Becoming a welder typically starts with technical training, which can range from 6 months to 2 years, providing hands-on experience and preparing individuals for certification exams. According to the American Welding Society, there are approximately 771,000 welding professionals in the United States, with projections showing a need for 320,500 new welders by 2029. In Sterling, CO, welders can expect to earn an average of $1,890 per week, with experienced professionals potentially earning over $55,000 annually. Trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeships offer pathways to enter this growing field, which is seeing strong demand driven by infrastructure development and manufacturing growth.
