Embarking on a career as a welder in St. Petersburg, FL, often begins with an apprenticeship, blending hands-on experience and classroom instruction, enabling individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships typically 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 in the U.S., with projections indicating a 2% to 3% job growth annually. In St. Petersburg, welders earn an average of $481.75 per week, with experienced professionals often surpassing $108,000 annually. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a rewarding career with strong earning potential.
