Welding Careers in Texas: Where Sparks Fly and Skills Pay

Overview

Welding is one of the most hands-on, in-demand trades in Texas. From pipelines and skyscrapers to refineries, shipyards, and art installations, skilled welders are behind much of the infrastructure that powers the state. If you like working with your hands, mastering precision, and seeing the results of your work in steel and sparks, welding offers a fast path to good pay and solid job security—no degree required.

Job Outlook & Pay in Texas

• Starting Pay: $20–$25/hour for entry-level welders
• Certified or Pipe Welders: $50,000–$75,000/year
• Specialized/Traveling Welders: $80,000–$100,000+ (especially in oil/gas, underwater, or high-risk welding)
• Growth Outlook: Strong. Welding is critical across construction, energy, aerospace, and manufacturing—especially in Texas where the oil & gas industry is massive.

Education & Certification

Most welding careers start with a certificate or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Welding Technology. Hands-on training focuses on mastering key welding methods:

• MIG Welding (Gas Metal Arc Welding): Uses a wire electrode fed through a gun and shielding gas—great for quick, clean welds on thinner metals.
• TIG Welding (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding): Uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode—ideal for precision work on stainless steel and aluminum.
• Stick Welding (Shielded Metal Arc Welding): A versatile, rugged method that uses a stick electrode—commonly used outdoors and for structural jobs.
• Flux-Core Welding: Similar to MIG but uses a special wire with flux inside—often used for thicker materials and in outdoor settings where wind could blow shielding gas away.

Certifications to consider:

• AWS Certified Welder: Offered by the American Welding Society; widely recognized across industries.
• NCCER Welding Certification: Industry-standard for construction and manufacturing fields.
• ASME/Structural Certifications: Required for specialized work like pipe welding or pressure vessels.

Where to Study in Texas

• Elite Welding Academy
  Location: Houston
  Program: Structural & Pipe Welding
  eliteweldingacademy.com
• Tulsa Welding School (TWS)
  Location: Houston
  Program: Professional Welder Program (7 months)
  weldingschool.com
• Texas State Technical College (TSTC)
  Campuses: Waco, Harlingen, Sweetwater, Marshall
  Program: Welding Technology AAS or Certificate
  tstc.edu
• South Texas College (McAllen)
  Program: Welding Certificate
  southtexascollege.edu
• San Jacinto College
  Location: Houston area
  Program: Welding Technology
  sanjac.edu

What to Expect in Training

Welding school focuses on:

• Safety & PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
• Blueprint reading & metal prep
• Welding techniques: MIG, TIG, Stick, Flux-Cored Arc Welding
• Cutting techniques: Plasma and Oxy-fuel
• Weld testing & inspection for quality control
• Hands-on welding labs—most of your learning happens on the floor, not in a lecture hall

After Graduation

Welders are needed in:

• Oil & gas refineries
• Construction and structural steelwork
• Manufacturing plants
• Aerospace and shipbuilding
• Railroads, fabrication shops, and even custom automotive work

As you gain certifications and experience, you can become:

• Pipe Welder
• Welding Inspector
• Welding Instructor
• Self-employed/freelance welder
• Fabrication shop owner

Final Thoughts

Welding is a high-skill, high-respect career that pays off quickly—especially in Texas. If you want a career that lets you work with your hands, earn solid income, and literally build the future, welding could be your spark.