WELDING

Welding

Welding is one of the most in-demand skills in construction and manufacturing today. Welders join metal parts using heat, flame, or laser technology, creating everything from bridges and pipelines to cars and spacecraft. It’s a career that combines hands-on creativity with cutting-edge technology—perfect for students who like to build, problem-solve, and see instant results from their work.

How to Get Trained:

• Start in high school: Enroll in career & technical education (CTE) welding or shop classes if available.
• Earn certifications: After graduation, many students choose short-term welding programs offered by community colleges and technical centers across West Virginia.
• Gain credentials: The American Welding Society (AWS) and NCCER offer certifications that employers value.
• Learn on the job: Many employers also provide apprenticeships and paid training programs to help new welders advance.

Average Pay

Welders in West Virginia earn around $50,000 a year, with opportunities for higher pay in specialized fields like pipeline, underwater, or robotic welding. Skilled welders with certifications and experience can earn well above the state average.