Welder Career Guide in North Dakota
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in North Dakota.
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How to Become a Welder in North Dakota
Training is available through state colleges, union apprenticeships, energy-sector contractors, equipment manufacturers, and registered apprenticeship programs. Pipeline and pressure welders generally complete procedure-specific qualification tests.
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 North Dakota
The salary figure shown on this page represents the North Dakota 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 North Dakota is approximately $9,270 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in North Dakota
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 North Dakota
North Dakota welders generally qualify through technical education, apprenticeship, or supervised energy and manufacturing employment.
- Complete instruction in SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, thermal cutting, fabrication, pipe layout, and blueprint reading.
- Gain supervised experience in structural, pipeline, oilfield, agricultural-equipment, or pressure-system welding.
- Pass AWS, ASME, API, or employer performance tests for the required process and welding position.
- Complete OSHA, hot-work, confined-space, hydrogen-sulfide, and site-specific safety training when applicable.
- Obtain the required contractor license before independently contracting for covered construction projects.
Welder Training Providers in North Dakota
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State College of Science | Wahpeton | View Program |
| Bismarck State College | Bismarck | View Program |
| Lake Region State College | Devils Lake | View Program |
| Williston State College | Williston | 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 North Dakota
Welder Licensing Requirements in North Dakota
North Dakota does not issue a general state occupational license for employee welders. Contractors may need a state contractor license based on project value. Pipeline, oilfield, boiler, pressure-system, plumbing, and public-works projects may require additional qualifications.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in North Dakota
North Dakota’s latest long-term projection indicates approximately 7% employment growth for welders and about 200 annual openings during the 2022–2032 period.
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 North Dakota?
The statewide median wage for welders in North Dakota is approximately $60,270 per year, or $28.98 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does North Dakota require welder licensing?
Yes. North Dakota requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt welder work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with North Dakota Secretary of State — Contractor Licensing.
How long does it take to become a welder in North Dakota?
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 North Dakota?
North Dakota projects welder employment to grow by approximately 7% from 2022 to 2032, with about 200 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
- North Dakota Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. North Dakota Welder Wages
- North Dakota Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. North Dakota Welder Employment Trends
- North Dakota Secretary of State — Contractor Licensing — Licensing authority. North Dakota Secretary of State — Contractor Licensing