Becoming a welder in Forest City, NC, typically begins with technical training, which can range from 6 to 18 months, providing hands-on experience and classroom learning. The American Welding Society projects a significant demand for 320,500 new welding professionals by 2029, with a median salary of $45,190 per year for welders. In Forest City, welders can expect to earn an average of $1,900 per week, with opportunities for overtime boosting annual earnings. Vocational schools, community colleges, and welding associations offer training programs, leading to a career with strong earning potential, often exceeding $98,000 annually for experienced professionals.
