Welder Career Guide in Michigan
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Michigan.
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How to Become a Welder in Michigan
Michigan welders commonly complete a technical college welding certificate, associate degree, registered apprenticeship, or employer-sponsored training program. Training typically covers SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, thermal cutting, blueprint reading, metallurgy, fabrication, inspection, and workplace 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 Michigan
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Michigan 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 Michigan is approximately $1,010 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in Michigan
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 Michigan
Michigan does not prescribe one mandatory education pathway for employee welders. Most workers develop their skills through a technical college program, registered apprenticeship, military training, or supervised employment.
- Learn SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, cutting, joint preparation, blueprint reading, weld symbols, fabrication, and metallurgy.
- Complete OSHA-aligned training in PPE, ventilation, fire prevention, confined spaces, electrical safety, and compressed-gas handling.
- Pass an employer or project-specific welder performance qualification test.
- Consider AWS Certified Welder or applicable ASME/API qualifications.
- Maintain continuity documentation when required by the governing welding code.
Welder Training Providers in Michigan
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Schoolcraft College – Welding Technology | Livonia | View Program |
| Washtenaw Community College – Welding and Fabrication | Ann Arbor | View Program |
| Northwestern Michigan College – Welding Technology | Traverse City | View Program |
| Grand Rapids Community College – Welding Certificate | Grand Rapids | 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 Michigan
Manufacturing Registered Apprenticeship
Organization: Schoolcraft College and Participating Employers
Welder Licensing Requirements in Michigan
Michigan does not require a general statewide occupational license for welders working as employees. Employers and project owners may require a performance qualification under AWS, ASME, API, military, automotive, structural-steel, pressure-vessel, or company welding procedures. Contractors and businesses must separately comply with applicable business, construction, boiler, and local permit requirements.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in Michigan
Michigan welding employment is projected to change by -1% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 14,120 to 14,020 jobs. Despite the slight projected decline, approximately 1,350 openings per year are expected because of worker replacement needs.
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 Michigan?
The statewide median wage for welders in Michigan is approximately $49,990 per year, or $24.03 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Michigan require welder licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for welder workers in Michigan. 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 Michigan?
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 Michigan?
Michigan projects welder employment to decline by approximately 1% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,350 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
- Michigan Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Michigan Welder Wages
- Michigan Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Michigan Welder Employment Trends
- No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority / American Welding Society — Licensing authority. No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority / American Welding Society