Spark Your Career: Why Welding in Kentucky is a Hot Opportunity!
Welding is a strong career choice. You can build things and earn good money. It helps industries and keeps our buildings safe.
Kentucky’s Welding Job Boom
Welding jobs in Kentucky will grow about 8% by 2032. This is faster than other jobs. There will be about 830 new jobs each year.
Where the Sparks Fly
Welders work in many important jobs:
- Manufacturing: They make cars, machines, and steel.
- Construction: They build bridges and buildings.
- Shipbuilding: Kentucky has shipyards that need welders.
- Oil & Gas: Welders keep things running at oil places.
- Utilities: Water and gas companies need welders.
Top Spots for Welding Jobs in KY
Make more money in these cities:
- Prestonsburg
- Hazard
- Vicco
- Bowling Green
- Florence
- Lexington
- Louisville
- Shelbyville
- Hopkinsville
Show Me the Money! Welder Salaries in the Bluegrass State
What to Expect
Welders in Kentucky typically make about $43,440 a year. They often make between $19.33 and $25.87 each hour.
From Rookie to Rock Star Pay
- New Welders: They might start around $14.54 an hour ($30,250 a year).
- Experienced Welders: They can make up to $28.55 an hour ($59,380 a year).
- Union Welders: They can make at least $41.90 an hour with good benefits.
- 6 Figure Income: According to Ketntucky Welding Institute, It is possible to make over $100,000 in your first year, depending on your specialty and dedication.
Factors That Weld More Cash
Your pay can go up if you have more skills and certificates. Pipe welders can make a lot of money.
Your Path to Becoming a Kentucky Welding Pro
The Basics
You need a high school diploma or GED. Math and science skills help.
The Golden Rule: Training is Key!
Training is very important. Here’s what to do:
- Get Educated: Go to a welding school.
- Gain Experience: Practice welding.
- Get Certified: Get certificates to show you are good at welding.
Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS)
Many KCTCS colleges have welding programs.
- Ashland Community and Technical College
- Big Sandy Community and Technical College
- Bluegrass Community & Technical College (BCTC) – Lexington/Danville
- Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
- Gateway Community and Technical College
- Hazard Community & Technical College
- Henderson Community College
- Hopkinsville Community College (HCC) – Offers fast programs!
- Jefferson Community and Technical College – Louisville
- Madisonville Community College
- Maysville Community and Technical College
- Owensboro Community and Technical College
- Somerset Community College
- Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College (SKYCTC)
- Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College
- West Kentucky Community and Technical College
Other Noteworthy Programs:
- Enzweiler Building Institute: Offers a two-year welding program.
- Campbellsville University: Has a Welding Program.
- Eastern Kentucky University: Offers an online Welding course.
Certifications: Your Golden Ticket in KY Welding
No State License, BUT…
Kentucky does not need a welding license. But certificates are very important.
The Big Names:
- American Welding Society (AWS): This is the best certificate.
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME): Good for certain jobs.
Kentucky-Specific Certs:
- Kentucky Department of Transportation (KY DOT) Certification: Need this to work on bridges.
Beyond the Basics (KWI’s Offerings):
- NCCER
- NCCCO
- OSHA-30
- MSHA-24
- ASHI
- TWIC
- Basic Plus, CCS
Keep ‘Em Current:
Certificates need to be updated.
College Credit for Your Skills:
You might get college credit for welding certificates.
Finding Your Dream Welding Gig: Job Boards & Top Employers
General Job Boards
Specialized & Union Boards
Companies Directly Hiring Welders in Kentucky
- Rumpke of Kentucky, Inc.
- Fosson Truck Bodies Inc.
- Feldkamp Mechanical
- Marathon Petroleum
- Link-Belt
- Messer Construction
- Cleveland-Cliffs
- ADM
- East and Westbrook Construction Company
- Elite Welding
- Toyota
- Modern Welding Company of Kentucky, Inc.
Additional Pro Tips for Aspiring Welders
Work Environment Snapshot:
Welding is hard work. You might work inside or outside. Wear safety gear.
The Future is Now!
Welding is changing:
- Robots: Robots are helping with welding.
- New Skills: Learn new welding ways.
- Green Welding: Welding is becoming cleaner.
- Material Masters: Learn about steel and aluminum.
- Digital Smarts: Use computers to help with welding.
Beyond the Torch: Essential Soft Skills:
- Patience
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Reading blueprints
Legal Must-Haves:
Be 18 years old and have a driver’s license.
Never Stop Learning:
Keep learning new things.
YouTube is Your Friend:
- Kentucky Welding Institute tour: https://youtu.be/Q5ETU0JOcTg?si=eRu5oHiZHMKqMnJP
- SKYCTC welding overview: https://youtu.be/yyqMPT_x7Iw?si=oB947vbXNo-idecu
FAQs: Your Quick Guide to Welding in KY
Q1: What are the basic educational requirements to become a welder in Kentucky?
You need a high school diploma or GED. Training programs are very helpful.
Q2: Is a license required to work as a welder in Kentucky?
No, you do not need a license. But you need certificates.
Q3: What is the average salary for a welder in Kentucky?
About $43,440 a year.
Q4: What types of welding jobs are available in Kentucky?
Many jobs like MIG, TIG, and pipe welders.
Q5: How does experience affect a welder’s salary in Kentucky?
More experience means more money.
Metal Workz LLC in Albany, KY has a lot of experience with metal work. They can help you with your metal needs. They use aluminum, steel, and stainless steel. Their mission is to give customers good service with innovation, teamwork and commitment.
