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If you're looking to jumpstart a career in welding in Alexander City, AL, you'll find a vibrant local industry that values skilled tradespeople. Unlike many trades, welders in Alabama don't need a state-specific license but can earn nationally recognized credentials through the American Welding Society (AWS) 1. With 22 welding jobs and 6 welder jobs currently listed in Alexander City, plus more on platforms like ZipRecruiter (11 jobs) and SimplyHired (14 jobs) 234, there are numerous opportunities available. Central Alabama Community College offers a 20-week non-credit skills training program to prepare students for immediate employment 5, while average annual salaries range from $42,896 to $59,146 6, exceeding the Alabama average of $46,528 5. As technology continues to evolve with robotic welding systems achieving 99% first-pass yield compared to 60-70% for human welders 2, staying up-to-date with new technologies will be increasingly important for welders in the coming years.
Welders are skilled professionals who fuse metal parts together using specialized equipment to create strong, durable joints. This work is essential across many industries, including manufacturing, construction, and maintenance 1. Welders in Alexander City may work on various projects ranging from small fabrication tasks to large industrial construction projects 2. The job often requires standing for long periods, working in tight or awkward positions, and sometimes working outdoors or in confined spaces 3.
Unlike many trades, welders in Alexander City, Alabama does not require a state-specific license 1. However, most employers will require an AWS Certified Welder credential, which is a performance-based certification with no prerequisite coursework or prior certification required 7. This nationally recognized program tests a welder's ability to produce welds that meet industrial and code standards 8. Certification testing is available at AWS accredited facilities, such as AlabamaRTP, which provides on-site testing for various code-specific standards 8. The testing process typically takes 4-6 hours, and a fee is involved (with an additional $50 charge for out-of-state testers) 8. While the AWS certification suffices for most jobs, certain employers or public sector projects may require adherence to additional standards such as AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX, or API 1104 1.
Aspiring welders in Alexander City primarily have access to Central Alabama Community College (CACC), located at 1675 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010 245. CACC offers both non-credit skill training in welding and an associate degree option in occupational technology with a focus on welding 5. The 20-week non-credit program is designed to develop the foundational skills necessary for entry-level careers in the welding profession, using modern equipment and technology 62.
| Program Type | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Non-credit Skill Training | 20 weeks | CACC Alexander City Campus |
| Associate in Occupational Technology (Welding Concentration) | 2 years (approx.) | CACC Alexander City Campus |
These programs prepare students for immediate employment in welding by teaching hands-on skills and theory in a state-of-the-art environment62. For more information about welding training programs at CACC, visit their Welding Associate Degree page or the Welding Training Programs page 5.
To begin your welding career in Alexander City:
Central Alabama Community College's 20-week welding program is the most direct path to entering the field in Alexander City 5. This program covers essential welding techniques including MIG, stick welding, and various certifications in welding 2. To find welding training programs in Alexander City, use Gild to search for programs that can provide the necessary skills and certifications to work as a welder in Alexander City, AL 8.
After completing your training program, earning your AWS Certified Welder credential should be your next goal7. This certification is performance-based and doesn't require prerequisite coursework7. Visit the AWS website or contact an accredited testing center like AlabamaRTP for information on exam locations, costs (including the potential $50 out-of-state fee), and preparation8.
With your training complete and initial certification in hand, it's time to start applying for entry-level positions. As of today, you'll find 32 welding-related positions open across various platforms in Alexander City234. Search current welding and welder job openings in Alexander City here using Gild's job search tool.
After entering the field, consider advancing your career by:
The welding industry in Alexander City currently presents numerous opportunities for qualified workers. As of today:
| Platform | Job Type | Number of Jobs Listed |
|---|---|---|
| Gild | Welders and Welder Jobs | 28 total (22 welders, 6 welders) 6 |
| ZipRecruiter | Advanced Welding Jobs | 11 jobs 3 |
| SimplyHired | Welding Jobs | 14 jobs 4 |
In terms of compensation, welders in Alexander City earn higher wages than the state average. Annual salaries range from $42,896 to $59,146, with an average of $55,434/year, exceeding the Alabama statewide average salary of $46,528/year 625. The $7 billion in new investment across Alabama in 2024, which resulted in over 8,500 job commitments, sets a positive backdrop for industrial growth that will benefit welders 4.
The welding profession in Alexander City offers numerous paths for professional growth and specialization. With experience, welders can:
The welding industry in Alexander City, AL, is poised for transformation due to technological advancements. By 2025, welders will see:
Increased efficiency through automation: Robotic welding systems are achieving near 99% first-pass yield, compared to 60-70% for human welders 2. While this may reduce manual welding tasks, it's creating new opportunities for technicians to program, monitor, and maintain welding robots.
Advancements in robotic programming: Software like OCTOPUZ allows for offline programming, increasing productivity and reducing downtime2. Skilled workers who can manage these systems will be in high demand.
Improved safety and quality: Robotics will reduce safety hazards by taking over work in hazardous environments, providing consistent and high-quality welds that meet manufacturing standards24.
Job market evolution: While some manual welding positions may decrease, the demand for highly skilled welders and technicians who can work alongside robots will grow 2.
Welders in Alexander City face several key challenges and safety considerations:
Recommended safety solutions:
The welding industry in Alexander City contributes significantly to the local economy, particularly through educational institutions like Central Alabama Community College, which contributes $97.5 million annually to the local economy and supports 1,450 jobs 3. With Alabama's industrial sector receiving $7 billion in new investments in 2024 across the state 4, and the welding industry expected to grow alongside this development, the future outlook for welders in Alexander City appears promising.
The aging workforce of welders in the U.S. coupled with increasing demand for skilled welders in manufacturing, construction, and maintenance positions Alexander City well for sustained welding career opportunities 5. While automation will change some job requirements, skilled welders who can work with robotic systems and maintain high standards of quality are expected to remain in demand.
Starting a career as a welder in Alexander City, AL, is an exciting opportunity to enter a field with steady demand and competitive wages. Whether you're just finishing high school or considering a career change, following these key steps will set you on the path to success in this critical industry. To begin your journey, consider applying to Central Alabama Community College's welding program here and start searching for welding apprenticeship and entry-level positions in Alexander City here using Gild's job search tool. As you gain experience and build your credentials, the opportunities in welding will only continue to grow.
https://cravencc.edu/sites/default/files/2025-04/Welding%20Technology%20-%20Program%20Description%20&%20State%20Contact%20Information.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
https://www.indeed.com/q-welder-l-alexander-city,-al-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15 ↩16
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Welding/-in-Alexander-City,AL ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10
https://www.simplyhired.com/search?q=welding&l=alexander+city%2C+al ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9
https://www.cacc.edu/welding/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14
https://www.indeed.com/q-welding-l-alexander-city,-al-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11
https://www.aws.org/certification-and-education/professional-certification/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
