Becoming a welder typically starts with an apprenticeship or technical training, 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 projections indicating a significant demand for new welders, especially in Dubuque, IA. Welders in Iowa earn an average of $1,040 per week, with experienced professionals often exceeding $54,000 annually. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential and diverse specialization opportunities.
