Becoming a welder in Butte, Montana, typically begins with an apprenticeship or technical training program, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships and technical training programs last about 6 to 18 months, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. The American Welding Society reports approximately 771,000 welders nationwide, with a significant demand for new professionals due to an aging workforce and infrastructure expansion. Apprentices in Butte earn an average of $500 per week, with experienced welders often exceeding $60,000 annually. Trade schools, welding unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential.
