Becoming a welder in Herrin, IL, typically begins with an apprenticeship or technical training program, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships and technical training programs last about 6 to 18 months, depending on the depth of the program. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 402,333 welders nationwide, with a median annual salary of $45,190, translating to approximately $869 per week. In Herrin, IL, welders can expect to earn competitive wages, with experienced professionals often surpassing $108,000 annually. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like Gild help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential and diverse specialization opportunities across industries.
