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, with many welders earning an average of $1,004 per week in Myrtle Beach, SC. The American Welding Society projects a significant demand for 320,500 new welding professionals by 2029, with about 80,000 positions requiring annual fulfillment between 2025 and 2029. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $45,190 annually for experienced professionals.
