Becoming a welder typically starts with technical training, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Training programs last about 6 to 18 months, depending on the level of certification. The American Welding Society reports 402,333 welders nationwide, with an average annual salary of $45,190, and projects a 2-3% job growth from 2022 to 2029. Apprentices earn an average of $317.50 per week in Lexington Park, MD, with an annual overtime average of $16,250. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find training opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $108,000 annually for experienced professionals.
