You can get the knowledge and skills you need for the next phase of your career at welding schools in Rhode Island. Learn more about the outlook for this profession in the smallest state and find out how to get started.
What Does a Welder Do?
You’ve probably seen photos of welders joining metal equipment and components with heated torches, wearing the required safety goggles and gloves. In addition to their welding duties, those in this profession must read blueprints, calculate complicated measurements, maintain equipment and tools, and adhere to safety regulations. Welders tend to work in all types of settings, from tight spaces to high scaffolding.
Rhode Island offers a wealth of welding opportunities in a variety of industries. For example, you can find jobs in this profession in maritime and shipbuilding, railroads, vehicle manufacturing, industrial machinery, and fabricated metal production. You may be tasked with working outdoors in the state’s cold climate, but many projects do take place inside.
Welding Schools Near Me in Rhode Island
You don’t need a state license to pursue welding careers in Rhode Island, but you do need certification from the American Welding Society or another approved industry organization. These local welding schools provide hands-on education and preparation for the AWS certification exam.
New England Institute of Technology
- Location: East Greenwich
- Phone number: 401-739-5000
- Programs available: Associate’s of Applied Science (AAS) degree in welding engineering technology
- Program duration: Two years
- Average cost: $32,100 for annual tuition
- Approved to offer AWS SENSE certification for welders
Skills Academy
- Location: Providence
- Phone number: 401-680-5960
- Programs available: Rhode Island Makers Training Program (Welding)
- Program duration: Five weeks
- Average cost: Free for eligible state residents
- Prepare for a more extensive welding training program with this 40-hour course
Welding Career Opportunities in Rhode Island
You’ll find diverse job postings for Rhode Island welders, with demand for this role in some of the state’s largest industries such as defense, maritime, shipbuilding, transportation, and manufacturing. What’s more, the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training projects welding to be one of the most in-demand professions in the state by 2028, with a nearly 12% increase in job openings in this field.
How Much Do Welders Make in Rhode Island?
The national median wage for welders is about $47,000, but you’ll likely earn a much higher salary if you work in Rhode Island. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports state median wages of more than $57,000 a year and $27 per hour.
Major Employers of Welders in Rhode Island
Some of the largest companies hiring Rhode Island welders include:
- Nortek Air Solutions, an HVAC company based in Providence
- General Dynamics, an international aerospace and defense firm with a location in North Kingston
- Raytheon, another global defense firm with a presence in the state
How To Become a Certified Welder in Rhode Island
To get the necessary certification, you must pass the AWS exam to show possible employers your knowledge of the welding field. Rhode Island welding schools can help you prepare for this test, which also requires a fee depending on the type of certification you need.
Do You Need a License to be a Welder in Rhode Island?
Since Rhode Island only requires certification, you don’t have to go through a state licensing process.
Rhode Island Welding FAQs
1. How Long Does It Take to Become a Welder?
You can become a welder in Rhode Island in one to two years. If you have no prior experience, you can get the hands-on training you need from an accredited welding school. A diploma usually takes two semesters and an associate’s degree requires four semesters.
2. Does a Welder Need Insurance in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island does not have an insurance requirement for welders who work in the state. However, many trade professionals decide to purchase a policy to protect their personal assets from a lawsuit or insurance claim.
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?
The state’s Department of Labor and Training can answer your questions about how to become a welder in Rhode Island. You can email the EmployRI program at dlt.esu@dlt.ri.gov.
If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to these welding schools in Rhode Island to learn about application and enrollment.
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 Rhode Island, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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