Becoming a welder in Vienna, WV, typically begins with an apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about four to five years, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. According to the American Welding Society, there are approximately 461,470 welders nationwide, with a median weekly wage of $1,000 in Vienna, WV. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $51,000 annually for experienced professionals.
