Trade Career Guide
How to Become a Welder / Welding Inspector
Welders join metal parts using heat. Earning the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential is a well-paid career step — inspectors verify that welds meet code, and typically earn well above the welder median below.
Median salary
$51,000
per year · BLS May 2024
Typical range
$38,130–$75,850
~10th–90th percentile
Job outlook
+2%
2024–2034 · Slower than average
Time to qualify
Welding: months of training. CWI: exam plus qualifying experience
Step-by-step: becoming a Welder / Welding Inspector
- 1
Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- 2
Complete welding training at a trade or technical school.
- 3
Build hands-on experience and pass welder qualification tests.
- 4
To move into inspection, meet the AWS education and experience requirements.
- 5
Pass the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) exam.
- 6
Maintain your certification with periodic renewals.
Typical entry path: High school diploma or equivalent plus technical training; certification raises pay.
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Salary and job-outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, SOC 51-4121; OEWS wages May 2024; Occupational Outlook Handbook projections 2024–2034). National medians; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience. Verify current figures at bls.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welder / Welding Inspector make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the median annual wage for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers is $51,000. Most earn between about $38,130 and $75,850 depending on experience, location, and specialization.
How do you become a Welder / Welding Inspector?
Earn a high school diploma or GED. Complete welding training at a trade or technical school. Build hands-on experience and pass welder qualification tests. To move into inspection, meet the AWS education and experience requirements. Pass the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) exam. Maintain your certification with periodic renewals.
What is the job outlook for a Welder / Welding Inspector?
The BLS projects 2% employment growth for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers over 2024–2034 — slower than average for all occupations.
What exam or license does a Welder / Welding Inspector need?
Most welder / welding inspector roles require passing the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) exam. Typical entry path: High school diploma or equivalent plus technical training; certification raises pay.