Becoming a welder typically starts with a technical school program or apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about 6 to 18 months, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. The American Welding Society reports 771,000 welders nationwide and projects a 2-3% job growth from 2025 to 2029. Apprentices earn an average of $50 per hour in Bibb County, GA, with an annual wage of approximately $2,600 per week for experienced professionals. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $45,000 annually for experienced professionals.
