Becoming a welder in Opelousas, LA, typically begins with technical training, which can range from 6 to 18 months, providing both practical skills and industry certifications. According to the American Welding Society, there are approximately 402,333 welders employed nationwide, with a median annual salary of $45,190. In Opelousas, welders can expect to earn an average of $1,882 per week, with opportunities for overtime boosting annual earnings. Training programs and apprenticeships, facilitated by institutions like the AWS Foundation, offer pathways to this lucrative career, with experienced welders potentially earning over $108,000 annually.
