Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Trades
Welder Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for welder in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Welder in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: No exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources • Division of State Library • Public Librarian Certification Commission
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$49,860 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#30 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of 49,860, Welders in North Carolina earn 2% below the national median of $51,000. North Carolina ranks #30 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$49,860Hourly estimate
$23.972% below national median
Difference: -$1,140
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationWelder Salary Ranking
#30 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $49,860 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $57,350 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $47,280 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Georgia | $48,000 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| South Carolina | $49,120 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources • Division of State Library • Public Librarian Certification Commission
109 East Jones Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601
Phone: 9198146784
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | $47,630 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Electrician | $54,070 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Elevator Installer | $102,310 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| HVAC Technician | $51,940 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Welder in North Carolina?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Welders in North Carolina?
North Carolina lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Welders.
What education do you need to become a Welder in North Carolina?
The board typically expects Degree required for Welder licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical Welder salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Welders in North Carolina is 49,860. Salaries range from $38,800 (10th percentile) to $70,500 (90th percentile).
How does the Welder salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Welders in North Carolina earn 2% below the national median of $51,000, with a state median of 49,860.
How many Welders work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 12,020 Welders according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Welder license to North Carolina from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Welders in North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources / Division of State Library / Public Librarian Certification Commission. Review agency details at https://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/ld/resources/public-librarian-certification.