Becoming a welder in Virginia Beach, VA, typically begins with an apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience with technical training, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about 3-4 years, requiring extensive training under experienced professionals. According to the American Welding Society, there are approximately 405,000 welders nationwide, with a median weekly wage of $115.43 in Virginia Beach. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 2-3% job growth for welders from 2022 to 2032. Apprentices in Virginia Beach earn an average of $67.21 per week, with experienced professionals earning up to $199.79 per week. Trade schools, welding unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential.
