Becoming a welder in Richland, WA, typically begins with a technical school program or apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. The American Welding Society projects a need for 320,500 new welding professionals by 2029, with a median annual wage of $45,190 for welders in 2021. In Richland, WA, welders earn an average of $335.75 per week, with an annual overtime average of $17,777. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like the AWS Foundation offer apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential, often exceeding $90,000 annually for experienced professionals.
