From manufacturing plants to shipbuilders, car factories, and repair shops, many industries use pieces that are made out of metal in their manufacturing process and need good welders to join these pieces together.
If you are located in Kansas and you’re contemplating the idea of starting a career in welding, on this page we have compiled relevant information about what you will expect in your future profession.
Contents
What Does a Welder Do?
Welders join pieces of metal and repair damaged objects that are made of metal using special machinery that emits high heat.
The biggest employer for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers are metal manufacturers, specialty trade contractors, and in the field of repair and maintenance, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
After spending a few years as employees in a factory or shop some welders go on to start their own business.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the level of self-employment among welders at 5 percent.
However, before venturing on your own it’s best to gain some experience in a factory or welding shop.
Read further to find out more about the welder’s job description, employment prospects, and training options.
Job Prospects
Employment welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers are projected to grow by 3 percent from 2019 to 2029, according to BLS.
As the nation’s infrastructure is aging, many new job openings are expected to occur on infrastructure repair and rebuild projects.
Competition for some well-paid positions is expected to be strong and welders who have completed post-secondary training and/or hold a certificate offered by the American Welding Society will have the best employment prospects.
How to Become a Welder
If you want to become a certified welder in Kansas, there are several steps you need to follow:
- Finish high school or get your GED- a high school diploma or equivalent will usually be required before admission to a trade school
- Research the training programs that are available in your region and apply for the program that suits you best
- 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 Kansas.
These programs are usually designed to teach you all the basic things you need to know, covering a variety of useful topics, such as:
- Cutting
- Arc welding
- Blueprint reading
- Brazing
- Equipment setup and operation
- Safety procedures
Welding programs can last between 7 months and 2 years depending on the type of program and the curriculum.
Some offer only in-person classes while others combine online education with classroom training and practicum.
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.
For example, diploma programs usually are shorter and less expensive than programs that offer an associate’s degree.
Many schools offer lower tuition rates for in-state students.
In the table below we have compiled information about educational programs that are available in Kansas.
Before choosing where to enroll there are several factors you should take into account, including the program duration, cost, and location.
23 Welding Schools in Welding Schools In Kansas
Salary Prospects for Kansas Welders
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field with the highest level of employment for welders is manufacturers of fabricated metal products.
The same source calculates the average annual wage reported by Kansas welders is $48,610.
In Kansas, this industry is one of the top 10 manufacturing industries.
Salaries for welders in Kansas are influenced by their level of experience and the region of employment, among other factors.
Entry-level workers reportedly made $41,119 per year, on average, with salaries for this experience level ranging from less than $33,000 and more than $52,000.
This group includes welders who have between 1 and 3 years of experience and welders who have completed post-secondary education but have no experience in the field.
Even if as a beginner your salary will be lower than the state average, your wage will gradually increase after earning a few years of experience.
One way to improve your starting salary as a welder in Kansas is by earning a certificate from the American Welding Society.
This credential can be earned after passing a written and practical exam at one of the institute’s accredited facilities.
Welders with between 3 and 5 years of experience reportedly made $47,491 per year, on average.
Salaries for mid-level welders vary on many other factors, including the industry of employment, the region, and the local economy.
The lowest 10 percent reportedly made less than $37,141 per year, while the top 10 percent made more than $59,094.
The median annual wage was $57,510 for welders with 5-7 years of experience with salaries ranging from less than $44,000 and more than $74,000.
Salaries for welders also vary depending on the city and the local economy and in the table below we have compiled salary information from the top 10 Kansas cities.
Annual Salary Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$32K | |
$47K | |
$74K |
Average Salary of Welders in Welding Schools In Kansas
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Wichita | $48,192 |
| Overland Park | $48,953 |
| Kansas City | $49,128 |
| Topeka | $46,786 |
| Olathe | $48,819 |
| Lawrence | $47,528 |
| Shawnee | $48,953 |
| Salina | $47,691 |
| Manhattan | $46,285 |
| Hutchinson | $47,691 |
