Updated 2025 · Welding
How to Become a Welder
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.
Steps to Become a Welder
- Meet basic requirements — You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. A strong foundation in math, physics, and shop classes helps.
- Apply to an apprenticeship program — Welder apprenticeships last 3 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apply through your local union (IBEW, UA, etc.) or a non-union contractor program. You earn while you learn from day one.
- Complete required training — Complete 6000 hours of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
- Earn certifications — Required certifications include: AWS Certified Welder (CW), AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), ASME Section IX certification for pressure vessels, API 1104 for pipeline welding.
- Pass the journeyman exam — After completing your apprenticeship, pass the journeyman licensing exam in your state to earn full journeyman status and pay.
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.
Daily Duties
- 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
Skills Needed
- MIG/TIG/Stick welding
- Blueprint reading
- Metallurgy basics
- Weld inspection
- Plasma and oxy-fuel cutting
Required Certifications
- AWS Certified Welder (CW)
- AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- ASME Section IX certification for pressure vessels
- API 1104 for pipeline welding
Welder Salary (2025)
The national median welder salary is $50,902 per year. Pay ranges from $41,148 in the lowest-paying metro to $66,632 in the highest-paying metro. See the full welder salary breakdown by city.
Apprentice Pay Progression
Welder apprentices earn while they learn, starting at approximately 40% of journeyman pay:
| Year | % of Journeyman | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40% | $20,361 |
| Year 2 | 65% | $33,086 |
| Year 3 | 90% | $45,812 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $50,902 |
Union vs Non-Union Welder Pay
Union welders earn 18% more than non-union workers — $29.45/hour union vs $24.96/hour non-union. Approximately 14.2% of welders are union members. See the full union vs non-union comparison.
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.
Career Outlook
Projected to grow 2% from 2022-2032. Specialized welders (underwater, pipeline, aerospace) face strong demand and command premium wages.
Frequently Asked Questions
The national median salary for a welder is $50,902 per year (2025 BLS data). Pay ranges from $41,148 to $66,632 depending on location, with top earners in the 90th percentile making significantly more.
It takes 3 years to complete a welder apprenticeship. During this time, you earn while you learn — starting at approximately 40-50% of journeyman wages and receiving annual raises.
No college degree is required to become a welder. The primary path is through an apprenticeship program or trade school. You will need to earn specific certifications: AWS Certified Welder (CW) and AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).
Welder earns a Trade Pay Score grade of D, meaning it rates moderately on pay relative to cost of living, wage growth, and demand. Projected to grow 2% from 2022-2032. Specialized welders (underwater, pipeline, aerospace) face strong demand and command premium wages.
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