Becoming a welder in Scranton, PA, typically begins with an apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships 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 455,416 in Pennsylvania, and the profession is projected to grow by 2-3% annually. Apprentices earn an average of $540 per week in Pennsylvania, with an average annual overtime of $4,784. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $80,000 annually for experienced professionals.
