Welder Career Guide in Indiana
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Indiana.
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How to Become a Welder in Indiana
Indiana welders commonly enter the occupation through Ivy Tech, Vincennes University, a private technical school, employer training, or a registered building-trades apprenticeship. Training typically includes arc-welding processes, pipe or structural welding, metal fabrication, blueprint reading, inspection, and safety.
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 Indiana
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Indiana 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 Indiana is approximately $1,270 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in Indiana
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 Indiana
Indiana welders generally prepare through technical education, employer training, or a registered apprenticeship.
- Develop proficiency in SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, cutting, fitting, fabrication, and print reading.
- Complete OSHA-aligned workplace and welding safety instruction.
- Pass the performance qualification specified by the employer or governing welding code.
- Obtain AWS, ASME, API, or NCCER credentials when required for structural, pipe, pressure, or pipeline work.
- Maintain required continuity records and complete employer retesting.
Welder Training Providers in Indiana
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College – Welding Technology | Multiple Campuses | View Program |
| Vincennes University – Welding Technology | Vincennes | View Program |
| Lincoln Tech – Welding and Fabrication Technology with Pipe | Indianapolis | View Program |
| J. Everett Light Career Center – Welding Technology | Indianapolis | 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 Indiana
Ironworker and Structural Welding Apprenticeship
Organization: Iron Workers Local 395
Welder Licensing Requirements in Indiana
Indiana does not require a general statewide occupational license for employee welders. Employers in manufacturing, steel production, construction, transportation equipment, pipelines, and pressure systems may require AWS, ASME, API, or company-specific welding qualifications.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in Indiana
Indiana welding employment is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 14,940 to 15,750 jobs. About 1,560 openings per year are projected.
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 Indiana?
The statewide median wage for welders in Indiana is approximately $49,730 per year, or $23.91 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Indiana require welder licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for welder workers in Indiana. Local jurisdictions, employers, or specific work scopes may still impose requirements, so applicants should verify current rules before beginning work.
How long does it take to become a welder in Indiana?
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 Indiana?
Indiana projects welder employment to grow by approximately 5% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,560 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
- Indiana Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Indiana Welder Wages
- Indiana Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Indiana Welder Employment Trends
- No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority / Apprenticeship Indiana — Licensing authority. No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority / Apprenticeship Indiana