Becoming a welder in Salem, OR, typically begins with a technical school program or apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships in welding last about one to two years, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. The American Welding Society reports approximately 771,000 welders nationwide, with projections indicating a steady growth in the welding sector, ranging from 2% to 3% annually. Apprentices in Salem earn an average of $56 per hour, with an annual overtime average of $2,872. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like Gild help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $80,000 annually for experienced professionals.
