7 States with High Demand for Welders
Welders are important workers across the U.S. in industries like manufacturing, construction, aerospace, transportation, shipbuilding, and energy. As these industries grow, the need for skilled welders to support the sectors, along with the infrastructure critical to their existence should be in demand. But where you live will impact the need for your welding skills. With 45,000+ welding jobs expected to be added to the US annually1, some states have especially strong demand for welders, driven by industry growth, population, and infrastructure projects.
If you’re considering a future career in welding, here’s a look at 7 states where welders are in high demand and why these regions are leading the way.
1. Why is There Welder Demand in Illinois?
As the 4th highest ranking manufacturing state in the nation, Illinois has a robust manufacturing sector. Major company plants like Ford Motor Co., Rivian, and Continental Tire, call Illinois home, and all utilize welders to keep daily operations moving forward. Infrastructure upgrades, including bridges and public transportation systems, further drive demand for skilled welders. The Illinois Department of Transportation has many projects across the state aimed to improve transportation, and that also contributes to the projected increase demand for welders at five times the national average in the coming years, with more than 16,000 projected job openings by 20322.
2. Infrastructure Challenges Need New Jersey Welders
New Jersey’s aging infrastructure includes old buildings, roads, public transportation systems, bridges, ports, airports, and water systems. But thanks to the Infrastructure and Jobs Act passed in 2021, major efforts have been made to NJ improvements across the state. And when new infrastructure needs to be built, it creates a steady demand for welders. At an 5% demand rate, there should be more than 4,000 job openings by 20323. Projects for bridges, clean water systems, and rail systems are underway, and they require skilled welders to help construct and maintain new and existing structures. Proximity to major cities like New York and Philadelphia also makes New Jersey a great hub for transportation and logistics, and welders play a role in keeping these systems safe and operational.
3. Tennessee’s Auto Industry Needs Welders
Tennessee’s automotive manufacturing industry is thriving and continues to show exceptional growth according to The Center for Economic Research in Tennessee. Major automotive and energy manufacturers like General Motors, Ultium Cells, Volkswagen, and Nissan operate production plants across the state and need highly skilled welders to meet their demands. Welders are key players on assembly lines, robotic welding stations, and facility maintenance teams. The auto sector and other industries should provide more than 16,000 job openings by 20324.
4. Welders and Colorado Urban Development
In Colorado, the demand for welders is projected to grow 9%, or add nearly 6,000 new jobs through 20325, attributed, in part, to driving factors like major infrastructure projects. Because of this, Colorado has seen some significant increases in urban development and infrastructure projects, creating opportunities for welders to work on buildings, bridges, and pipelines. From projects like the long-range transportation plan in Northeast Colorado, to the improvements to the city of Pueblo, Colorado is taking major steps to improve key parts of the state, opening opportunities for skilled welders to live and work in the area.
5. Welders can Thrive in Connecticut Aerospace Roles
With one of the nation’s largest aerospace and defense industries, it’s no wonder Connecticut’s demand for welders is projected to grow by 12%6. Companies like Pratt & Whitney and Electric Boat need welders to help in the manufacturing of aircraft engines, submarines, and other critical components. The state takes great pride in the defense infrastructure they produce and focuses on precision engineering, meaning welders with advanced skills should continue to be in high demand.
6. Georgia’s Top Industries Drive Welding Demand
Georgia also needs talented welding professionals because it’s a manufacturing powerhouse with booming industries like automotive production, aerospace, and metal manufacturing. These industries have helped fuel the projected 17% growth, or more than 17,000 new welding jobs, the state expects to see through 20327. A driving factor for this increase in demand is the workforce shortage Georgia is facing in infrastructure construction. The Associated General Contractors of America reported that 91% of construction companies in the state of Georgia face a worker shortage, and welders are one of many positions they struggle to fill with trained professionals. Georgia will need to continue to source qualified welders to continue the ambitious projects in their top industries.
7. Big Welding Opportunities in Texas Energy
Texas leads the nation in energy production, especially in crude oil and natural gas. Welders are an incredibly important piece of the puzzle when it comes to these industry production sites. From pipelines to offshore drilling platforms, skilled welders keep Texas’s energy infrastructure running smoothly. The state’s booming construction industry, including skyscrapers and road projects, also relies heavily on welding professionals, and this all contributes to the whopping 11% projected growth in welding jobs across the state, adding nearly 56,000 new jobs by 20328.
A career in welding offers hands-on work, solid job security, and the potential to specialize in exciting fields like aerospace, automotive, and energy. Do you live in one of these welding high-demand states? Lincoln Tech offers our Welding Technology program in all 7 of these states. Why not get started on this exciting and rewarding career path today. Fill out the form on this page.
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm (visited May 25, 2025).
2 National Center for O*NET Development. Illinois Employment Trends: 51-4121.00 - Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved June 13, 2025, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/51-4121.00?st=IL
3 National Center for O*NET Development. New Jersey Employment Trends: 51-4121.00 - Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved June 13, 2025, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/51-4121.00?st=NJ.
4 ONational Center for O*NET Development. Tennessee Employment Trends: 51-4121.00 - Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved June 13, 2025, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/51-4121.00?st=TN.
5 National Center for O*NET Development. Colorado Employment Trends: 51-4121.00 - Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved June 13, 2025, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/51-4121.00?st=CO.
6 National Center for O*NET Development. Connecticut Employment Trends: 51-4121.00 - Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved June 13, 2025, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/51-4121.00?st=CT.
7 National Center for O*NET Development. Georgia Employment Trends: 51-4121.00 - Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved June 13, 2025, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/51-4121.00?st=GA.
8 National Center for O*NET Development. Texas Employment Trends: 51-4121.00 - Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved June 13, 2025, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/51-4121.00?st=TX.