Becoming a welder in Green Bay, WI typically begins with a technical school program or apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships 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 a median wage of $45,190 per year or $20.25 per hour, and projects a 2-3% job growth from 2025 to 2029. Apprentices earn an average of $1,600 per week in Wisconsin, with an annual overtime average of $14,000. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $108,000 annually for experienced professionals.
