Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NY Board of Trades
Welder Licensing in New York
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for welder in New York, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Welder in New York
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
Certification: Certification required.
- 6
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Certification allows a person to be able to weld on New York State Department of Transportation bridges in the field
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NYS Department of Transportation • Metal Engineering Division
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$57,230 median (12% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#18 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet New York eligibility requirements for Welder licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to NYS Department of Transportation~Metal Engineering Division and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in New York
With a median salary of $57,230, Welders in New York earn 12% above the national median of $51,000. New York ranks #18 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,739Median annual salary
$57,230Hourly estimate
$27.5112% above national median
Difference: +$6,230
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationWelder Salary Ranking
#18 of 50 statesfor Welder median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | $76,970 |
| #2 | Alaska | $75,140 |
| #3 | Wyoming | $66,070 |
| #4 | Connecticut | $64,520 |
| #5 | Washington | $61,730 |
Nearby States Comparison
Welder licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $57,230 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Vermont | $57,520 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Massachusetts | $61,710 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $64,520 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $59,630 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $50,860 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 64 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Connecticut | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New Jersey | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NYS Department of Transportation • Metal Engineering Division
50 Wolf Road, POD 4-3, Albany, NY, 12232-0600
Phone: 5184856952
Related Careers in New York
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $93,200 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $51,650 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $63,660 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $78,570 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Welder in New York?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Welders in New York?
New York lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Welders.
What education do you need to become a Welder in New York?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Welder licensure in New York.
What is the typical Welder salary in New York?
The median annual salary for Welders in New York is $57,230. Salaries range from $40,130 (10th percentile) to $80,910 (90th percentile).
How does the Welder salary in New York compare to the national average?
Welders in New York earn 12% above the national median of $51,000, with a state median of $57,230.
How many Welders work in New York?
New York employs approximately 7,810 Welders according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Welder license to New York from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Welders in New York?
The licensing agency is NYS Department of Transportation / Metal Engineering Division. Review agency details at https://www.dot.ny.gov/index.
How often do you renew a Welder license in New York?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.