Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Trades
Welder Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for welder in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Welder in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Medicine Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$50,860 median (0% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#28 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Welder licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Medicine Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $50,860, Welders in Pennsylvania earn 0% below the national median of $51,000. Pennsylvania ranks #28 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$50,860Hourly estimate
$24.450% above national median
Difference: -$140
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationWelder Salary Ranking
#28 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $50,860 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $57,230 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $59,630 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $56,510 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $56,420 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $47,000 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $49,410 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 54 | 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
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Medicine Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177831400
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $72,240 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $49,790 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $59,240 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $63,180 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Welder in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Welders.
What education do you need to become a Welder in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Welder licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Welder salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Welders in Pennsylvania is $50,860. Salaries range from $38,620 (10th percentile) to $67,010 (90th percentile).
How does the Welder salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Welders in Pennsylvania earn 0% below the national median of $51,000, with a state median of $50,860.
How many Welders work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 16,060 Welders according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Welder license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Medicine Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Medicine/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Welder license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.