Welder Career Guide in Missouri
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Missouri.
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How to Become a Welder in Missouri
Missouri welders commonly complete a technical college program, specialized welding school, registered apprenticeship, or employer-sponsored program. Training covers manual and semi-automatic welding processes, cutting, fitting, fabrication, blueprint reading, metallurgy, 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 Missouri
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Missouri 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 Missouri is approximately $950 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in Missouri
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 Missouri
Missouri welders generally qualify through technical education, an apprenticeship, military experience, or supervised employer training.
- Learn SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, cutting, fitting, layout, fabrication, and blueprint reading.
- Complete welding and construction safety training.
- Pass employer or code-specific performance tests.
- Obtain AWS, ASME, API, or NCCER credentials where required.
- Maintain qualification continuity and complete retesting when required.
Welder Training Providers in Missouri
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| State Technical College of Missouri – Welding Technology | Linn | View Program |
| Ozarks Technical Community College – Welding Technology | Springfield | View Program |
| State Fair Community College – Welding and Fabrication Technology | Sedalia | View Program |
| Mineral Area College – Welding Technology | Park Hills | 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 Missouri
Ironworker and Structural Welding Apprenticeship
Organization: Iron Workers Local 10
Welder Licensing Requirements in Missouri
Missouri does not require a general statewide occupational license for employee welders. Employers, unions, municipalities, manufacturers, and project owners may require AWS, ASME, API, structural, pipe, pressure-system, or company-specific performance qualifications.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in Missouri
Missouri welding employment is projected to grow 1% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 10,320 to 10,450 jobs. Approximately 1,020 annual openings are projected, primarily from 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 Missouri?
The statewide median wage for welders in Missouri is approximately $51,950 per year, or $24.98 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Missouri require welder licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for welder workers in Missouri. 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 Missouri?
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 Missouri?
Missouri projects welder employment to grow by approximately 1% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,020 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
- Missouri Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Missouri Welder Wages
- Missouri Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Missouri Welder Employment Trends
- No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority / Missouri Registered Apprenticeship — Licensing authority. No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority / Missouri Registered Apprenticeship