Becoming a welder in Ontario, ID, typically begins with an apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience with classroom learning and allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about four to five years, with many hours of training under licensed professionals. According to the American Welding Society, there are approximately 771,000 welding professionals nationwide, with a significant demand for new welders due to an aging workforce. The median annual salary for welders is $45,190, with experienced professionals often earning over $100,000 annually. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like Gild help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential.
