California Welder License: Requirements, Cost & Timeline
No state license is required for this trade in California. Here is what you actually need, and where the local rules still apply.
Do you need a license?
California does not license this trade at the state level. That does not mean no rules apply — counties and cities may require a local business licence or registration, and employers may require certifications that are not government-issued. If you plan to contract directly with the public, check the local requirements for the city or county you will work in.
Steps to get licensed
- No state license or certificate is required to work as a welder
- Complete employer- or school-based welding training and pass the weld qualification tests your employer or client requires
- Hold optional industry certifications (e.g., AWS certified welder) if a job specification demands them
- To contract welding work directly at $500 or more, obtain a CSLB license (C-60 Welding Contractor)
- Meet CSLB requirements: 4 years journey-level experience, exams, $25,000 bond, $200 initial fee
What it costs
The figures below are what the state charges. Training is separate and quotes vary by provider — a community-college programme and a private trade school can differ by thousands for the same licence.
Fee amounts for California were not published in a form we could verify. Use the official page below for the current schedule.
Full cost breakdown for California →
What it pays in California
Median annual wage for Welder in California: $59,170 ($28.45/hour), across 28,300 jobs. That is the midpoint — half of people in this trade earn more, half less.
Pay detail for California, and how it compares →
Other states
| State | State fees | Time | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | — | — | $49,250 |
| Texas | — | — | $53,410 |
Common questions
Do you need a license to be a Welder in California?
No state license is required.
How much does a Welder license cost in California?
The state does not publish a fee schedule we could verify.
How long does it take to get a Welder license in California?
The board does not publish a fixed hour requirement.
What does a Welder make in California?
The median is $59,170 a year ($28.45 an hour) statewide, per BLS OEWS May 2024.
Sources
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Licensing_Classifications/“C-60 - Welding Contractor”
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/GuidesAndPublications/GetLicensedToBuild.pdf“Any construction project in California valued at $500 or more in labor and materials combined must be performed by a contractor licensed by CSLB.”