Becoming a welder in Monticello, NY, typically begins with a technical school program or apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to gain practical skills while earning. Apprenticeships last about 6 to 18 months, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. The American Welding Society projects a significant demand for 320,500 new welding professionals by 2029, with a median salary of $45,190 per year or $20.25 per hour in 2021. In Monticello, NY, welders earn an average of $1,600 per week, with experienced professionals often exceeding $108,000 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 opportunities.
