Welder Career Guide in Oregon
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Oregon.
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How to Become a Welder in Oregon
Oregon welders train through community colleges, manufacturing employers, shipyards, metal fabricators, and apprenticeships in ironworking, pipefitting, boilermaking, and sheet metal.
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 Oregon
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Oregon 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 Oregon is approximately $8,450 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in Oregon
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 Oregon
Oregon welders commonly complete community-college training, employer instruction, or a registered construction-trade apprenticeship. Core preparation includes:
- SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW processes
- Blueprint reading and welding-symbol interpretation
- Structural steel, pipe, and sheet-metal fabrication
- Oxyfuel, plasma, and mechanical cutting
- Weld inspection and quality-control fundamentals
- OSHA, environmental, and hot-work safety
Structural, seismic, pressure-system, and marine projects may require documented welder performance qualifications under the applicable AWS, ASME, or project code.
Welder Training Providers in Oregon
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Portland Community College – Welding Technology | Portland | View Program |
| Chemeketa Community College – Welding | Salem | View Program |
| Lane Community College – Welding | Eugene | View Program |
| Mt. Hood Community College – Welding Technology | Gresham | 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 Oregon
Welder Licensing Requirements in Oregon
Oregon does not issue a general individual welder license. Employers, building officials, fabricators, unions, and project owners may require AWS or code-specific qualifications. Contractors offering welding as a construction service may need Oregon Construction Contractors Board registration.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in Oregon
Oregon welder employment is projected to grow 15% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 4,630 to 5,330 jobs, with about 550 annual openings. Advanced manufacturing, semiconductor facilities, infrastructure, marine work, structural fabrication, and clean-energy projects support demand.
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 Oregon?
The statewide median wage for welders in Oregon is approximately $59,450 per year, or $28.58 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Oregon require welder licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for welder workers in Oregon. 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 Oregon?
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 Oregon?
Oregon projects welder employment to grow by approximately 15% from 2022 to 2032, with about 550 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
- Oregon Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Oregon Welder Wages
- Oregon Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Oregon Welder Employment Trends
- No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority — Licensing authority. No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority