Becoming a welder in Eugene, OR, typically begins with an apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience with classroom learning and allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about four to five years, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. The American Welding Society projects a significant demand for 320,500 new welding professionals by 2029, with an estimated 80,000 positions needing annual fulfillment between 2025 and 2029. Welders in Eugene earn an average of $1,500 per week, with experienced professionals often exceeding $55,000 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 options.
