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Welder operator education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, welder operators don't need a college education. The most common degree for welder operators is high school diploma with 50% graduates, with only 17% welder operator graduates earning associate degree. Welder operators who decided to graduate from college often finish University of Phoenix or Henry Ford College. Some good skills to have in this position include mig, arc welding and hand tools.

Popular welder operator certifications include Certified Welder, Certified Welding Engineer, or OSHA Safety Certificate . To improve welder operator qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in welder operator education paths.

What education do you need to become a welder operator?

What degree do you need to be a welder operator?

The most common degree for welder operators is high school diploma, with 50% of welder operators earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 17% and associate degree degree at 13%.
  • High School Diploma, 50%
  • Associate, 17%
  • Diploma, 13%
  • Bachelor's, 10%
  • Other Degrees, 10%

What should I major in to become a welder operator?

You should major in precision metal working to become a welder operator. 30% of welder operators major in precision metal working. Other common majors for a welder operator include business and general studies.

Best majors for welder operators

20 best online courses for welder operators

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Average welder operator salary by education level

According to our data, welder operators with a Bachelor's degree earn the highest average salary, at $33,113 annually. Welder operators with a Associate degree earn an average annual salary of $32,212.
Welder operator education levelWelder operator salary
High School Diploma or Less$31,560
Bachelor's Degree$33,113
Some College/ Associate Degree$32,212

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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