Welder / Welding Technician in Des Moines, IA
Salary data, training programs, and job outlook for Des Moines-area Welder / Welding Technicians
💰 Des Moines Area Salary
Salaries vary by employer, experience, and certifications. Des Moines figures based on regional BLS data and cost-of-living adjustments.
📋 About Welder / Welding Technician Work in Des Moines
Welders fuse metal together using heat and electricity to build everything from bridges and pipelines to aircraft and auto frames. Certified underwater welders and pipeline welders can earn $100K–$200K+. It's pure craftsmanship that never goes offshore.
What You Do Day-to-Day
- Perform MIG, TIG, Stick, and flux-core welding
- Read blueprints and weld to specs
- Inspect welds for quality and code compliance
- Operate plasma cutters and grinders
- Work in confined spaces and at heights
🎓 Training Programs Near Des Moines
- Kirkwood Community College — Cedar Rapids
- Des Moines Area Community College — Ankeny
- Hawkeye Community College — Waterloo
- Iowa Central Community College — Fort Dodge
- Iowa Western Community College — Council Bluffs
📈 Job Outlook
National Growth: 3% (Average)
National Jobs: 452K employed nationwide
Credential Required: AWS Certified Welder (CW) — industry standard
Typical Program: Welding Certificate or Diploma — 6 months–2 years