Welder Career Guide in New Hampshire
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in New Hampshire.
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How to Become a Welder in New Hampshire
Welders may complete a community-college program, apprenticeship, employer training, or naval shipyard training. Structural, pipe, and pressure welding commonly requires AWS, ASME, Navy, or employer qualification.
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 New Hampshire
The salary figure shown on this page represents the New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire is approximately $6,700 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in New Hampshire
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 New Hampshire
New Hampshire welders generally qualify through technical education, apprenticeship, military or shipyard training, or supervised employment.
- Complete practical training in arc welding, wire welding, TIG welding, cutting, fabrication, and print reading.
- Practice the welding positions and procedures used in manufacturing, structural steel, shipbuilding, or pipe trades.
- Pass AWS, ASME, Navy, or employer performance tests when required by the job.
- Complete OSHA safety instruction and any confined-space, hot-work, or respiratory-protection training required by the employer.
- Obtain the applicable trade license when welding forms part of regulated plumbing or gas-fitting work.
Welder Training Providers in New Hampshire
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester Community College | Manchester | View Program |
| Lakes Region Community College | Laconia | View Program |
| White Mountains Community College | Berlin | View Program |
| Great Bay Community College | Portsmouth | 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 New Hampshire
Welder Licensing Requirements in New Hampshire
New Hampshire does not require a general occupational license for welders. State licenses may apply when welding is performed as part of plumbing, gas-fitting, fuel-gas, or other regulated mechanical work. Municipal permits and project-specific certifications may also be required.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in New Hampshire
New Hampshire projects welder employment to increase from approximately 1,220 jobs in 2022 to 1,300 jobs in 2032. This represents 7% growth and approximately 130 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 New Hampshire?
The statewide median wage for welders in New Hampshire is approximately $57,700 per year, or $27.74 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does New Hampshire require welder licensing?
Licensing requirements for welder workers in New Hampshire vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification — Mechanical Safety and Licensing before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a welder in New Hampshire?
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 New Hampshire?
New Hampshire projects welder employment to grow by approximately 7% from 2022 to 2032, with about 130 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
- New Hampshire Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Hampshire Welder Wages
- New Hampshire Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Hampshire Welder Employment Trends
- New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification — Mechanical Safety and Licensing — Licensing authority. New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification — Mechanical Safety and Licensing