Becoming a welder typically starts 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 402,333 welders nationwide, with an average weekly wage of $760 in Victoria, TX, and projects a 2-3% job growth from 2022 to 2025. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $40,000 annually for experienced professionals.
