Job Overview

Welding educators—also known as welding instructors, trainers, or teachers—are the professionals who shape the next generation of welders. By sharing their technical expertise and hands-on experience, they help students master foundational techniques, understand safety standards, and prepare for certification exams.

If you're passionate about welding and enjoy mentoring others, becoming a welding educator is a meaningful way to give back to the trade and support the industry’s future workforce.

$54,000
Entry Level Salary
$62,000
National Median Pay
$75,000+
Real Go-Getters Make
Source: Lightcast 2025

What Does a Welding Educator Do?

A welding educator monitors a student at work

What Does a Welding Educator Do?

A welding educator monitors a student at work

Welding educators teach students how to perform welding processes correctly and safely. They typically work in high schools, technical colleges, vocational programs, union apprenticeships, or private training centers.

Common responsibilities include:

  • Teaching welding techniques such as SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW
  • Instructing students on blueprint reading, welding symbols, and metallurgy
  • Preparing students for AWS certification exams and job readiness
  • Demonstrating proper use of welding equipment and PPE
  • Grading assignments and tracking student progress
  • Staying current with industry codes and instructional best practices

Some welding educators also help design curriculum, lead workshops, or offer continuing education for working professionals.

A welding educator monitors a student at work

Career Requirements

Career Requirements

What Skills or Credentials Do You Need to Become a Welding Educator?

Welding educators need a combination of hands-on welding experience, instructional ability, and formal certifications. Common requirements include:

  • AWS certifications in one or more welding processes
  • Several years of practical welding experience
  • Strong communication and classroom management skills
  • A high school diploma or GED (some roles may require an associate's or bachelor’s degree)
  • Familiarity with AWS codes and safety standards
  • A teaching credential or postsecondary instructor certificate (varies by state or institution)

Many instructors begin their teaching careers after working as certified welders in construction, manufacturing, or inspection. Earning the AWS Certified Welding Educator (CWE) credential is a strong step for those looking to teach in technical or trade programs.

Salary & Career Outlook

Salary & Career Outlook

How Much Does a Welding Educator Make?

Welding educators enjoy stable employment and the opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives. Salaries vary depending on the institution, location, and level of teaching:

  • Entry-level welding instructors: $45,000–$55,000 per year
  • Experienced educators with certifications: $60,000–$75,000 per year
  • Postsecondary educators or program directors: $80,000 or more

Welding educators may also supplement their income by offering exam prep courses, conducting workshops, or providing consulting and contract instruction. With a growing emphasis on workforce development and skills training, demand for qualified welding instructors is on the rise.

Training & Certifications

Training & Certifications

How Do I Get Started as a Welding Educator?

Most welding educators begin as experienced welders who transition into teaching roles. A typical path includes:

  • Earning AWS certifications in key welding processes
  • Gaining several years of hands-on experience in welding and fabrication
  • Pursuing instructional training or completing a teacher preparation program
  • Applying for the AWS Certified Welding Educator (CWE) credential
  • Staying current through continuing education and industry involvement

AWS offers study materials, certification guidance, and professional development opportunities to support educators at all stages of their careers.

Welding Educator Job Demand

The job demand map below shows where welding educators have been most in demand across the U.S. in the past year. Technical colleges, union training programs, and high school CTE programs are key employers in these regions.

 

Learn More About Welding Educator Careers

Learn More About Welding Educator Careers

Becoming a welding educator is more than a job—it’s a chance to inspire others, pass on valuable skills, and support the future of the welding profession. Whether you’re looking to teach full-time or share your expertise part-time, your knowledge can make a lasting impact.

Explore AWS educator resources and discover how certification can help you transition into this respected and rewarding career path.

Recommended Education icon

Minimum Education

Associate degree in welding, metals fabrication, engineering technology, etc.

Preferred Education

Preferred Education

Bachelor’s degree in welding, vocational education, welding engineering, etc.

Recommended Training icon

Recommended Training

Related welding work experience

Advanced Certification icon

Advanced Certification

State or national teaching requirement

Advanced Education icon

Advanced Education

Certificate in welding, metals fabrication, machining, vocational education, etc.

Advanced Training icon

Advanced Training

Apprenticeship program

Recommended Certification icon

Recommended Certification

AWS Certified Welder, AWS Certified Welding Educator, AWS Certified Welding Inspector