If you want to get started in a rewarding hands-on career, welding could be an excellent choice. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the demand for welders and metal workers to grow by about 8 percent over the next several years. Additionally, the influx of large manufacturing facilities in North Carolina makes it an ideal place to begin a welding career.
Whether you are currently employed in another field or still exploring career choices, researching welding schools in North Carolina is the best approach to getting started. This guide offers insights into the steps to becoming a welder and where to turn for training in the state.
What Does a Welder Do?
At the most basic level, welders use a variety of processes to join metal together to build or repair products. However, there are many specialties within the field. A few examples of duties you may find yourself performing as a welder include:
- Studying blueprints and drawings
- Positioning and securing metal parts
- Selecting the correct type of welding and materials for a job
- Joining metal components together in various positions
There are ample opportunities for welders in North Carolina. For example, you may find yourself building cars, trucks, or airplanes as these industries expand in the state. Welders are also often needed for large infrastructure projects, such as building roads and bridges.
Welding Schools Near Me in North Carolina
When learning about the requirements for how to become a welder in North Carolina, you will notice there are two main components to training: classroom and practical. Becoming proficient with the tools and techniques for welding requires many hours of practice; therefore, any training program should include the hands-on experience needed to develop skills.
Many of North Carolina’s community colleges offer welding technology programs. These range from introductory classes to complete degree programs. Many of these schools offer financial aid and scholarships that cover most or all tuition costs. A few examples of NC community colleges’ welding programs include:
Alamance Community College Welder Training
Alamance Community College’s welding Technology program offers hands-on training at an accredited facility.
- Location: Graham
- Phone number: (336) 506-4183
- Programs available: certificates in basic, inert gas and oxy-fuel welding; diploma in Welding Technology; AAS Welding Technology
- Program duration: three months to two years
- Average cost: approx. $1,000-$4,000 (NC residents)
Blue Ridge Community College Welding Programs
BRCC offers seven specialty certificates, a one-year diploma program, and an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Welding Technology. They also participate in the Career and College Promise program for high school students.
- Location: Flat Rock
- Phone number: (828) 694-1700
- Programs available: 7 certificate programs; diploma in Welding Technology; AAS Welding Technology
- Program duration: three months to two years
- Average cost: $1,000-$5,000 (NC residents)
Forsyth Technical Community College Welding Technology
- Location: Winston-Salem
- Phone number: (336) 723-0371
- Programs available: certificate, diploma, and AAS in Welding Technology
- Program duration: three months to two years
- Average cost: $1,000-$5,000 (NC residents)
Guilford Technical Community College
All welding programs at GTCC are offered at the school’s state-of-the-art Center for Advanced Manufacturing, where students can practice on standard industry equipment.
- Location: Jamestown
- Phone number: (336) 334-4822
- Programs available: certificate, AAS in Welding Technology, Welder u2013 GMAW (quick career track)
- Program duration: three months to two years
- Average cost: $1,000-$5,000 (NC residents)
Lenoir Community College
This school offers three workforce development programs to help you find entry-level welding careers in North Carolina. Each can be completed in about two months and cost under $250.
- Location: Kinston
- Phone number: (252) 527-6223
- Programs: Certificates (Basic Welding Skills and Welding Technology), AAS in Welding Technology
- Program Duration: two months to two years
- Average Cost: $200 – $5,000
Nash Community College
- Location: Rocky Mount
- Phone number: (252) 443-4011
- Programs: Diploma, 5 Certificates, AAS
- Program Duration: three months to two years
- Average cost: $300 – $6,000
Randolph Community College
RCC offers day and evening programs that allow students to train for a welding career while maintaining their current schedule. Courses are taught at RCC’s Archdale Welding Center, which participates in AWS’ Schools Excelling through National Skills Education (SENSE) program.
- Location: Asheboro
- Phone: (336) 633-0200
- Programs: Certificate, AAS Welding Technology
- Program duration: one to two years
- Average cost: $1,200-$6,000
Wake Technical Community College
- Location: Raleigh
- Phone number: (919) 866-5000
- Programs: Certificate, Diploma, AAS in Welding Technology
- Program duration: three months to two years
- Average cost: $1,200-$6,000
Welding Career Opportunities in North Carolina
BLS figures indicate that motor vehicle, automotive parts, and equipment manufacturing are among the industries with the highest number of welding jobs in North Carolina. However, there is a growing aerospace industry in the state, and it lists among the top-paying areas for welders. Additionally, North Carolina is home to several military bases which employ many welders.
As you explore welding careers in North Carolina, you can expect to find jobs in the following industries :
- Automotive manufacturing
- Local government
- Aerospace
- Bridge and highway construction
- Shipbuilding
How Much Do Welders Make in North Carolina?
According to the career site Glassdoor, the average welder salary in North Carolina is $44,415, or about $3,700 per month. These figures include both base and overtime pay. Lead and senior welders can expect to make higher amounts.
This coincides with BLS wage estimates from May 2021 for welder salaries in the state, which place the hourly and annual mean wages at $20.65 and $42,950, respectively. The BLS offers a salary range of $30,010-$59,720 for North Carolina welders.
Major Employers of Welders in North Carolina
There are many North Carolina employers seeking qualified welders. A few of the most prominent examples include:
- Altec — Machinery manufacturing
- Caterpillar — Equipment manufacturing, average salary $20.86 per hour (plus 8% shift premium)
- Daimler Truck — Automotive Manufacturing
- HAECO Americas —
- Honda — Automotive manufacturing
Additionally, the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps recruit, train and employ welders on North Carolina military bases.
How To Become a Certified Welder in North Carolina
North Carolina does not have state-level requirements for welders. However, most entry-level welding careers in North Carolina have similar prerequisites. These include:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Training that includes AWS certification
- Physical agility necessary to perform job functions
While there are no state-specific requirements, certification from the American Welding Society or ASME is often needed to find or advance employment. This is because these organizations set industry-wide standards for metal workers, and most employers prefer to hire individuals who have attended AWS-accredited welding schools in North Carolina.
Do You Need a License to be a Welder in North Carolina?
There is no license required to begin a welding career in North Carolina. However, individual municipalities or private companies may set certification requirements for certain types of projects.
While you may choose to get one, you do not need to have a general contractor license to perform welding services in the state. Learn more about how to get a North Carolina contractor license here.
North Carolina Welding FAQs
Several excellent training programs and welding schools in North Carolina can get your career off to a great start. These FAQs address additional questions about how to become a welder in North Carolina.
1. How Long Does It Take to Become a Welder?
You can expect to take between one and two years to complete training to become a welder. This includes time to obtain a certificate and gain hands-on experience. It can take longer if you opt for a college degree.
2. Does a Welder Need Insurance in North Carolina?
You do not need insurance to work as a welder in North Carolina. However, many welders choose to purchase insurance to cover their tools and equipment, which are very expensive to replace.
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?
It is often best to contact welding schools in North Carolina directly if you have questions about their programs and requirements. For more general inquiries about welding, apprenticeships, or career opportunities, the following trade organizations may also be helpful.
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 North Carolina, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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