Embarking on a career as a welder in Portland, WA, often begins with a technical school program or apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience with classroom instruction, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. The American Welding Society projects a 2-3% job growth in the welding sector from 2025 to 2029, with approximately 320,500 new welding professionals needed by 2029. Welders in Portland earn an average of $1,429 per week, with experienced professionals often surpassing $74,300 annually. Educational pathways such as technical school programs, community colleges, and apprenticeships provide aspiring welders with the skills and certifications needed to enter a trade with strong earning potential and diverse career opportunities.
