Welder Career Guide in South Carolina
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in South Carolina.
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How to Become a Welder in South Carolina
South Carolina welders commonly complete a technical-college certificate or associate degree, registered apprenticeship, union training program, or employer-sponsored instruction. Training typically covers structural and pipe welding, fabrication, cutting, blueprint reading, 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 South Carolina
The salary figure shown on this page represents the South Carolina 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 South Carolina is approximately $1,020 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in South Carolina
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 South Carolina
South Carolina welders generally prepare through the state technical-college system, registered apprenticeships, military experience, or employer-sponsored training.
- Learn SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, thermal cutting, fitting, fabrication, and print reading.
- Complete welding safety, PPE, ventilation, fire prevention, and compressed-gas instruction.
- Pass employer or project-specific performance qualification tests.
- Obtain AWS, ASME, API, NCCER, shipyard, or structural qualifications where required.
- Maintain certification continuity and complete periodic retesting.
Welder Training Providers in South Carolina
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Midlands Technical College – Welding Technology | Columbia | View Program |
| Greenville Technical College – Welding | Greenville | View Program |
| Trident Technical College – Welding | North Charleston | View Program |
| Horry-Georgetown Technical College – Welding | Conway | 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 South Carolina
Ironworker and Structural Welding Apprenticeship
Organization: Iron Workers Local 848
Employer-Sponsored Welding Registered Apprenticeship
Organization: Apprenticeship Carolina
Welder Licensing Requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina does not require a general statewide occupational license for employee welders. Manufacturing, shipbuilding, aerospace, automotive, structural-steel, pipe, pressure-system, and construction employers may require AWS, ASME, API, NCCER, or company-specific welding qualifications.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in South Carolina
South Carolina welding employment is projected to grow 10% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 8,950 to 9,800 jobs. About 990 openings per year are projected.
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 South Carolina?
The statewide median wage for welders in South Carolina is approximately $49,980 per year, or $24.03 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does South Carolina require welder licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for welder workers in South Carolina. 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 South Carolina?
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 South Carolina?
South Carolina projects welder employment to grow by approximately 10% from 2022 to 2032, with about 990 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
- South Carolina Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. South Carolina Welder Wages
- South Carolina Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. South Carolina Welder Employment Trends
- No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority / Apprenticeship Carolina — Licensing authority. No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority / Apprenticeship Carolina