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 can range from 6 to 18 months, depending on the pathway chosen. The American Welding Society projects 320,500 new welding professionals will be needed by 2029, with a median annual salary of $45,190. In Norfolk, VA, welders earn an average of $1,700 per week, with experienced professionals often exceeding $55,000 annually. Trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeships offer pathways to this skilled trade, leading to a career with strong earning potential and diverse specialization opportunities.
