Missouri's Welding Technology pathway prepares students for high-demand careers in welding and metal fabrication. The program covers multiple welding processes including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG), and flux-cored arc welding, along with cutting techniques and blueprint reading.
Students develop skills working with various metals and welding positions, from simple flat welds to complex overhead and pipe welding. Training emphasizes weld quality, inspection, and adherence to industry codes and standards. Many programs partner with manufacturers and fabrication shops to provide students with experience on industrial projects.
Missouri's strong manufacturing base creates exceptional demand for skilled welders across industries from automotive to aerospace to construction. Welding offers immediate employment opportunities with competitive wages and clear pathways for advancement through additional certifications and specializations.
Welding Technology at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Missouri's Welding Technology pathway aligns with American Welding Society (AWS) standards and prepares students for AWS certifications in multiple processes. Programs must meet DESE's Career Education Standards and emphasize safety, quality, and industry code compliance. The curriculum covers metallurgy, blueprint reading, welding symbols, and inspection procedures essential for certified welders.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Welding Fundamentals | WLD101 |
| SMAW and GMAW Processes | WLD201 |
| GTAW and Advanced Processes | WLD301 |
| Fabrication and Certification | WLD401 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓NOCTI Welding
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
- ✓Forklift Operator Certification
- ✓Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - Inventor
- ✓MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT)
- ✓MSSC Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Certified Welder
Entry LevelSalary range: $43,170 - $60,110
Adjusted for cost of living: $47,047
Pipe Welder
ExperiencedSalary range: $43,170 - $60,110
Adjusted for cost of living: $53,901
Welding Inspector
ExperiencedSalary range: $43,170 - $60,110
Adjusted for cost of living: $53,901
Fabrication Supervisor
ExperiencedAdjusted for cost of living: $71,600
Welding Engineer
ExperiencedSalary range: $43,170 - $60,110
Adjusted for cost of living: $53,901
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Apprenticeships with fabrication shops and manufacturers. Summer employment with construction companies and metal working businesses. Cooperative education combining school and paid work experience. Projects for community organizations and local businesses.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Missouri CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Missouri Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Missouri's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Missouri standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Missouri
Related Glossary Terms
CTE Pathways
CTE Pathways are structured sequences of courses within a Career Cluster that prepare students for a specific group of related occupations. Pathways combine academic and technical instruction, providing a clear roadmap from introductory courses through advanced, specialized training aligned with industry standards and postsecondary opportunities.
ProgrammaticWork-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) encompasses a range of educational strategies that connect classroom instruction with real workplace experiences. Activities include internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, clinical rotations, and cooperative education, all designed to help CTE students apply technical skills in authentic industry settings.
ProgrammaticIndustry Certifications in CTE
Industry certifications in CTE are credentials issued by industry organizations or third-party bodies that validate a student's mastery of specific technical skills and knowledge. Examples include CompTIA A+, AWS Certified Welder, and ServSafe, which demonstrate career readiness to employers in ways that transcend state and district boundaries.
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