Welding Schools in Maine

If you’re living in Maine and you want to become a welder in this article you will find relevant information about this career path and what to expect on your professional journey.

You will learn about types of welding, welding certificates, job prospects, and schools that offer training in this profession.

Job Description

Although job descriptions vary depending on the industry of employment and the welder’s level of experience as a welder, your main task as a welder will be to join two pieces of metal together or to repair broken pieces.

But, besides MIG and TIG welding, the two most frequent welding techniques, there are also other welding techniques, such as aircraft welding or thin alloy welding.

The more complex and delicate the weld, the more skills you need and the higher the pay.

Salaries also increase after the welder earns a few years of experience.

Because all major projects regarding infrastructure need good welders, this profession will remain in demand in the future.

Career Path

A high school diploma or equivalent is all that you need in order to start a career as a welder but having some post-secondary education will help you get a higher starting salary.

If your high schools offer some technical courses, it’s a good idea to take them because this will teach you the basics of blueprint reading and other technical skills that are very useful in welding.

Courses such as blueprint reading and mechanical drawing are also useful and it is a good idea to take them if you can.

As you would expect, most employers prefer candidates who have a diploma or degree in the field but there are still some who will train you on the job.

As a beginner in this career, it’s a good idea to apply for a certificate offered by the American Welding Society (AWS) because this can help you earn a higher starting salary.

This credential can be earned after passing a practical exam and a written test offered at one of AWS’s accredited facilities.

There are many places where you can learn welding in the state of Maine.

From trade schools to community colleges, and apprenticeships: there are plenty of training opportunities for prospective welders.

Tuition varies between a few thousand and more than $15,000 depending on the duration and the type of the program but scholarships are also available to qualifying students.

Before deciding where to enroll it’s best to visit the school’s website and to gather as much information as needed about accreditation, tuition costs, curriculum, exams, and all the other factors that will be relevant in your choice.

Below we have compiled contact information about the top welding schools in Maine.

Welders in Maine

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage in Maine is $51,220.

Salaries for welders in Maine vary widely depending on a wide range of factors, including education, location, industry, and experience level.

Most experienced welders who have practiced this profession for more than 5 years earn more than $58,000 per year but salaries range from less than $45,000 and more than $75,000.

Medium-level welders earn $48,000 per year on average.

The lowest 10 percent of medium-level workers in this profession earn less than $37,729, according to the numbers published by salary.com while the highest 10 percent made more than $60,028.

As an entry-level welder, however, your wage will most likely be lower than the state average.

The same report shows that most entry-level welders earn less than 50,000 per year.

The median annual wage for beginners was calculated at $41,769, according to salary.com with wages ranging from less than $33,000 to more than $53,000.

Salaries also vary depending on the city and the local economy and welders who are willing to relocate have better-earning prospects.

Below we have compiled information about the salaries reported by welders in the top 10 Maine cities.