Becoming a welder in Sonora, CA typically starts with technical training, which can range from 6 months to 2 years, providing hands-on experience and preparing individuals for certification exams. The American Welding Society projects a significant demand for 320,500 new welding professionals by 2029, with a steady job growth rate of 2-3%. In Sonora, CA, welders can earn an average of $1,500 per week, with experienced professionals often surpassing $60,000 annually. Welding schools, unions, and vocational training programs offer pathways to apprenticeships and careers with strong earning potential and job stability.