In our day and age, good welders have plenty of work opportunities because their skills are needed in a variety of different sectors.
From manufacturing plants to shipbuilders, from car manufacturers to manufacturers of piping systems- many industries need welding.
If you are located in Idaho and you’re contemplating the idea of starting a career in welding, this article is designed for you.
Contents
What Does a Welder Do?
The short definition is that welders assemble pieces of metal together and repair damaged metal objects using machinery that emits high heat.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the biggest employers for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers were metal manufacturers, specialty trade contractors, and the repair and maintenance field.
As a welder, especially after earning a few years of experience and certifications, you can even start your own business.
Read further to find out more about a welder’s job description, employment opportunities, salary prospects, and training options.
Job Prospects
Employment for this profession is projected to grow by 3 percent from 2019 to 2029, with many job openings occurring on infrastructure repair and rebuild projects.
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.
How to Become a Welder
If you want to become a certified welder in Idaho, 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 testing offered by the American Welding Society
From trade schools to community colleges, there are many places where you can learn how to weld in Idaho.
It is important to know that most training schools require a high school diploma or GED before admission.
Although curriculum varies depending on the institution, a good welding school will teach you many useful things, including:
- How to read blueprints
- How to weld metal parts 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 weld is correctly done
- How to maintain the welding equipment
- How to follow safety procedures
Training programs last between 7 months and 2 years depending on the type of program and the curriculum.
Costs vary between less than $5,000 and more than $15,000 depending on the duration of the program and the type of credential it offers.
If you want to find out more about the schools that offer welding training in the state of Idaho, we invite you to read the table below.
Before choosing where to enroll you should take into account the program duration, cost, location, and all the other factors that are relevant to you.
To make sure that the program is recognized by employers in your area, you should also make sure that the program includes a significant portion of hands-on training and is accredited.
16 Welding Schools in Welding Schools In Idaho
Job Opportunities for Welders in Idaho
In Idaho, manufacturers employ approximately 9.3% of the workforce, according to the National Association of Manufacturers.
Wages for welders in Idaho vary depending on the level of experience and a variety of other factors.
According to salary.com, the median annual wage reported by mid-level welders in Idaho is $47,232 as of April 2021 but salaries for welders with this level of experience range between less than $37,000 and more than $58,000.
The median annual wage is $40,895 for welders with less than 3 years of experience.
Experienced welders in Idaho, on the other hand, reportedly made $57,198 per year on average.
A way to improve your earning prospects as a welder is by earning a diploma, a certification, or a degree in a related field.
According to the same report, the median annual wage reported by entry-level welders with a Bachelor’s Degree is $41,272 while entry-level welders with a Bachelor’s Degree earned, on average, $47,743 per year.
Experienced welders with a Bachelor’s degree reportedly made $57,577 per year on average.
The average annual salary in Idaho was $46,800 as of May 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
As an entry-level welder, your salary will typically be lower than the state average but experienced welders who have advanced certifications and are willing to relocate can make more than double this amount.
Annual Salary Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$32K | |
$47K | |
$74K |
Average Salary of Welders in Welding Schools In Idaho
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Boise | $46,604 |
| Nampa | $46,104 |
| Pocatello | $43,488 |
| Idaho Falls | $45,492 |
| Meridian | $46,554 |
| Coeur D'Alene | $47,842 |
| Twin Falls | $43,338 |
| Caldwell | $46,054 |
