Becoming a welder in Florence, SC, typically begins with an apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about four to five years, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. According to the American Welding Society, there are approximately 771,000 welding professionals nationwide, with projections indicating a need for 320,500 new welders by 2029. In Florence, SC, welders can expect to earn an average of $1,200 per week, with experienced professionals often surpassing $55,000 annually. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential.
