Becoming a welder in Muscle Shoals, AL, often begins with an apprenticeship that combines hands-on experience with technical training, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships typically last about four to five years, requiring extensive training under experienced professionals. According to the American Welding Society, there are approximately 402,333 welders nationwide, with a median annual salary of $45,190. In Muscle Shoals, AL, welders can earn an average of $1,850 per week. 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.
