Welder Career Guide in Tennessee
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Tennessee.
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How to Become a Welder in Tennessee
Tennessee welders commonly train at a Tennessee College of Applied Technology, community college, registered apprenticeship, or employer training program. Programs generally cover multiple arc-welding processes, cutting, fabrication, blueprint reading, weld symbols, testing, 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 Tennessee
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Tennessee 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 Tennessee is approximately $2,960 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in Tennessee
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 Tennessee
Tennessee welders typically qualify through a TCAT diploma, college certificate, registered apprenticeship, or supervised employer training.
- Learn SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, cutting, fabrication, blueprint reading, and welding symbols.
- Complete instruction in PPE, ventilation, fire prevention, compressed gases, electrical hazards, and confined-space safety.
- Pass employer or project performance tests for the required process, material, thickness, and position.
- Obtain AWS, ASME, API, or NCCER credentials when required.
- Maintain welding continuity records and complete periodic retesting where applicable.
Welder Training Providers in Tennessee
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| TCAT Nashville – Welding Technology | Nashville | View Program |
| TCAT Knoxville – Welding Technology | Knoxville | View Program |
| TCAT Memphis – Welding Technology | Memphis | View Program |
| Chattanooga State Community College – Welding Technology | Chattanooga | 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 Tennessee
Ironworker and Structural Welding Apprenticeship
Organization: Iron Workers Local 492
Boilermaker and Welder Apprenticeship
Organization: Southeastern Area Joint Apprenticeship Committee
Welder Licensing Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee does not require a general statewide occupational license for welders employed by manufacturers or contractors. Employers may require AWS, ASME, API, NCCER, structural-steel, pipe, or company-specific performance qualifications. Businesses contracting for regulated construction projects must separately evaluate Tennessee contractor licensing requirements.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in Tennessee
Tennessee welding employment is projected to grow 13% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 13,940 to 15,710 jobs. Approximately 1,610 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 Tennessee?
The statewide median wage for welders in Tennessee is approximately $48,040 per year, or $23.10 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Tennessee require welder licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for welder workers in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Tennessee projects welder employment to grow by approximately 13% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,610 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
- Tennessee Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Tennessee Welder Wages
- Tennessee Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Tennessee Welder Employment Trends
- No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority / ApprenticeshipTN — Licensing authority. No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority / ApprenticeshipTN