Becoming a welder typically starts with technical training, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Training programs last about 6 to 18 months, requiring many hours of training under experienced professionals. The American Welding Society reports 771,000 welders nationwide, with approximately 10,000 in West Virginia, and projects a 2-3% job growth from 2025. Apprentices earn an average of $1,200 per week in West Virginia, with an annual overtime average of $48,000. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find training opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $60,000 annually for experienced professionals.
