Becoming a welder in Cape Girardeau, IL, 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 median annual salary of $45,190, and projects a 2-3% job growth from 2025 to 2029. Apprentices in Cape Girardeau earn an average of $600 per week, with experienced professionals often exceeding $108,000 annually. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential.
