Welders assemble pieces of metal together and repair damaged metal objects using machinery that emits high heat.
As a welder, you can find employment in a variety of industries, from the automotive industry to construction, and manufacturing.
If you want to work as a welder in the state of Hawaii, this article is for you.
Read further to find out more about a welder’s job description, employment prospects, and training options.
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Job Prospects
Employment for this profession is projected to grow by 3 percent from 2019 to 2029, with many new job openings expected to occur on infrastructure repair and rebuild projects.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the biggest employer for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers were metal manufacturers, specialty trade contractors, and repair and maintenance businesses.
As a welder, especially after earning a few years of experience, you can start your own business.
Welders who have completed post-secondary training and/or hold a certificate offered by the American Welding Society are expected to have the best employment prospects.
According to the National Association of Manufacturers, manufacturers in Hawaii employ 2.11% of the workforce.
Manufacturers of aerospace and other transportation equipment ranked fourth in the list of top manufacturing sectors, while fabricated metal products ranked eighth.
How to Become a Welder
If you want to become a certified welder in Hawaii, there are several steps you need to follow:
- Get your high-school diploma or GED
- Find the right training program
- Learn and practice for the welding certification test offered by the American Welding Society
There are many places where you can learn how to weld in Hawaii, from trade schools to community colleges.
It is important to know that most training schools require a high school diploma or GED equivalent before admission.
A good welding school will usually teach you all the important skills you need in this career, such as:
- How to read blueprints
- How to weld metal parts, fill holes using specialized equipment- depending on the school you choose you may learn one or more welding techniques.
- How to calculate the dimensions that will be weld
- How to make sure that the welding is correctly done
- How to maintain the equipment
The training program can last anywhere between less than 7 months and more than 2 years, depending on the type of program and the curriculum.
Costs also vary depending on the duration of the program and the type of credential it offers.
Some cost a few thousand dollars while others cost more than $10,000-$15,000.
In the table below we have compiled information about welding programs that are available in Hawaii.
Before choosing where to enroll there are several factors you should take into account, such as the program duration, cost, and location, but you should also make sure that the program includes a significant portion of hands-on training and is accredited by government institutes.
Below you will find information about schools where you can learn welding in the state of Hawaii.
14 Welding Schools in Welding Schools In Hawaii
Salaries for Welders in Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the top-paying states for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers, according to BLS with the median wage for these professions estimated at $65,650.
Salaries vary widely based on the welder’s level of certification and experience but also depending on the city and the local economy.
According to salary.com, the median annual wage reported by entry-level welders in Hawaii was $45,460 but salaries for workers with this experience level range between less than $36,500 and more than $58,000 depending on a variety of other factors, including the region and the industry of employment.
The same report calculated the median annual wage for welders with 3-5 years of experience at $52,506.
As a medium-level welder, you can make anywhere between less than $41,000 and more than $65,000.
The most experienced welders in Hawaii reported salaries that averaged at $63,585 with salaries ranging from less than $49,000 and more than $82,000.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hawaii is home to two of the top-paying metropolitan areas in the United States for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers.
The median annual wage reported by welders in the Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina area was $69,960 as of May 2019 while those in Urban Honolulu made $66,040.
There are several ways you can improve your earning prospects as a welder.
Those who are willing to travel and those who can work in special conditions usually earn more than the rest.
The table below includes information about the median salary reported by medium-level welders in the biggest cities of Hawaii.
Annual Salary Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$36K | |
$52K | |
$82K |
Average Salary of Welders in Welding Schools In Hawaii
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Honolulu | $51,875 |
| Hilo | $51,525 |
| Kaneohe | $51,875 |
| Waipahu | $51,852 |
| Pearl City | $51,875 |
| Kahului | $51,525 |
| Ewa Beach | $51,875 |
