Welder Career Guide in New Jersey
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in New Jersey.
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How to Become a Welder in New Jersey
Welders train through county vocational schools, community colleges, union apprenticeships, manufacturing employers, and ship-repair companies. Code-controlled work commonly requires AWS or ASME performance 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 Jersey
The salary figure shown on this page represents the New Jersey 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 Jersey is approximately $10,790 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in New Jersey
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 Jersey
New Jersey welders generally qualify through vocational education, apprenticeship, or paid employer training.
- Complete training in SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, cutting, fitting, fabrication, and blueprint reading.
- Gain practical experience in structural steel, pipe, marine, manufacturing, or pressure-system welding.
- Pass AWS, ASME, New Jersey Department of Transportation, or employer qualification tests when required.
- Complete OSHA hot-work, fall-protection, ventilation, confined-space, and personal-protective-equipment training.
- Work through the appropriate licensed contractor when welding forms part of a regulated plumbing, HVACR, fire-protection, or boiler project.
Welder Training Providers in New Jersey
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Camden County College | Blackwood | View Program |
| Ocean County Vocational Technical School | Toms River | View Program |
| Sussex County Community College | Newton | View Program |
| Hudson County Schools of Technology — Adult Education | North Bergen | 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 Jersey
Registered Apprenticeship Program
Organization: New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Welder Licensing Requirements in New Jersey
New Jersey does not issue a general occupational license for welders. Public-works structural welding may require Department of Transportation or project certification. Plumbing, HVACR, boiler, pressure-vessel, fire-protection, and contractor-regulated work must be performed within the applicable licensed scope.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in New Jersey
New Jersey projects approximately 4% welder employment growth from 2024 to 2034, with about 570 annual openings from growth and 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 New Jersey?
The statewide median wage for welders in New Jersey is approximately $61,790 per year, or $29.71 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does New Jersey require welder licensing?
Licensing requirements for welder workers in New Jersey vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Regulated Business and Occupational Boards before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a welder in New Jersey?
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 Jersey?
New Jersey projects welder employment to grow by approximately 4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 570 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 Jersey Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Jersey Welder Wages
- New Jersey Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Jersey Welder Employment Trends
- New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Regulated Business and Occupational Boards — Licensing authority. New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Regulated Business and Occupational Boards