Welding is a wise career choice for many reasons. The outlook for jobs is on an upward trajectory, the work itself is meaningful, and the pay is good. Currently, there are 24 Top Welding Schools for Certification in North Carolina.
Table of Contents
- The 24 Top Welding Schools for Certification in North Carolina
- How Much Money Do Welders Make in North Carolina?
- Welding Basics: Here’s What You Should Know
- The Best Welding Equipment & Supplies
The 24 Top Welding Schools for Certification in North Carolina
Become a welder by attending one of the top welding schools for certification in North Carolina. The welding programs in the table below provide classes in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (stick), or Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG).
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Of the 24 places to take welding classes in North Carolina, four are high schools. Typically, a student must have completed the tenth grade before he/she is permitted to begin welding. Since it takes two years to obtain certification, students end up graduating high school at the same time they finish welding classes. Talk about a win-win for opportunities after graduation!
In addition to high schools, the overwhelming majority of schools that offer welding certification are community colleges. In fact, 16 of the best welding schools in North Carolina are community colleges. The remaining institutions for learning to weld are a mix of technical schools and Job Corps centers.
Whether you choose a high school, community/technical college, or job corps center, rest assured that each and every best welding school on this list has been approved by the American Welding Society’s SENSE Accreditation Program.
Keep in mind that the information for the top welding schools in North Carolina does change over time. Therefore, we recommend contacting a school directly with the information supplied in the table above.
The Best Welding Schools in North Carolina & Surrounding Areas
Before concluding this brief glance at the top welding schools in North Carolina, it’s helpful to remember that you can always obtain your certification in bordering states. Reasons for doing this may include better job opportunities, schools that are a better fit for your area of expertise, or tuition expenses.
So if you’re willing to drive to that nearby state for a great welding school, it’s definitely worth checking out all of your options.
How Much Money Do Welders Make in North Carolina?
As is the case with most professions, one of the bottom lines is how much you’ll be compensated for your hard work. To get a good idea of how it pays to be a welder in North Carolina, it’s helpful to look at the national welding statistics.
In the United States, the median average salary is $39,390. (Or $18.94 per hour.) In comparison, North Carolina’s median salary is $40,160. (Or $19.31 per hour.) As you can see, welders in North Carolina make almost exactly average.
Welders in the top 10% in North Carolina make about $56,470 per year. This is less than the nation’s average top 10%, which is $62,100.
Welding Basics: Here’s What You Should Know
Before you attend one of the top welding schools for certification in North Carolina, you should know the basics.
Welding is a complex field with lots of different areas of emphasis. Of course, you’ll learn everything you need to know at school and on-the-job training. However, below is a summary of the bare bones information that you should really be familiar with before committing to welding school.
What is Welding?
Welding is the fusion of two pieces of raw material together. This is achieved by heating them so that they fuse together. Take a gander at the video below for more.
What Are a Welder’s Main Responsibilities?
Welders are responsible for completing a project from start to finish. So initially, their responsibility is to study the project-specific blueprints. Then, they must decide on the appropriate method of welding. (For example, this could include TIG welding or stick welding.)
Welders are also responsible for choosing the correct welding supplies and machinery. Finally, they must maintain machinery throughout the project, repairing as needed.
What Does It Take to Be a Welder in North Carolina?
Of course, it takes a certification in welding and on-the-job training to be a welder, but it also takes personal strengths. In general, welders must possess the following traits:
- Be detail oriented
- Have strong spatial orientation skills
- Honed technical skills
- Manual dexterity
- Physical stamina & strength
- Independent
In What Industries Do Welders Work in North Carolina?
Welders work in a variety of industries in North Carolina. For example, some specialize in constructing buildings and bridges, while others work in the shipbuilding industry.
Others focus on aerospace applications, auto fabrication and repair, and gas & oil field power plants and refineries.
What Are Other Careers Like Welding in North Carolina?
Do you like working with your hands, but you aren’t ready to narrow it down to welding just yet? That’s just fine, as there are lots of vocations like welding in North Carolina. You may also be interested in one or more of the following alternatives:
- Soldering & Brazing
- Boilermaking
- Plumbing, Pipe-fitting, and Steamfitting
- Sheet Metal Working
The Best Welding Supplies & Equipment
Like most technical jobs, the type of welding equipment and supplies can make or break the finished project. The quality of equipment (and correct use) also plays a vital role in safety.
Below, you’ll see a list of the best welding supplies and equipment online. (This list is comprehensive and includes basic welding safety equipment and welding supplies for a mix of methods, including TIG, stick, and MIG welding styles.)
- Auto-darkening welding helmet
- Welding gloves
- Safety Glasses
- Welding Magnets
- Frame Jig
- C Clamps
- Welding Clamps
- Speed Square
- Angle Grinder
- Soapstone
- MIG Pliers
- Metal Brush
- Sheet Metal Gauge
- Metal File
For even more of the best welding supplies online, check out the “Welding Equipment” portion in The Top 10 Welding Schools for Certification in Nevada.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s more to it than simply the top welding schools for certification in North Carolina. Bordering states also offer excellent welding classes, and there are plenty of other careers worth your consideration.
Looking to learn more about the best trade schools in the united states? Make sure to poke around the rest of Trades for Careers for more information!
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