Becoming a welder typically starts with technical training, which can range from 6 months to 2 years, providing hands-on skills and preparing individuals for industry certification. Radford, VA, has a growing demand for welders, with the American Welding Society projecting a need for 320,500 new welding professionals by 2029. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports over 402,333 welders nationwide, with approximately 9,463 active job openings at any given time. In Radford, VA, welders earn an average of $1,560 per week, with experienced professionals often exceeding $54,000 annually. Trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs offer pathways to this lucrative career, which is essential for infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.
