Becoming a welder typically begins with a technical school program or apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. These 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 presence in California, and projects a 2% to 3% job growth annually from 2025 onwards. Apprentices earn an average of $490 per week in California, with an annual overtime average of $10,000. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $100,000 annually for experienced professionals.
