Becoming a welder typically starts 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 significant demand for new professionals, especially in manufacturing and infrastructure development. Welders in Las Vegas, NM, can earn an average of $1,850 per week, with experienced professionals often exceeding $55,000 annually. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential and diverse specialization options.
