Becoming a welder typically starts with technical training, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to quickly enter the workforce. Training programs last about 6 to 18 months, depending on the depth of the program. According to the American Welding Society, there are currently over 402,333 welders employed throughout the United States, with approximately 9,463 active job openings at any given time. In Alma, MI, welders can expect to earn an average wage of $1,200 per week, with experienced professionals often exceeding $1,500 weekly. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find training opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential and diverse specialization opportunities.
