Becoming a welder in St. Louis, MO, typically begins with an apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience with technical training, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about four to five years, requiring extensive training under licensed professionals. According to the American Welding Society, there are approximately 771,000 welding professionals nationwide, with a median annual salary of $45,190. In St. Louis, the average weekly wage for welders is approximately $1,610, with experienced professionals earning up to $2,885 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.
