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 approximately 771,000 welders nationwide, with projections indicating a need for 320,500 new welding professionals by 2029. Welders in Wilmington, NJ, earn an average of $1,500 per week, with an annual overtime average of $26,000. Trade schools, community colleges, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find training opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $100,000 annually for experienced professionals.
