Becoming a welder in Helena, Montana typically begins with an apprenticeship or technical training program, which combines hands-on experience with classroom instruction, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships and technical training programs generally last between 6 months to 4 years, requiring significant hours of training under experienced welders. According to the American Welding Society, there are approximately 771,000 welding professionals in the U.S., with a median annual salary of $45,190 or $20.25 per hour. In Helena, welders can expect to earn competitive wages, with experienced professionals often surpassing $108,000 annually. Trade schools, welding associations, and platforms like WelderUp help aspiring welders find apprenticeship and training opportunities, leading to a rewarding career with strong earning potential.
