Becoming a welder in Weirton, WV, typically begins with a technical school program or apprenticeship, combining 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 American Welding Society projects a significant demand for 320,500 new welding professionals by 2029, with approximately 80,000 positions requiring annual fulfillment between 2025 and 2029. Apprentices in Weirton can earn an average wage of $1,200 per week, with experienced welders often exceeding $50,000 annually. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential and diverse specialization opportunities.
