Becoming a welder typically starts with technical training, which can range from 6 to 18 months, providing hands-on skills and preparing individuals for industry certification exams. According to the American Welding Society, there are approximately 402,333 welders employed throughout the United States, with a median annual salary of $45,190. In Portsmouth, OH, welders can earn an average of $1,500 per week, with experienced professionals often surpassing $108,000 annually. Trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeships offer pathways to enter this growing field, which is projected to need 320,500 new welding professionals by 2029, driven by infrastructure expansion and manufacturing growth.
