Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Trades
Welder Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for welder in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Certification: Certification required.
- 4
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 5
An applicant must have a high school education or equivalent, twelve months operating experience at a water distribution system, and meet examination requirements.
- 6
CONTINUING EDUCATION:.
- 7
Within each 3-year period each certified operator must satisfactorily complete a conference, training course, or school approved by the Board.
- 8
Examination is written (except accommodations made for disability).
Exam and processing details
- is written (except accommodations made for disability).
- It may contain matching, multiple choice, true-false, discussion, and short answer questions and may contain problems. 70% is required to pass.
Continuing education and program notes
- Within each 3-year period each certified operator must satisfactorily complete a conference, training course, or school approved by the Board. EXAMINATIONS:
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Water and Wastewater Certification Program • Fleming Training Center
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$47,280 median (7% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#47 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Welder licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required is written (except accommodations made for disability). It may contain matching, multiple choice, true-false, discussion, and short answer questions and may contain problems. 70....
- 5. Submit the application to Water and Wastewater Certification Program~Fleming Training Center and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $47,280, Welders in Tennessee earn 7% below the national median of $51,000. Tennessee ranks #47 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$47,280Hourly estimate
$22.737% below national median
Difference: -$3,720
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationWelder Salary Ranking
#47 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $47,280 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $49,260 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $57,350 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $49,860 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $48,000 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $47,170 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $49,490 | No educational requirements | Choice of state or third-party exam | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $47,100 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-12 months |
| Missouri | $49,460 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 60 | Medium | 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. |
| North Carolina | 54 | 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. |
| Alabama | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- 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
Agency website unverified
Water and Wastewater Certification Program • Fleming Training Center
2022 Blanton Dr, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129
Phone: 6158988090
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $85,580 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $47,460 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $49,520 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $59,850 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Welder in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Welders.
What education do you need to become a Welder in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Welder licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Welder salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Welders in Tennessee is $47,280. Salaries range from $37,440 (10th percentile) to $63,380 (90th percentile).
How does the Welder salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Welders in Tennessee earn 7% below the national median of $51,000, with a state median of $47,280.
How many Welders work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 12,610 Welders according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Welder license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Water and Wastewater Certification Program / Fleming Training Center. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Welder license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.