Becoming a welder in St. Joseph, MO typically begins with a technical school program or apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about 6 to 18 months, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports over 402,333 welders nationwide, with 48,474 in Missouri, and projects a 2% to 3% job growth from 2022 to 2029. Apprentices earn an average of $500 per week in Missouri, with an annual overtime average of $2,000. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $45,000 annually for experienced professionals.
