For someone interested in becoming a welder or metal fabricator, there are many great training programs offered in vocational schools and community colleges all over the U.S. If you live in the state of Massachusetts, there are numerous options to choose from. Additionally, there is a relatively large job demand in the area.
Getting Certified in MA
Getting certified in the state requires that you go to one of the welding programs or schools in MA that are accredited by the American Welding Society (AWS).
To apply, you'll need a high school diploma or GED. Once you get accepted you complete your welding raining course, and take your welding certification test. If you approved you are officially a certified Massachusetts Welder.
Job Market in Massachusetts
Currently, in Massachusetts, there are 3,500 jobs available for welders. By 2024, the projected number of jobs that will be available is expected to be 3800, or a change of 7.9% over the next 5 years. The average annual number of job openings is projected at 115.
Despite slow employment growth and low concentrations of employment opportunities in Massachusetts for welders, skilled welders with up-to-date training should have good job opportunities and wages that are higher than the national average.
Best Welding Schools in Massachusetts 2021
| Name | Address | Phone | Institution Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assabet Valley Vocational Technical School | 215 Fitchburg St., Marlboro, MA 01752 | (508) 485-9430 | Career and Technical Center |
| Charles H McCann Technical School | 70 Hodges Cross Road, North Adams, MA 01247 | (413) 663-5383 | Career and Technical Center |
| Joseph P. Keefe Technical School | 750 Winter Street, Framingham, MA 0170 | (508) 416-2100 | Career and Technical Center |
| Northeast Metro Regional Vocational | 100 Hemlock Road, Wakefield, MA 01880 | (781) 246-0810 | N/A |
| Old Colony Regional Vocational Tech | 476 North Avenue, Rochester, Massachusetts, 02770 | (508) 763-8011 | N/A |
| Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical School | 100 Cook St, Billerica, MA 01821 | (978) 667-2111 | High School |
| Tri-County Regional Vocational | 147 Pond Street Franklin, MA 02038 | (508) 528-5400 | Adult (all other) |
| Franklin County Technical School | 82 Industrial BLVD, Turners Falls, MA 01376 | (413) 863-9561 | |
| Westover Job Corps Center | 103 Johnson RD, Chicopee, MA 01022 | (413) 593-4015 | Adult (all other) |
Welding in Massachusetts
Salary
In Massachusetts, the annual pay scale ranges from $13.07 per hour or $27,000 per year for a welder with little experience to $29.45 per hour or $61,000 per year for a senior welder. The average is $21.42 per hour or $44,500 per year.
Historically, over the past 5 years, the average salary for an experienced welder has risen from $37,500 in 2014 to $44,500 per year 2019 or a 5-year increase of 15.8%. Welders earn less than 46% of all careers in Massachusetts. When compared to the rest of the United States, Massachusetts ranks number 8 in terms of average median salary paid - just behind Washington D.C. and a lot less than what welders in Hawaii make.
Knowing more types of welding is associated with higher pay so it is helpful to know the various disciplines such as MIG, TIG, and arc welding.
WHAT CITIES ARE MOST POPULAR IN MASSACHUSETTS FOR WELDERS?
Below are the cities in Massachusetts that hire the most welders. $ amount in parentheses represents the average wage for the city. Remember to take the cost of living into account when considering wages, as it is more expensive to live in some cities compared to others.
- Hudson ($20.15 hourly, or about $42,000 annually)
- Boston ($26.72 hourly, or about $55,000 annually)
- Peabody ($23.40 hourly, or about $49,000 annually)
WHAT COMPANIES ARE HIRING IN MASSACHUSETTS?
The following companies are some of the most popular companies to hire welders. They may not indicate the median or average.
- Placon Corporation
- Advance Welding
- Horizon Sheet Metal
