Welder Career Guide in Maryland
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Maryland.
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How to Become a Welder in Maryland
Welders commonly train at Maryland community colleges, private trade schools, union apprenticeship centers, shipyards, and defense manufacturers. Structural and pipe welders generally complete code-specific performance tests.
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 Maryland
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Maryland 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 Maryland is approximately $9,670 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in Maryland
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 Maryland
Maryland welders generally prepare through technical education, union apprenticeship, military instruction, or employer-sponsored training.
- Complete practical instruction in SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, cutting, fabrication, layout, and blueprint reading.
- Gain supervised experience in structural, pipe, maritime, manufacturing, or pressure-system welding.
- Pass AWS, ASME, Maryland Department of Transportation, Navy, or employer qualification tests when required.
- Complete OSHA safety training for hot work, confined spaces, fall protection, ventilation, and compressed gases.
- Work through an appropriately licensed contractor when welding is included in a regulated construction or mechanical trade.
Welder Training Providers in Maryland
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| North American Trade Schools | Baltimore | View Program |
| Community College of Baltimore County | Baltimore | View Program |
| Anne Arundel Community College | Arnold | View Program |
| College of Southern Maryland | La Plata | 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 Maryland
Welder Licensing Requirements in Maryland
Maryland does not issue a general occupational license for welders. Structural, highway, pressure-system, plumbing, HVACR, boiler, and gas-piping work may require a licensed contractor, certified welder, inspection, or project qualification.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in Maryland
Maryland projects approximately 3% welder employment growth from 2024 to 2034, with about 360 annual openings from 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 Maryland?
The statewide median wage for welders in Maryland is approximately $60,670 per year, or $29.17 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Maryland require welder licensing?
Licensing requirements for welder workers in Maryland vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with Maryland Department of Labor — Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a welder in Maryland?
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 Maryland?
Maryland projects welder employment to grow by approximately 3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 360 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
- Maryland Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Maryland Welder Wages
- Maryland Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Maryland Welder Employment Trends
- Maryland Department of Labor — Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing — Licensing authority. Maryland Department of Labor — Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing