Becoming a welder in Richmond, VA, typically begins with an apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships in the welding trade last about four to five years, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. According to the American Welding Society, there are approximately 402,333 welders nationwide, with a median annual salary of $45,190. In Richmond, the average weekly wage for welders is approximately $1,760, with experienced professionals often earning over $1,800 per week. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential and diverse specialization options.
