One of the most promising careers in the country is welding. In the 17 Top Welding Schools For Certification In Arkansas, you’ll learn all about welding school locations and careers. For example, average welding salary, welding employment outlook, and contact info for each trade school.
Below, you’ll find a table of contents to help you find what you’re looking for.
Top Welding Schools for Certification in Arkansas: Table of Contents
Average Welding Salary:
How Much Do Welders Make in Arkansas?
On average, welders in Arkansas earn a median salary of $37,510 per year. (Or $18.03 per hour.) In comparison, this is a little less than the national median average of $39,390 per year ($18.94 per hour).
Another comparison is welders in the top 10% of median pay in the United States who make more than $62,100 yearly. In contrast, welders in the top 10% of median pay in Arkansas make more than $56,400..
Good Welding Jobs in Arkansas: Welding Employment Outlook
One reason to become a welder in Arkansas is that the welding employment outlook is good. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that welding jobs should increase in number by 6% between 2016 and 2026. Put differently, that’s a growth of 22,500 new jobs. Even after 2026, welding jobs should keep growing.
What industries do welders work in Arkansas?
Generally speaking, the following industries have a lot of high paying welding jobs:
- Construction of buildings and bridges
- Aerospace applications
- Manufacturing
- Shipbuilding
- Gas & oil field power plants and refineries
- Auto & motorcycle fabrication and repair
- Marine technology
Similar Careers As Welding In Arkansas:
Instead of welding, many people decide to go with similar careers. Although they’re different, they still allow you to work with your hands and find good vocations.
Here are 4 examples:
- Boilermakers
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
- Sheet Metal Workers
- Soldering & Brazing
How to Get AWS Welding Certification
The first step to becoming a welding in Arkansas is to get your certification from the American Welding Society (AWS). In order to do this, you’ll need training at a welding school with accreditation from the AWS. At school, you’ll learn through classroom instruction and hands-on learning.
After completing a welding program, it’s time to take your welding certification test. Although the locations vary, they are often right at the school itself. During the test, a board of examiners will ask you to demonstrate proficiency in standard skills.
For information about the AWS’s standards, visit their Standards page.
How long does it take to get a welding certification?
Understandably, most students are eager to know how long it will take to obtain a welding certification. Simply put, there isn’t an exact length of time. Each welding school’s program is slightly different. However, it’s usually less than 2 years.
What is the official welder certification?
So, what exactly is welder certification and why is it important? Welder certification is something you’ll receive when you pass a number of tests designed by the American Welding Society (AWS). AWS’s mission is “Advancing the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide.”
At this time, AWS offers 11 types of welder certifications:
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- Certified Welder
- Welding Inspector
- Associate Welding Inspector
- Senior Certified Welding Inspector
- Welding Educator
- Radiographic Interpreter
- Welding Supervisor
- Robotic Arc Welding
- Welding Sales Representative
- Reciprocity Program
- Welding Engineer
Top Welding Schools for Certification in Arkansas:
Accreditation & Requirements
Before listing each welding trade school, here’s some information that applies to each school:
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- Currently, each school has approval from the American Welding Society’s SENSE Accreditation Program.
- In general, each training program includes the following methods:Â Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (stick), or Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG).
- Usually, the only admission requirement is a high school diploma or GED. However, some programs only require students to be juniors in high school.
The 17 Best Welding Schools in Arkansas
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Underwater Welding Schools in Arkansas
At this time, Arkansas doesn’t have any commercial diving schools. That being said, there are only 9 in the United States. To find one nearest you, check out The Best Underwater Welding Schools in the USA.
Looking For Welding Information On States Bordering Arkansas?
If you’re willing to travel to a nearby state, check out the following articles:
Best Welding Supplies and Equipment Online
Many welders use equipment manually, whereas others operate welding machines. It all depends on the particular welding project at hand.
For beginners, here’s a basic checklist of the essentials:
- 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
This isn’t a comprehensive list, but it’s definitely a good start. Make sure to check out 2018’s Best Auto Darkening Welding Helmets Review.
Best Welding Colleges in Arkansas: Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has helped you learn more about welding as well as find good trade schools near you. (To learn more about basic welding info, check out “Welding 101.”)
Although it can be hard, taking that first step is key. Enroll today to start working toward your welder certification!