All in all, there are 49 top welding schools for certification in Pennsylvania. After obtaining their welding certification, most welders find great welding jobs awaiting them in Pennsylvania. Read on to learn about each school, as well as what it’s like to be a welder in Pennsylvania.

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How to Become a Welder in Pennsylvania

So, you’re ready to become a welder. Congratulations! Now, here are the steps you should take to become a welder in Pennsylvania:

  1. Brush Up On Welding Basics: First, read up on welding. You’ll want to be familiar with the basics, such as the 6 popular welding methods and basic welding responsibilities. (Continue reading for more basic welding information!)
  2. Assess Your Personal Strengths: Another important part of the process is considering your strengths and weaknesses. Welders must possess good physical strength/stamina, have strong spatial orientation skills, manual dexterity, and be self-motivated. Although it isn’t a “one size fits all” sort of thing, you do need to have most of these traits in order to succeed as a welder.
  3. Enroll In One of the Best Welding Schools in Pennsylvania: Now it’s time to look into welding classes at an accredited school in Pennsylvania. (Keep scrolling for a comprehensive list of each of the top welding schools for certification in Pennsylvania.)
  4. Obtain Your Welding Certification: Obviously, the “make it or break it” moment is passing the test for a welding certification. However, it isn’t something to be nervous about, as each school prepares students to pass the test. Notably, this test must be administered at an accredited welding testing facility.
  5. Maintain Your Welding Certification: After you become a welder in Pennsylvania, you must maintain your certification. All this entails is sending in a form twice a year.

Basic Welding Information

As mentioned above, it’s best to have at least some background welding knowledge for attending one of the top welding schools for certification in Pennsylvania. For this reason, we’ve included some brief information regarding welding responsibilities and methods.

Welding Definition: Welding vs Soldering vs Brazing

Simply put, welding is using heat to melt together two pieces of raw metal. It’s important to note that welding doesn’t use the third piece as a type of glue. In contrast, soldering and brazing involve a third piece, which is a filler metal, often called the “solder.”

It is the absence of a solder combined with the temperatures used that sets welding apart. Brazing and soldering use temperatures below 850 degrees Fahrenheit/450 degrees Celsius.

For a more detailed explanation, take a peek at the following video entitled “Soldering vs Brazing vs Welding.”

The 4 Main Responsibilities of Welders

  1. Examine the blueprints for the project (Blueprints are sketches with important information like dimensions & type of material)
  2. Decide upon the best welding method to use (like flux-cored arc welding or gas metal arc welding)
  3. Determine the best welding supplies equipment and machinery to use
  4. Check welding supplies and equipment throughout the project, making repairs as needed

The 6 Main Welding Methods

Here’s a quick list of the top 6 welding methods:

  • Gas Metal Arc Welding
  • Flux-Cored Welding
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding
  • Tungsten Inert Gas Welding
  • Gas or Oxy Acetylene Welding
  • Plasma Arc Welding

Welders Make More Money in Pennsylvania

There are plenty of good welding jobs in Pennsylvania awaiting you after graduation. Understandably, a frequently asked question is “How much do welders make in Pennsylvania?” To answer that question, we’ll compare welding salaries in Pennsylvania to the national average welding salaries.

In the United States, the median average salary for welding is $39,390. In comparison, the median salary in Pennsylvania is $42,150.

Welders making the top 10% of median pay in the United States earn about $62,100 yearly. This is more than the top 10% of median pay in Pennsylvania, which is $59,440 annually.

The 49 Top Welding Schools for Certification in Pennsylvania

Below you can see a full list of the 49 top welding schools for certification in Pennsylvania. For ideal locations/programs, use the contact information to get in touch with the school directly.

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The Best Welding Schools in States Bordering Pennsylvania

In total, there are 6 states that border Pennsylvania. And they all offer welding schools of their own. Of course, you have plenty of options in Pennsylvania, but it doesn’t hurt to broaden your search to include neighboring states.

  • First, there’s New York to consider, which offers 30 welding schools for certification. With locations in bustling NYC to schools in quieter towns, there are many good vocational schools worth your consideration.
  • In New Jersey, there are 27 welding schools.
  • Another nearby state, West Virginia, offers 13 more top welding schools for certification.
  • Maryland offers 14 more welding schools.
  • In Delaware, there are just 3 welding schools – but they’re top notch.
  • Last but not least, Ohio borders Pennsylvania and offers 71 welding schools.

As you can see, expanding your search a little beyond just the top welding schools for certification in Pennsylvania really opens up your options.

Welding Supplies & Equipment

Although not every project requires the same equipment, there are standard welding supplies and equipment that most welders need to have. For safety, an auto-darkening welding helmet, gloves, and safety glasses are a must.

In addition to safety gear, more welding essentials include:

  • Welding magnets
  • Frame Jig
  • Speed square
  • C clamps
  • Angle grinder
  • Soapstone
  • MIG Pliers
  • Metal brush
  • Sheet metal gauge
  • Metal file
  • Welding Clamps

Enter your zip code to find The Top Welding Schools For Certification In Pennsylvania Near You!

Conclusion

As shown above, there’s a high number of top welding schools for certification in Pennsylvania. And there are even more great trade schools with welding classes in states nearby.

Welding definitely isn’t for the faint of heart, as it requires strength, precision, stamina, and skill. But it’s a meaningful career, and it allows you to combine intellect with hands-on action to contribute positively to society.

For more information about welding and the best welding schools, take a look at the rest of the welding schools for certification in all 50 states.

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The Top Welding Schools For Certification In Hawaii

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