Texas has no state license for welders. Many employers look for AWS (American Welding Society) certification: you prove your skill on a welding test, with no experience required to take it.
Facts from the official pages, checked October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm on the linked page before you apply.
An apprenticeship is a paid job with training, and your pay goes up as you learn.
Takes applications all year
Welder · 6,000 work hours plus classes
Boilermakers Local 132 · Southeastern Area Joint Apprenticeship Committee (SAJAC)
You'll need: 18+, high school diploma or GED (DD-214 if a veteran); apply online and pick Local Lodge 132; ranked into groups by welding certs/experience; applications stay active 2 years
What welders do all day, the training and the pay nationwide, in about 90 seconds.
Video from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Tap CC on the player for captions. On CareerOneStop ↗
Issued by AWS
Pass a hands-on welding test at an AWS Accredited Test Facility. No experience or classes needed first, and you can retake it.
| Where | Middle half (25th–75th) | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | $22.34 – $34.36 | $27.86 |
| Dallas–Fort Worth | $22.20 – $30.13 | $24.82 |
| San Antonio | $21.64 – $29.29 | $23.18 |
| Austin | $22.62 – $32.21 | $28.39 |
| All of Texas | $21.99 – $31.14 | $25.64 |
An hour, for all workers in the occupation, not by license level. BLS: “Someone new to the field may expect wages near the 10th or 25th percentile, whereas those with more experience and education could expect wages near the 75th or 90th percentile.” BLS
Pay: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers). bls.gov/oes
U.S. Department of Labor and the Texas Workforce Commission
An apprenticeship is a paid job with classes. Texas helps pay for the classes, but programs may still charge an application fee, tuition or books.
Texas Workforce Commission
If you qualify, your local Workforce Solutions board can pay a school for an approved training program. Each board sets its own limit, and money depends on its budget.
Office of the Texas Governor
Federal student aid for short-term programs. Texas's first approved programs include HVAC and machining at Weatherford College, welding at Texas Southmost College and electric power technology at Kilgore College. Ask the college's financial aid office how to apply.
the mikeroweWORKS Foundation
A scholarship for trade school programs of two years or less. You'll need a tuition bill from your school, a short video and references.
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Schools and programs within 25 miles, nearest first. Ask each one about cost, start dates and help paying.
WELDER CERTIFICATION FCAW 1G 2G 3G & 4G GROOVE 3/8" PLATE 1/4" BACKING
ALAMO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT · San Antonio · 1.9 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · In-person · Prepares for: FCAW1G 2G 3G&4G(V)GROOVE 3/8" PLATE 1/4&A
Welder Training Adv ARC Welding
Alamo Community College District · San Antonio · 1.9 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · In-person · Prepares for: Certificate
WELDER CERTIFICATION FCAW 3G & 4G 1" COMBO
ALAMO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT · San Antonio · 1.9 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · In-person · Prepares for: FCAW 3G & 4G 1" COMBO
Welder Training Adv TIG Aluminum Welding
Alamo Community College District · San Antonio · 1.9 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · In-person · Prepares for: Certificate
WELDING CERTIFICATE
ALAMO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT · San Antonio · 1.9 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · In-person · Prepares for: CERTIFICATE
WELDER TRAINING STRUCTURAL WELDING
ALAMO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT · San Antonio · 1.9 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · In-person · Prepares for: CERTIFICATE
From CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Listed by schools and certifying organizations; we don't check them.
Get ready for the test
Apply and register on AWS's site ↗32 free practice questions, with official sources →Issued by AWS
For welders who lead crews: 3 years of welding with a high school diploma, then a two-part computer exam.
Jobs that list this level: San Antonio (2)
Other options at this stage
We're not connected with the mikeroweWORKS Foundation. Apply on their site.
Checked Oct 2026 from each program's own site. Amounts and rules can change; their page has the final word.
Nationally recognized certifications that can help you get hired or move up. Optional unless an employer asks for one.
American Welding Society
American Welding Society
American Welding Society
From CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Listed by schools and certifying organizations; we don't check them.