Welder Career Guide in Kansas
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Kansas.
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How to Become a Welder in Kansas
Kansas welders train through technical colleges, community colleges, aviation and agricultural manufacturers, fabrication employers, and union apprenticeships.
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 Kansas
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Kansas 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 Kansas is approximately $1,590 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in Kansas
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 Kansas
Kansas welders generally complete technical-school instruction, employer training, or an apprenticeship. Recommended training includes:
- SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW processes
- Blueprint reading and welding symbols
- Structural, production, and pipe welding
- Layout, cutting, fitting, and fabrication
- Metallurgy and quality-control fundamentals
- OSHA and employer-specific safety procedures
Aviation, structural, pressure-system, and pipeline employers may require AWS, ASME, API, FAA-related production controls, or company-specific qualification tests.
Welder Training Providers in Kansas
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| WSU Tech – Welding | Wichita | View Program |
| Washburn Institute of Technology – Welding | Topeka | View Program |
| Kansas City Kansas Community College – Welding Technology | Kansas City | View Program |
| Hutchinson Community College – Welding Technology | Hutchinson | 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 Kansas
Welder Licensing Requirements in Kansas
Kansas does not have a statewide individual welder license. Local construction rules, employer policies, project specifications, and applicable welding codes determine required qualifications.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in Kansas
Welder employment in Kansas is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 6,730 to 7,190 jobs, with about 720 annual openings. Aerospace, agricultural machinery, transportation equipment, energy, construction, and general manufacturing support demand.
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 Kansas?
The statewide median wage for welders in Kansas is approximately $49,410 per year, or $23.75 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Kansas require welder licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for welder workers in Kansas. 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 Kansas?
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 Kansas?
Kansas projects welder employment to grow by approximately 7% from 2022 to 2032, with about 720 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
- Kansas Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Kansas Welder Wages
- Kansas Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Kansas Welder Employment Trends
- No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority — Licensing authority. No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority