Skip to main content

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. 1

    Earn a high school diploma or GED.

  2. 2

    Complete welding training at a trade or technical school.

  3. 3

    Build hands-on experience and pass welder qualification tests.

  4. 4

    To move into inspection, meet the AWS education and experience requirements.

  5. 5

    Pass the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) exam.

  6. 6

    Maintain your certification with periodic renewals.

Typical entry path: High school diploma or equivalent plus technical training; certification raises pay.

Ready to pass the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) exam?

The licensing exam is the gate to this career. Practice free on VoltExam with real exam-style questions and instant explanations — no signup to start.

Welder / Welding Inspector exam prep →Free practice questionsBrowse topics

Explore other trade careers

ElectricianMedian $62,350/yr · +9%HVAC TechnicianMedian $59,810/yr · +8%PlumberMedian $62,970/yr · +4%CDL Truck DriverMedian $57,440/yr · +4%Real Estate AgentMedian $56,320/yr · +3%Crane OperatorMedian $66,370/yr · +3%
View all trade careers →

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.