Becoming a welder typically starts with technical training, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Training programs last about 6 to 18 months, requiring many hours of training under experienced professionals. The American Welding Society reports approximately 771,000 welders nationwide, with projections indicating a 2-3% job growth from 2025 to 2029. Welders in Colorado earn an average of $1,400 per week, with experienced professionals often exceeding $60,000 annually. Trade schools, community colleges, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find training opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential and diverse specialization opportunities.
