Updated May 2026 · BLS OEWS 2024
How to Become a Welder (2024)
Welding · 3-year apprenticeship · SOC 51-4121
Welders earn a national median of $54,982 per 2024 BLS data, with the 90th percentile reaching $88,200 in Seattle. The standard path is a 3-year registered apprenticeship — paid from day one, no four-year degree required.
What Does a Welder Do?
Welders join metal parts together using heat, pressure, or both. They work with various welding processes (MIG, TIG, stick, flux-core) across manufacturing, construction, and repair industries.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Read blueprints and welding specifications
- Set up and operate welding equipment
- Join metal components using various welding techniques
- Inspect welds for defects using visual and testing methods
- Cut metal using plasma cutters and oxy-fuel torches
The Path: How to Become a Welder
- 1
Finish high school or earn a GED
Most apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED. Strong math (especially algebra and geometry) and reading skills matter for trade exams and blueprint work. - 2
Find a registered apprenticeship
Search apprenticeship.gov for registered programs in your area. Programs are sponsored by unions, contractor associations, or individual employers. Application windows are usually annual. - 3
Complete the 3-year apprenticeship
Apprentices spend roughly 6000+ hours on the job paired with a journeyman, plus 144 classroom hours per year. Pay starts around $49,210 and steps up each year — see the timeline below. - 4
Pass the journeyman exam
Most states require a written + practical exam to earn the journeyman license. The exam covers code knowledge, safety, and practical work scenarios. Pass rates vary 50-80% on the first attempt. - 5
Earn certifications and (optionally) the master license
Layer on specialty certifications (AWS Certified Welder (CW)) to access higher-paying work. Most states offer a master license after 2-4 additional years of journeyman experience — required for independent contracting in many states. - 6
Climb to the top decile
Top earners ($88,200 in Seattle) typically reach the 90th percentile through specialization, foreman/supervisor roles, union membership, or running a small contracting business.
Welder Apprentice Pay Timeline
Hourly wage progression based on industry-standard apprenticeship pay schedules. Actual rates vary by local union or contractor agreement.
| Year | Stage | Hourly | Annual (2,080 hr) | % of Journeyman |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Apprentice | $45/hr | $93,600 | 173% |
| Year 2 | Apprentice 2 | $60/hr | $124,800 | 231% |
| Year 3 | Pre-journeyman | $80/hr | $166,400 | 308% |
| Journeyman | Licensed | $26/hr | $54,982 | 100% |
| Master / Top 10% | Specialist / Foreman | $42/hr | $88,200 | 160% |
Required Certifications & Licenses
- ✓AWS Certified Welder (CW)
- ✓AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- ✓ASME Section IX certification for pressure vessels
- ✓API 1104 for pipeline welding
Skills You'll Need to Build
Work Environment
Welders work in manufacturing plants, construction sites, shipyards, and repair shops. Exposure to extreme heat, bright light, fumes, and loud noise. PPE including helmets, gloves, and respirators required.
Job Outlook
Projected to grow 2% from 2022-2032. Specialized welders (underwater, pipeline, aerospace) face strong demand and command premium wages.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Welder Pay by City
The highest-paying metros for welders, with cost-of-living-adjusted pay so you can compare real take-home.
| City | Median | Top 10% | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | $64,510 | $88,200 | D |
| San Francisco, CA | $63,890 | $102,200 | D |
| Boston, MA | $62,240 | $84,230 | D |
| Portland, OR | $60,940 | $82,930 | D |
| New York, NY | $60,840 | $96,590 | D |
| New Orleans, LA | $60,590 | $82,330 | C |
| Minneapolis, MN | $60,340 | $75,610 | C |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $58,930 | $78,460 | C |
| Denver, CO | $58,700 | $77,080 | D |
| Los Angeles, CA | $58,200 | $89,180 | D |
Frequently Asked Questions
Most welders complete a 3-year registered apprenticeship — typically 6000+ hours of paid on-the-job training plus 144 classroom hours per year. After completing the apprenticeship and passing the journeyman exam, you can work independently. Master-level certification (where applicable) usually takes another 2-4 years of journeyman experience.
No. Welders do not require a four-year college degree. The standard credential is a journeyman license earned through a paid apprenticeship registered with the U.S. Department of Labor at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/. Some workers complete a 1- or 2-year certificate at a community or trade college before applying — but the journeyman license is what employers actually require.
Welder apprentices typically start at $49,210 per year (10th percentile) and progress upward each year of the apprenticeship. By year 2, pay usually reaches the 50th percentile around $54,982. All training is paid — apprentices are W-2 employees of contractors or unions, not students paying tuition.
Common welder certifications include: AWS Certified Welder (CW); AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI); ASME Section IX certification for pressure vessels; API 1104 for pipeline welding. Most states also require a journeyman license; some have a separate master license for independent work.
Welders earn a national median of $54,982 (Trade Pay Score grade C), wages have grown 4% over the past 5 years, and the BLS counts roughly 124,810 welder jobs nationwide. The work is physically demanding and the apprenticeship is real, but the trade clears the bar for living-wage, debt-free career entry.
The U.S. Department of Labor maintains a searchable database of registered apprenticeship programs at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/. Local building trades councils, IBEW/UA/IUPAT/IBB union halls, and trade school career offices also place candidates directly. Most apprenticeships have one open application window per year — check listings early.
Wage figures from BLS OEWS 2024. Apprentice pay schedules from industry-standard registered programs. Career outlook from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 2032 projections.