Welder Career Guide in Mississippi
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Mississippi.
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How to Become a Welder in Mississippi
Welders commonly complete a community-college certificate, employer training program, or registered apprenticeship. Training normally covers SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, blueprint reading, fabrication, metallurgy, inspection, and OSHA 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 Mississippi
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Mississippi 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 Mississippi is approximately $100 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in Mississippi
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 Mississippi
Welders in Mississippi generally qualify through technical education, apprenticeship, military training, or supervised employer training.
- Complete welding instruction covering SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, cutting, fabrication, and blueprint reading.
- Develop hands-on proficiency using the metals, positions, electrodes, and welding procedures required by the employer.
- Complete employer or project qualification tests based on AWS, ASME, API, or applicable contract standards.
- Follow OSHA requirements for ventilation, fire prevention, confined spaces, personal protective equipment, and compressed gases.
- Work through an appropriately licensed contractor when welding forms part of regulated construction or contracting work.
Welder Training Providers in Mississippi
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College | Perkinston | View Program |
| Hinds Community College | Raymond | View Program |
| East Mississippi Community College | Scooba | View Program |
| Northeast Mississippi Community College | Booneville | 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 Mississippi
Shipbuilding Craft Training and Apprenticeship
Organization: HII Ingalls Shipbuilding
Mississippi Registered Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Mississippi Apprenticeship Program
Welder Licensing Requirements in Mississippi
Mississippi does not require a general state occupational license for welders working as employees. Contractors performing regulated commercial, industrial, mechanical, pipeline, or public-works construction may need a Mississippi contractor license. Employers and project owners may require AWS, ASME, API, or procedure-specific welder qualification.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in Mississippi
Mississippi projects welder employment to increase from approximately 6,950 jobs in 2024 to 7,620 jobs in 2034. This represents 10% growth and approximately 770 annual openings.
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 Mississippi?
The statewide median wage for welders in Mississippi is approximately $51,100 per year, or $24.57 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Mississippi require welder licensing?
Licensing requirements for welder workers in Mississippi vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with Mississippi State Board of Contractors before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a welder in Mississippi?
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 Mississippi?
Mississippi projects welder employment to grow by approximately 10% from 2024 to 2034, with about 770 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
- Mississippi Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Mississippi Welder Wages
- Mississippi Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Mississippi Welder Employment Trends
- Mississippi State Board of Contractors — Licensing authority. Mississippi State Board of Contractors