How to Become a Welder in California

If you enjoy working with your hands and have exceptional attention to detail, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving skills, a welding career could be a perfect fit for you.

To become a welder in California, you’ll need to complete an accredited education program and obtain an official license.

From there, you’ll be able to apply for various welder jobs in California.

Education & Training

Those wondering how to become a welder in California have two options to choose from. One of the most popular choices for aspiring welders in CA is to enroll in an accredited education program at a California trade school or community college. However, some people prefer to skip traditional schooling and complete hands-on training through an apprenticeship.

Welding Schools in CA

Like most skilled trades programs, welding courses typically have classroom instruction and hands-on training components.

Classes at welding schools in CA usually include:

Shop and Site Safety
Welding Equipment Identification
Blueprint Reading and Interpretation
Construction Math
Business Fundamentals
Communication and Customer Service

Additional Skills Taught

During the practical application portion of their programs, students receive training on how to work with ferrous and non-ferrous metals. To prepare you for various welder jobs in California, you’ll likely practice skills like:

Oxy-Acetylene cutting and brazing
Arc welding
MIG welding
Flux Core welding
Gas tungsten arc welding

How Long is Welder School in California?

Most people complete their welder certificate or apprenticeship program in as little as six months. However, there are also 18-month-long courses and externships available for students who want a more in-depth understanding of the industry. Those who hope to obtain associate’s degrees must complete two years of coursework and hands-on training.

Program Costs

At most welding trade school programs in California, tuition, fees, study materials, and equipment costs are usually about $3,500. Meanwhile, students who choose to take community college courses might pay anywhere from $6,000 to $20,000. Tuition for an associate’s dree welding program may be as much as $55,000.

Apprenticeships

Some aspiring welders in CA are tactile learners who prefer exclusive hands-on training over traditional in-class instruction. Apprenticeships allow these individuals to work under the supervision of a licensed welder, learning the necessary skills for the job.

Benefits of an Apprenticeship

Apprentices typically enjoy the following benefits:

Gaining real-world experience by working for paying clients and construction teams at actual job sites
Practicing and perfecting their dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and judgment skills while performing welds
Building connections with clients and coworkers that could benefit them in their future careers
Observing and performing various business practices for their employers
Earning money while learning

Dive Welding Certification

Welders in CA might also consider completing specialized diving classes to earn their commercial diving certifications. Once they have these credentials, underwater welders can qualify for well-paying jobs working on:

Ships and submarines
Off-shore oil rigs
Dams
Underwater pipelines
Nuclear reactors
Bridges

California Welder Requirements

In order to qualify for welder jobs in California, you’ll need to obtain an official welding certification once you complete your apprenticeship or educational program. Some schools include a licensing exam in their course curriculum, though you can get your credentials through the American Welding Society (AWS) or another certifying agency.

Becoming a Certified Welder in CA

The standard requirements for getting your certification and becoming a welder in California are as follows:

Be at least 18 years of age
Have a valid driver’s license or state-issued ID
Possess a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
Not currently be on parole or probation
Pass a certification exam through an official licensing agency

Certification Exams

Certification exams for welders in CA vary, depending on where you live. However, most organizations proctor a two-part exam with a written portion and a welder performance qualification test. If you test through the AWS, you’ll need to pass these tests with at least 70 percent, submit an application, and pay the required fees to receive your Certified Welder Wallet Card in the mail.

Welding Contractor License

Experienced welders in CA might consider becoming private contractors and going into business for themselves. According to California state law, those planning to bid for welding services that cost over $500 in labor, time and materials must obtain a C-60 welding license from the Contractors State License Board.

What’s Needed for a Contractor License?

Aspiring welding contractors in CA must:

Pass a licensing exam to determine your knowledge of welding and safety protocols, including working with asbestos and hazardous substances
Pay an initial licensing fee of $200 for Sole Owner welding contractors or $350 for Non-Sole Owners
Undergo fingerprinting for criminal background checks
File a contractor bond of $25,000
Show a Certificate of Workers’ Compensation Insurance or a Certificate of Self-Insurance of Workers’ Compensation from the Department of Industrial Relations

Welder Salaries in CA

Although the average welder salary in California is about $54,577 per year, you might earn a higher wage if you live in an area with a higher demand for welders.

Wondering how much you might make working in this profession? Check out this list of regional salary information for welders in CA:

Los Angeles $53,228
Sacramento $55,305
Anaheim $52,644
San Diego $56,002
Oakland $64,151
Napa $56,959
San Francisco $62,686

As you gain experience, you’ll likely be able to negotiate higher wages or earn performance-based raises and bonuses. You can make more money if you obtain extra certifications, as well. For example, California welders with commercial diving credentials may earn as much as $166,572, depending on the type of underwater welding jobs they get.

Job Description

What Do They Do?

Welders in CA use heavy, high-heat-emitting machinery to melt and shape metal while assembling and repairing metal items and structures. To create durable, lasting welds, these skilled trades professionals perform duties like:

Accurately reading, interpreting, and following blueprints
Taking precise measurements and cutting metal parts
Filling and shaping metal components and products
Using gas flames, lasers, and electric arcs to melt and join metal pieces together

Career Outlook

Reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics predict a two-percent increase in the demand for welding jobs between 2021 and 2031. Having a certificate or degree on top of an official certification can improve your chances of finding welder jobs in California. Welders in CA might also qualify for sheet metal worker or machinery maintenance jobs if they struggle to find work in the industry.