If you’re living in Massachusetts and you want to become a welder on this page you will find relevant information about this career path and what to expect.
You will learn about types of welding, welding certificates, job prospects, salary estimates, and schools that offer training in this profession.
Contents
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 will be to join two pieces of metal together.
The two most frequently-used welding techniques are MIG and TIG welding, but besides these, there are also other welding types, 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 but salaries also increase after the welder earns a few years of experience.
Because all major projects regarding infrastructure require welders, this profession will continue to remain in demand in the future.
Career Path
A high school diploma or equivalent is all that you need to start a career as a welder but having some post-secondary education will give you an advantage over your competitors on the job market.
If your high school offers some technical courses, it’s a good idea to take them because this will make it easier for you to understand blueprint reading and other classes that will be included in the welding school curriculum.
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 because this can help you earn a higher starting salary.
There are many places where you can learn welding in the state of Massachusetts.
From trade schools to community colleges, and apprenticeships, there are plenty of training opportunities.
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 Massachusetts.
29 Welding Schools in Welding Schools In Massachusetts
Welders in Massachusetts
The manufacturing industry in Massachusetts employs 7.02% of all workers.
Fabricators of metal products rank number four in a list of top manufacturing sectors.
Machinery manufacturing and manufacturers of aerospace and other transportation equipment are also among the top Massachusetts manufacturers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage in Massachusetts was $70,010 as of May 2020.
Entry-Level Salary
According to salary.com, the median annual wage reported by Massachusetts welders with less than three years of experience was $47,142 as of April 2021.
This means that half of all entry-level welders earned less than this amount while half earned more.
Salaries also vary depending on other factors, including industry of employment and education.
The lowest 10 percent reportedly make less than $50,326 while the highest 10 percent make more than $85,506.
Intermediate Salary
The same report calculates the median annual wage for welders who have between 3-5 years of experience at $54,447.
Salaries for this experience level vary between less than $43,000 and more than $67,000.
Salary for Experienced Welders
The median annual wage for welders in Massachusetts was $65,936 with salaries ranging between less than $50,000 and more than $85,000 depending on the region of employment, industry, and education.
For example, the median annual wage reported by experienced welders in Boston was $68,282 in April of 2021 while the median wage reported by welders with the same experience level who were employed in Haverhill earned $64,724 on average.
Below you will find more information about salary estimates in the top 10 cities of Massachusetts, according to data published by salary.com in May of 2021.
Annual Salary Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$36K | |
$53K | |
$85K |
Average Salary of Welders in Welding Schools In Massachusetts
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Boston | $55,864 |
| Worcester | $52,210 |
| Springfield | $51,441 |
| Lowell | $54,044 |
| Cambridge | $55,864 |
| Brockton | $53,697 |
| New Bedford | $52,259 |
| Fall River | $52,259 |
| Lynn | $55,864 |
| Quincy | $55,864 |
