How to Become a Welder
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers join metal parts using heat, working in manufacturing, construction, shipyards, and energy. Median pay is $53,750 per year ($25.84/hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025.
| 2025 median pay | $53,750/year ($25.84/hour) |
|---|---|
| Entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training path | Trade school certificate plus on-the-job training |
| Job outlook | 2% growth 2025-35; steady replacement openings |
| Jobs in the US | 470,000+ |
The path in, step by step
- Take a 6-to-18-month welding program at a trade school or community college covering MIG, TIG, and stick.
- Earn AWS certifications (such as D1.1 structural) which employers actually test for.
- Start in production or structural welding; specialize into pipe welding, underwater welding, or aerospace TIG for big pay jumps.
- Traveling industrial shutdown and pipeline work pays premiums but means life on the road.
How long it takes
Under a year of school to employable; 3 to 5 years to high-paying specialized work.
What it costs
Programs typically cost $5,000 to $15,000; certification test fees are a few hundred dollars each.
What working tradespeople say
- TIG and pipe welding pay far more than basic MIG production work; specialize deliberately.
- Your weld test coupon is your resume; practice until your test pieces pass consistently.
- Underwater and rig welding pay six figures but carry real danger and travel demands.
- Union halls (Ironworkers, Boilermakers, UA) run their own welding apprenticeships with pay.
Run your own numbers
See what the hourly rate means per paycheck with our salary to hourly calculator, and compare lifetime earnings against a college path with the compound interest calculator (four years of earning vs four years of tuition changes the math dramatically). When you are job hunting, our resume templates and cover letter examples are free.
More trade guides
- Electrician$63,190/yr median
- Plumber$63,800/yr median
- HVAC Technician$61,010/yr median
- Carpenter$60,580/yr median
- Auto Mechanic$50,620/yr median
- Ironworker$62,780/yr median
- Solar Installer$53,140/yr median
- Truck Driver (CDL)$58,640/yr median
- Boilermaker$76,410/yr median
- Elevator Installer$109,910/yr median
- Sheet Metal Worker$61,800/yr median
Frequently asked questions
How much does welder pay?
The national median is $53,750 per year ($25.84/hour) as of May 2025, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half earn more, half earn less; apprentices start lower and experienced specialists earn much more.
Do I need college to get into the trades?
No. Every trade on this page lists a high school diploma or a short certificate as the entry credential. The training happens through paid apprenticeships or trade school, not four-year degrees.
How long does it take to become a welder?
Under a year of school to employable; 3 to 5 years to high-paying specialized work.
Union or non-union: which is better?
Union apprenticeships generally pay more during training and offer stronger benefits and pensions, but can have waitlists. Non-union paths through contractor associations or direct hire can start faster. Many successful tradespeople do both over a career.
Will AI replace trade jobs?
Physical trades that work in unpredictable real-world environments (wiring buildings, fixing pipes, driving trucks) are among the hardest jobs to automate. The BLS projects continued openings driven mostly by retirements.