Welder Career Guide in Delaware
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Delaware.
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How to Become a Welder in Delaware
Welders commonly complete Delaware Technical Community College instruction, union apprenticeship, industrial employer training, or registered apprenticeship. Code work requires process- and position-specific performance qualification.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Welder Salary in Delaware
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Delaware median wage for welder workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $51,000, the median wage in Delaware is approximately $6,150 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in Delaware
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONWelder Training Requirements in Delaware
Delaware welders generally qualify through technical education, apprenticeship, or supervised employer training.
- Complete training in SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, cutting, fabrication, blueprint reading, and measurement.
- Gain practical experience in the processes, materials, positions, and joint designs used by the employer.
- Pass AWS, ASME, API, or employer welding qualification tests when required.
- Complete OSHA hot-work, ventilation, compressed-gas, fall-protection, and personal-protective-equipment training.
- Verify business licensing, local contractor, permit, and regulated-trade requirements before offering independent services.
Welder Training Providers in Delaware
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Technical Community College — Stanton Campus | Newark | View Program |
| Delaware Technical Community College — Terry Campus | Dover | View Program |
| Delaware Technical Community College — Owens Campus | Georgetown | View Program |
| Polytech Adult Education | Woodside | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESWelder Apprenticeship Programs in Delaware
Welder Licensing Requirements in Delaware
Delaware does not issue a general state occupational license for employee welders. Contractors must obtain a Delaware business license and may need local contractor licensing or permits. Welding performed within regulated plumbing, HVACR, boiler, or pressure-piping work may require licensed supervision.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in Delaware
Delaware projects approximately 3% welder employment growth between 2024 and 2034, with about 80 annual openings created by growth and worker replacement.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the welder salary in Delaware?
The statewide median wage for welders in Delaware is approximately $57,150 per year, or $27.48 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Delaware require welder licensing?
Licensing requirements for welder workers in Delaware vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with Delaware Division of Revenue — Business Licensing before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a welder in Delaware?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 6 Months–2 Years, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are welders in demand in Delaware?
Delaware projects welder employment to grow by approximately 3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 80 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Delaware Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Delaware Welder Wages
- Delaware Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Delaware Welder Employment Trends
- Delaware Division of Revenue — Business Licensing — Licensing authority. Delaware Division of Revenue — Business Licensing