Columbus, MS is emerging as a prime location for welding careers with 114 welder jobs available as of early 2025 1. The local welding industry offers competitive wages, with an average hourly rate of $29.11, significantly higher than the state average of $21.08 23, leading to an average annual salary of $55,897 4. Major industrial investments, including Steel Dynamics' $2.5 billion aluminum mill project 4, are fueling job growth and creating new opportunities. Aspiring welders can access training through programs at institutions like East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) and Delta Technical College, which provide essential skills and certification pathways to enter this growing field.
Welders play a critical role in numerous industries by joining, cutting, and repairing metal products. From construction to aerospace, the demand for skilled welders continues to grow. As of 2025, the American Welding Society projects approximately 82,000 welding job openings annually nationwide through 2028 3. Modern welding careers increasingly require proficiency in advancing technologies like robotic welding systems and eco-friendly methods. In Columbus, this evolution is driven by large-scale manufacturing projects like Steel Dynamics' new aluminum mill, which creates ongoing demand for technically skilled welders 4.
While statewide Mississippi doesn't mandate a universal welding license, many employers prefer or require certification to ensure technical proficiency. Local training providers like East Mississippi Community College offer programs that prepare students for industry-recognized certifications 5. Demonstrating competency through certification can enhance job prospects at competitive Columbus employers like Stark Aerospace 6 and Aluminum Dynamics 3. With approximately 114 welder jobs available as of early 2025 1, obtaining proper credentials can make candidates more marketable in a growing yet competitive field.
Several local institutions offer welding training programs that provide the foundational skills necessary to enter the trade:
East Mississippi Community College (EMCC):
Mississippi Delta Community College:
Delta Technical College (DTC):
While no formal welding apprenticeships were directly listed for Columbus, programs like EMCC's course can serve as foundational training.
To enter most welding programs in Columbus, you'll need:
Consider options like:
While not universally required in Mississippi, certifications demonstrate competency. Programs like EMCC's welding technology associate's degree 5 provide preparation for industry-recognized certifications. These credentials make individuals more competitive in the Columbus job market where 114 welder jobs are available 1.
Even with certification, many employers prefer some hands-on experience. Delta Technical College's program includes practical experience and employment preparation 4, helping graduates transition into Columbus fabrication shops, construction firms, or manufacturing plants like Steel Dynamics 4.
Columbus' welding industry benefits from significant growth drivers:
These developments directly affect welding job opportunities, with projections indicating 82,000 annual welding job openings nationally through 2028 3. Columbus' market mirrors this growth, with 114 welder jobs currently available on Zippia 1, and platforms like Indeed listing around 39 welding-related positions 7. The local average salary of $55,897 compares favorably to the state average of $47,957 4.
Despite these opportunities, welders in Columbus may encounter challenges:
| Challenge | Details | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wage Disparity | Hourly wages ranging from $18-$57 6 | Pursue certification in specialized techniques |
| Increasing Skill Requirements | Robotic welding systems requiring programming skills 4 | Enroll in advanced training programs |
| Industry Competition | 39-114 reported welding job opportunities 71 | Complete comprehensive training and obtain certifications |
| Evolving Technology | New welding methods like 3D printing integration 4 | Stay current with continuing education |
Navigating these challenges requires a commitment to developing specialized skills beyond basic welding techniques.
With 114 welder jobs listed on Zippia alone 1, Columbus offers multiple platforms for job searching:
Manufacturing giants like Steel Dynamics and Aluminum Dynamics represent major employers emerging from recent industrial expansions 4. Job seekers with certifications like robotic welding experience will find particularly strong opportunities.
Aspiring welders in Columbus have access to numerous resources to develop their careers:
Exploring these programs and resources can provide the gateway to a successful welding career in Columbus' dynamic industrial environment. With the right training and certifications, welders can take advantage of competitive salaries, including an average of $55,897 annually 4, and contribute to significant regional developments like Steel Dynamics' $2.5 billion investment 4.
https://www.zippia.com/welder-columbus-ms-jobs/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
https://www.eastms.edu/programs/workforce/welding.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
https://www.eastms.edu/programs/career-technical/welding-technology.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://www.deltatechnicalcollege.com/programs/welding/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15
https://weldingcareernow.com/welding-schools/columbus-ms ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://www.msdelta.edu/programs/career-technical/construction/welding.php ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://www.indeed.com/q-welding-l-columbus,-ms-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3
