You can earn a lucrative income and enjoy steady career prospects as a welder in Nebraska. In fact, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that northeastern Nebraska ranks among the top rural areas for job prospects in this field. If you’re interested in working with your hands, explore this guide to find out what it takes and learn more about welding schools in Nebraska that can help you get there.
What Does a Welder Do?
Welders use equipment such as torches to join metal parts of machinery, structures, tools and other items. Operating the necessary heat sources safely is a critical part of the job. In addition to welding metal components, welders must be able to read blueprints for their jobs, calculate the necessary measurements, and maintain their equipment and tools.
The agriculture industry provides a wealth of welding jobs, and many of Nebraska’s major industries also rely on welders to remain in operation. Just a few examples include transportation equipment, primary metal manufacture, electrical machinery and food processing.
Welding Schools Near Me in Nebraska
Although you don’t need a state license to work as a welder in Nebraska, you do need to earn certification from the American Welding Society. These local welding schools provide the training and knowledge you need to pass the AWS certification exam.
Northeast Community College
- Location: Norfolk
- Phone number: 402-371-2020
- Programs available: Welding diploma
- Program duration: Approximately two years (34 credit hours)
- Average cost: $4,500 for in-state students
- Preparation for AWS certification including courses in math, blueprinting, metallurgy, continuous wire production welding, inert gas arc welding, and gas and arc welding
Southeast Community College
- Location: Lincoln
- Phone number: 402-471-3333
- Programs available: Associates in Applied Science (AAS) in Welding Technology, certificate, diploma
- Program duration: One to two years
- Average cost: $9,060 for in-state tuition for AAS
- Flexible scheduling with both full-time and part-time programs available
Central Community College
- Location: Hastings, Grand Island, Columbus
- Phone number: 775-856-2266
- Programs available: Associates in Applied Science (AAS) in Welding Technology, Welding Technology Diploma, Production Welding Certificate, Advanced Welding Certificate, Manual Welding Certificate
- Program duration: One to two years
- Average cost: $6,848 for an in-state student (AAS degree)
- Available training in innovative welding robotics systems
Nebraska College of Technological Agriculture
- Location: Curtis
- Phone number: 775-673-7111
- Programs available: Agricultural welding certificate and exam preparation for students pursuing degrees in Agricultural Productions Systems
- Program duration: One semester (13 credits)
- Average cost: $1,807
- Part of the University of Nebraska
Welding Career Opportunities in Nebraska
Agricultural welding is Nebraska’s largest niche area within this profession. If you have an interest in this area, you can potentially earn a living as a welder working on farm machinery and systems. The agriculture industry has increasingly adopted high-tech innovations that require knowledge of both welding fundamentals and advanced computing environments.
How Much Do Welders Make in Nebraska?
Welders in Nebraska earn a mean annual salary of $46,190 according to data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is just a bit below the national average of $48,290. However, the cost of living in the state is an estimated 10 to 12% below the overall cost of living in the U.S., so you can earn a lucrative living as a Nebraska welder.
Major Employers of Welders in Nevada
- Union Pacific Railroad: One of the state’s largest employers with more than 40,000 workers, also needs welders to keep its trains on the move.
- Kiewit Corporation: You’ll also find welding jobs in engineering and construction at the Kiewit Corporation.
- HDR Engineering: HDR is another notable firm that ranks among the top 10 Nebraska employers and frequently hires welders.
How To Become a Certified Welder in Nebraska
The first step in how to become a welder in Nebraska is taking the AWS certification test. If you aren’t familiar with the welding industry, you may want to enroll in a diploma or degree program to prepare for this exam. You need to pay a fee for the test depending on the type of certificate you need.
Do You Need a License to be a Welder in Nebraska?
You don’t have to have a license from the state to work as a welder in Nebraska. However, you do need proof of certification from the AWS.
Nebraska Welding FAQs
1. How Long Does It Take to Become a Welder?
You can become a welder in Nebraska as soon as you gain the necessary knowledge to pass the AWS certification exam. If you decide to earn a diploma or associate’s degree to prepare for this test, you can do so in about one to two years depending on your program, class schedule and other factors.
2. Does a Welder Need Insurance in Nebraska?
Nebraska welders don’t necessarily need insurance, but it’s a good idea to purchase a general liability policy anyway. This type of coverage protects small business owners from accidents, lawsuits and other issues that may occur on the job.
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?
You can learn more about becoming a welder from Nebraska’s Secretary of State.
Start your path to a new career at one of these recommended welding schools in Nebraska.
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 Nebraska, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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