Becoming a welder in Liberal, KS typically begins with an apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about four to five years, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. According to the American Welding Society, there are approximately 402,333 welders nationwide, with a median annual salary of $45,190. In Kansas, welders earn an average wage of $1,925 per week, with experienced professionals often exceeding $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 job opportunities across various industries.
