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 welders. The American Welding Society reports 771,000 welders nationwide, with approximately 10,000 in Maryland, and projects a 2-3% job growth from 2025 to 2029. Apprentices earn an average of $564 per week in Maryland, with an annual overtime average of $28,800. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find training opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $682 per week for experienced professionals.
