UTAH CAREER DATA PROFILE

Welder Career Guide in Utah

Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Utah.

Last reviewed Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team

Welder in Utah Snapshot
Median Salary $58,380
Hourly Wage $28.07
Job Growth +21% (2022–2032)
License Not Required

How to Become a Welder in Utah

Utah welders train through technical colleges, Salt Lake Community College, manufacturers, mining and energy employers, or apprenticeships in structural steel, pipe trades, 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 Utah

The salary figure shown on this page represents the Utah 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.

Utah Median $58,380
Hourly Wage $28.07
National Median $51,000

Compared with the national median of $51,000, the median wage in Utah is approximately $7,380 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.

OFFICIAL REGULATORY SOURCE

Licensing Authority for Welders in Utah

Utah Division of Professional Licensing – Construction Trades

Official Website: https://commerce.utah.gov/dopl/contracting/

License Types:

  • None — no statewide employee welder license
  • AWS Certified Welder
  • AWS D1.1 Structural Welder Qualification
  • ASME Section IX Welder Qualification
  • Applicable Utah Contractor License

Authority Notes:

Utah does not license welders solely because they perform welding as employees. Contractor licensing may apply when a person or business independently contracts to perform regulated construction work.

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 PREPARATION

Welder Training Requirements in Utah

1Registered Apprenticeship
2Trade or Technical School
3Employer Training

Utah welders typically enter the trade through a technical-college program, employer training, or a registered apprenticeship. Core training normally covers:

  • SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW processes
  • Structural, plate, and pipe-welding positions
  • Blueprints and welding-symbol interpretation
  • Metal preparation, fitting, and fabrication
  • Weld inspection and destructive or nondestructive testing concepts
  • OSHA, mining, industrial, and hot-work safety

Employers may require AWS, ASME, API, MSHA, or project-specific qualifications depending on the industry and welding procedure.

EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Welder Training Providers in Utah

Provider City Program Website
Salt Lake Community College – Welding Salt Lake City View Program
Davis Technical College – Welding Technology Kaysville View Program
Ogden-Weber Technical College – Welding Ogden View Program
Mountainland Technical College – Welding Technology Lehi 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 OPPORTUNITIES

Welder Apprenticeship Programs in Utah

Ironworker Apprenticeship Program

Organization: Iron Workers Local 27

Program Website

Pipe Trades Apprenticeship Program

Organization: Utah Career Center / UA Local 140

Program Website

Boilermaker Apprenticeship Program

Organization: Boilermakers Local 182

Program Website

Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Program

Organization: SMART Local 312

Program Website

STATE AND LOCAL RULES

Welder Licensing Requirements in Utah

Utah does not require a statewide occupational license for employee welders. A business providing regulated construction or specialty-contracting services may need an appropriate Utah contractor license through the Division of Professional Licensing.

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

Welder Job Outlook in Utah

+21% (2022–2032) Projected Employment Growth
2022 - 2032 Projection Period
530 Annual Openings

Welder employment in Utah is projected to grow 21% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 4,160 to 5,050 jobs, with about 530 annual openings. Population growth, manufacturing, mining, aerospace, infrastructure, energy, and commercial construction support strong 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 QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the welder salary in Utah?

The statewide median wage for welders in Utah is approximately $58,380 per year, or $28.07 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.

Does Utah require welder licensing?

No statewide occupational license is generally required for welder workers in Utah. 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 Utah?

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 Utah?

Utah projects welder employment to grow by approximately 21% from 2022 to 2032, with about 530 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.

DATA TRANSPARENCY

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.

  1. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
  2. Utah Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Utah Welder Wages
  3. Utah Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Utah Welder Employment Trends
  4. Utah Division of Professional Licensing – Construction Trades — Licensing authority. Utah Division of Professional Licensing – Construction Trades
CAREER DISCOVERY

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