can attend an approved training course for welding. Training may take up to two years and prepares you to take the welding exam for your AWS certification.
It’s important to note that certification is not necessary to work as a welder in Idaho. However, AWS certification qualifies you for higher-paying jobs and documents your skills for potential employers.
Do You Need a License To Be a Welder in Idaho?
The state of Idaho does not require welding licenses. You may have more job opportunities and career paths open to you if you hold an AWS certification, however.
Idaho Welding FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Become a Welder?
Most people are ready to begin welding careers within two years of starting a training program. Some courses can be completed in less time, but most welding programs in Idaho take two years to master all of the techniques you need for a successful welding career.
Does a Welder Need Insurance in Idaho?
Idaho does not require welders to hold insurance. However, commercial liability insurance is always a good idea if you work as an independent welder and contract out jobs to other people. Workers’ compensation insurance is also good to have if you have a team of employees. Use our tool below to get a FREE quote from one of our partners:
Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
You can contact the director of the welding program at your local training school such as Idaho State University if you have questions about the courses you must take to become a welder. You can contact the AWS for questions related to the welding industry.
Welding is a great career choice for many people. With the proper training on various welding techniques, you can be ready to start a career as a welder in just two years. Prepare for your future by enrolling in a welding program today.
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 Idaho, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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