Becoming a welder in Alexandria, DC, often begins with technical training or apprenticeships, combining hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. The American Welding Society projects a significant demand for 320,500 new welding professionals by 2029, with a median salary of $45,190 per year or $20.25 per hour in 2021. In Alexandria, DC, welders earn an average of $2,059 per week, with experienced professionals often exceeding $108,000 annually. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential and diverse specialization options.