Welders enjoy excellent job stability and demand. Welding skills are essential in numerous industries, including construction, manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive sectors.
Education and Training
A trade school is where you learn what it takes to get started.
Local Trade Schools
- Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lester
- Philadelphia
- Leesport
- Philadelphia
- Erie
- Erie
- Erie, Forty Fort, Scranton
- Erie, Pittsburgh
- Uniontown
- Allentown, Philadelphia
- New Castle, Pulaski
- Williamsport
- Lancaster
- Exton
- Allentown
All-State Career School (Rating: 3.2 out 5)
The All-State Career School Welding Technician program is a comprehensive 48-week (960-hour) diploma program that provides a technical foundation in metallurgy, welding mathematics, and physics, specifically tailored to meet demand in industries like the Marcellus Shale gas boom. Students receive hands-on training in the production and maintenance of high-pressure structures—such as nuclear systems, heat exchangers, and bridges—while preparing for professional welding certification exams. Upon completion, graduates are supported by a dedicated career services team to transition into entry-level roles within Western Pennsylvania's growing infrastructure and energy sectors.
Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Rating: 3.6 out 5)
The Combination Welding Diploma Program at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance offers hands-on training in welding and flame cutting, with classroom instruction on welding theory over 8 months (24 credit hours). Graduates are prepared to sit for the American Welding Society (AWS) 3G-4G certification exam. The program provides career opportunities in various welding fields, including welder-fitter, maintenance welder, and fabrication welder.
Berks Career & Technology Center (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
The Welding Technology program at Berks Career & Technology Center, located at the West Campus in Leesport, prepares students for a diverse range of welding careers through hands-on training with modern equipment. Students learn various welding techniques, including electric arc, shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, and gas tungsten arc welding, as well as oxyacetylene cutting and welding. The program emphasizes industry standards set by the American Welding Society (AWS) and includes certifications such as Certified Welder (AWS) and NCCER Core. Graduates are well-equipped to pursue careers in construction, manufacturing, aerospace, and more, with opportunities for advanced studies in fields like metallurgy and welding engineering technology.
Community College of Philadelphia (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
The Welding Technology program at Community College of Philadelphia is designed to prepare students for a high-paying career in the dynamic field of welding. Combining classroom instruction with hands-on training, the program covers essential skills such as Stick, TIG, and MIG welding, welding safety, and blueprint reading. Students will also learn about visual examination, inspection, and testing procedures, as well as manual oxy-fuel gas cutting. The program is aligned with the standards of the National Center for Construction Education Research (NCCER), ensuring that graduates are equipped with industry-recognized skills and credentials. Classes are held at the state-of-the-art Career and Advanced Technology Center in West Philadelphia, with both day and evening options available. The program is eligible for a payment plan, making it accessible to a wide range of students interested in entering the manufacturing and construction industries.
Erie County Technical School (Rating: 4.4 out 5)
The Metal Fabrication Technology program is a career-focused course that teaches students to design, cut, bend, and weld metal while interpreting blueprints and adhering to engineering specifications. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment and the opportunity to earn valuable industry certifications including the AWS SENSE Entry-Level Welder certification and the OSHA 10-Hour Safety Training Certificate. Successful completion also allows students to earn college credits via articulation agreements.
Erie Institute of Technology (Rating: 3.7 out 5)
The Erie Institute of Technology (EIT) Welding Technology Program is a hands-on, skills-based training course that results in a Diploma upon completion after 12 months of study. The curriculum covers foundational to advanced techniques like Pipe Welding, GMAW, and GTAW, with embedded instruction for achieving the industry-recognized AWS D1.1 Structural Steel Welding certification. This program emphasizes immediate job readiness and prepares students for careers ranging from Welder to Welding Specialist.
FORTIS College (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
The Fortis Welding Technology training program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as industrial welders, apprentices, or check welders through a comprehensive curriculum balancing classroom and hands-on practice. The program length and specific course schedule are determined on an individual basis with an Admissions Advisor. Although specific certifications are not listed, the program covers the skills needed for industry-standard processes, welding calculations, and testing methods used to determine weld quality, which are foundational for obtaining AWS Certifications .
IMBC (Rating: 4.9 out 5)
The IMBC Welding Technology program leads to a Diploma and can typically be completed in less than a year on an on-campus format. The curriculum covers a strong background in theory and practical skills, including pipe and structural welding, preparing students to seek the SMAW and FCAW certifications, with the cost of these professional exams included in the program. This vocational training boasts an 88% job placement rate for graduates.
Laurel Technical Institute (Rating: 3.5 out 5)
Laurel's Welding & Fabrication with Pipeline Technology program, offered in Hermitage and Uniontown, is a 12-month course designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in welding repair, fabrication, and industrial mechanics. The curriculum includes training in various welding techniques such as oxyacetylene, MIG, TIG, and pipe welding, along with blueprint reading and layout skills. Students gain hands-on experience in professionally equipped labs and receive instruction for industry-standard certification tests, including those from the American Welding Society (AWS). The program's partnership with Rig Fab Energy Services allows students to take AWS certification tests at an Accredited Test Facility. This comprehensive training ensures graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in the welding industry.
Lincoln Tech (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
Lincoln Tech’s Welding Technology program offers hands-on training across nine campuses, preparing students for careers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding. This program covers essential welding techniques, including SMAW, MIG/GMAW, TIG, and FCAW, alongside a required OSHA 10-hour safety certification. With instruction from NCCER-credentialed professionals, students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to meet the growing demand for skilled welders, with over 426,000 projected job openings by 2032. 40 week certificate programs in Welding and Fabrication Technology & Pipefitting.
New Castle School of Trades (Rating: 4.1 out 5)
The Combination Welding Program at New Castle School of Trades (NCST) takes 50 weeks to complete, training students in a variety of welding techniques and applications based on ASME and AWS specifications. The comprehensive course is available for both day and evening training, and graduates are awarded a diploma of completion to prepare them for entry-level welder positions.
Pennsylvania College of Technology (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
The Welding & Fabrication Engineering Technology Bachelor of Science program at Penn College offers hands-on training in specialized labs, guided by experienced instructors. Accredited by ABET, this program prepares students with in-demand technical skills and problem-solving abilities for global job opportunities in industries such as welding engineering, design engineering, and automation engineering. An Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) in Welding and Metal Fabrication Technology is also available.
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology (Rating: 4.6 out 5)
The Welding Technology Certificate Program at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology prepares students for entry-level welding positions through a blend of theoretical and hands-on training. Over the course of the program, students develop skills in various welding techniques and blueprint interpretation, making them ready for employment in industries such as construction, automotive, and manufacturing, with significant opportunities for rapid advancement.
The Welding Technology Associate Degree program at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology equips students with essential skills for entry-level welding positions through a comprehensive curriculum combining theory and hands-on practice. Over two years, students gain proficiency in various welding techniques and blueprint interpretation, preparing them for employment in diverse industries such as construction, automotive, and manufacturing with opportunities for rapid advancement.
Universal Technical Institute (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
UTI’s Welding Technology program offers hands-on training in four major welding processes—GMAW, SMAW, FCAW, and GTAW—developed in partnership with Lincoln Electric. This 36-week program, available at 12 campuses, prepares students for careers in industries like automotive fabrication and aerospace. With a combination of traditional and virtual welding instruction, graduates complete the program in less than nine months, gaining the skills needed for entry-level combination welder positions.
Welder Training & Testing Institute (Rating: 4.8 out 5)
The Welder Fitter program at Welder Training & Testing Institute is a 900-hour, career-level course designed for beginners, eligible for financial aid, covering metal cutting, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, and semi-automatic processes like Gas Metal and Flux Cored Arc Welding. Students gain hands-on experience with various joint designs on carbon steel plate and pipe, as well as theory classes on welding safety, machinery setups, metallurgy, blueprint reading, and shop math. Specialized training includes Gas Tungsten Arc Welding and Combination Processes, along with basic pipe fitting and structural layout.
WTTI also offers five advanced welding programs for experienced welders, each requiring fundamental skills in major processes. These include Standard Welding, Advanced Welder Qualification-Pipe, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, and Flux Cored Arc Welding, focusing on improving specific techniques and preparing for advanced career opportunities.
Program Benefits
Those who obtain their welding credentials from a Pennsylvania trade school can gain access to several unique opportunities, including the ability to work on exciting projects in various locations.
What Will You Study?
Courses include classroom instruction to teach students the fundamentals of the welding profession and hands-on training on how to use the necessary equipment for the job.
A typical welding school program in Pennsylvania might offer classes like:
- Advanced Mathematics
- Blueprint Reading
- Welding Symbols
- Metallurgy
- Arc Welding
- Soldering
- Brazing
- Casting
- Bronzing
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Oxyacetylene Welding and Cutting
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
Specialized Welding Training
If you’re planning to go into a particular sector of the industry, such as nuclear or underwater welding, you’ll also need to take specific courses that relate to your chosen field. Specialized welding classes may include scuba certification programs, underwater welding courses, or a section on how to safely work with nuclear reactors.
How Long Does it Take?
Most programs in the state are about 9 to months in duration.
Salary Range
Median salary range for welders in the state:
- Indeed.com: $45,306
- Salary.com: $45,579
- Bureau of Labor: $49,400
- ZipRecruiter.com: $56,388
Check the following table for a list of annual earnings for welders in different Pennsylvania cities.
| Area | Per Hour | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $25.34 | $52,700 |
| Altoona | $22.36 | $46,500 |
| Bloomsburg-Berwick | $22.85 | $47,520 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro | $25.71 | $53,480 |
| East Stroudsburg | $23.46 | $48,800 |
| Erie | $24.98 | $51,960 |
| Gettysburg | $24.12 | $50,170 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $25.29 | $52,610 |
| Johnstown | $21.83 | $45,400 |
| Lancaster | $24.38 | $50,700 |
| Leba | $23.52 | $48,930 |
| Northern Pennsylvania | $23.70 | $49,300 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $26.96 | $56,090 |
| Pittsburgh | $25.45 | $52,930 |
| Reading | $24.08 | $50,080 |
| Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton | $23.05 | $47,950 |
| Southern Pennsylvania | $23.41 | $48,690 |
| State College | $23.06 | $47,960 |
| Western Pennsylvania | $23.56 | $49,010 |
| Williamsport | $24.29 | $50,530 |
| York-Hanover | $24.80 | $51,590 |
source: data.bls.gov
Occupation: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers(SOC Code514121)
Wages for Specialized Professionals
Qualified professionals who have completed an apprenticeship or have a specialized certification in underwater, aerospace, or nuclear welding might be able to negotiate higher wages than those with a standard certified welder credential.
Pennsylvania Requirements
In addition to having a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, you must complete an official, accredited training program to become a welder in PA.
Getting an Apprenticeship
Once you graduate from your certificate or degree program, you may also choose to complete an apprenticeship to gain real-world experience.
Just like in the plumbing, electrician, or HVAC professions, a welding apprenticeship involves working under a licensed professional to learn the current standards and practices of the welding industry.
Additional On-the-Job Training
Most welder apprenticeships require workers to complete two to four years of on-the-job training. Afterward, you can pay the necessary fees and apply to take the licensing exam to become a certified welder in Pennsylvania.
Certification Exams
Many aspiring welders in PA take the certification exams from the American Welding Society (AWS) or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
Those who pass the licensing exam can pursue welding jobs in Pennsylvania, either with the same company that offered them their original internship or with a new employer.
Maintaining Your Certification
Your welding certification remains valid as long as you submit a Certification Maintenance Form every six months to verify that you’re performing the same type of welding you initially tested for.
Job Description
Welding professionals use various tools and equipment to lay out, position, align, and secure metal parts when building different items and structures.
Possible Welding Jobs
Depending on where they work, a welder might help with the creation of:
- Automobiles
- Pipelines
- Factory and warehouse machinery
- Bridges
- Aircrafts
- Homes and commercial structures
Physical Requirements
A successful welder should be able to work in both hot and cold spaces, lift 50 or more pounds and stand, kneel, or lie down in various positions for extended periods of time.
Additional Knowledge
Welders need extensive mathematical knowledge in order to interpret blueprints and schematics, learn the melting points of various metals, and calculate the dimensions of the parts they’re joining together.
A welder also needs steady hands, attention to detail, and good hand-eye coordination. Since these workers are usually part of a larger team, strong teamwork and communication skills are essential, too.
Article Summary: Becoming a Welder in PA
To become a welder in Pennsylvania, you need to complete an accredited training program, which can be pursued at various trade schools across the state. After obtaining your certificate or degree, you may choose to gain real-world experience through an apprenticeship, which typically requires two to four years of on-the-job training.
Once you’ve completed your training, you can take certification exams from the American Welding Society (AWS) or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Maintaining your certification involves submitting a Certification Maintenance Form every six months, ensuring you’re actively working in the field.
What Employers in Pennsylvania Are Looking for in a Welder
The demand for skilled welders in Pennsylvania is strong, with opportunities spanning industries such as shipbuilding, manufacturing, and construction. Employers across the state are seeking candidates with a blend of technical proficiency, safety awareness, and adaptability. Companies such as Gold Welding, the Naval Foundry and Propeller Center, Philly Shipyard, and BenFab each have unique requirements but share common expectations for welding professionals.
Technical Skills and Certifications
Welders in Pennsylvania must demonstrate proficiency in various welding processes, including:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG)
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG)
- Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW)
- Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)
- Electro Gas Welding (EGW)
Employers such as Philly Shipyard and the Naval Foundry and Propeller Center require candidates to have experience with specific welding methods that meet classification society standards. These techniques are used in shipbuilding, military applications, and high-precision manufacturing, demonstrating the need for specialized training.
Certifications are highly valued by employers, with some companies requiring or preferring candidates to have:
- OSHA Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Certification
- American Welding Society (AWS) Certification
- Trade school diploma or welding program completion
- Security clearance (for government or defense-related work)
For example, the Naval Foundry and Propeller Center requires candidates to obtain and maintain a security clearance, reflecting the high level of trust and expertise needed in military and defense-related fabrication.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Pennsylvania welders must be prepared to work in diverse conditions. Many employers require candidates to work:
- Outdoors in various weather conditions (e.g., Gold Welding, Philly Shipyard)
- In confined spaces or at heights (e.g., Gold Welding, BenFab)
- In high-noise, high-heat industrial environments (e.g., Naval Foundry and Propeller Center, Philly Shipyard)
Physical demands include lifting heavy materials, standing for extended periods, and working with intense heat and fumes. Candidates must also demonstrate attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow blueprints and welding specifications precisely.
Crossover with Other Disciplines
The skills required for welding often overlap with other trades, making welding an essential part of multiple industries. Some common crossovers include:
- Metal Fabrication: Companies like BenFab seek candidates with experience in crafting railings, stairways, and gates, requiring precision welding and fabrication expertise.
- Manufacturing & Industrial Production: Welding plays a key role in producing structural components for buildings, bridges, and heavy machinery.
- Shipbuilding & Maritime Engineering: Philly Shipyard and the Naval Foundry and Propeller Center require expertise in welding large-scale components for ships and submarines.
- Construction & Infrastructure: Many welders work on-site in construction projects, contributing to the fabrication of steel structures, pipelines, and heavy equipment.
Career Growth and Benefits
Many employers in Pennsylvania offer competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain skilled welders. Pay rates range from $20 to $32 per hour, depending on experience and specialization. Additional perks often include:
- 401(k) plans and retirement benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and holiday pay
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
- Bonus programs and performance incentives
For those looking to start a welding career, companies like Gold Welding offer apprentice positions, allowing individuals to gain hands-on experience and build a strong foundation in the trade.
Conclusion
Employers in Pennsylvania are seeking welders with technical expertise, industry certifications, and the ability to work in challenging environments. With opportunities in shipbuilding, construction, and manufacturing, welding remains a valuable and rewarding career path. Aspiring welders should focus on gaining experience in multiple welding techniques, securing relevant certifications, and staying updated with industry standards to maximize their employability in the state’s thriving job market.