Becoming a welder typically starts with technical training, which can range from 6 to 18 months, providing hands-on skills and preparing individuals for industry certification. The American Welding Society projects a need for 320,500 new welding professionals by 2029, with a median annual salary of $45,190 for welders. In Arlington, DC, welders earn an average of $245 per week, with experienced professionals potentially earning over $100,000 annually. Trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeships offer pathways to this lucrative career, with strong demand driven by infrastructure and manufacturing growth.
