Welding is the backbone of construction, shipbuilding, automotive repair, pipeline work, and even aerospace manufacturing. And according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for welders is expected to grow steadily due to an aging workforce and infrastructure investments.
Rather than paying tuition for a trade school, many aspiring welders are choosing paid apprenticeships—earning a wage from day one while learning the trade through hands-on experience and classroom instruction. Most apprenticeships lead directly into full-time union or non-union jobs, often with benefits and opportunities to specialize in high-paying fields like underwater welding or pipefitting.
🔍 Where to Find a Paid Welding Apprenticeship
1. Search the Apprenticeship.gov Portal
The official U.S. Department of Labor directory lets you search for registered welding apprenticeships by ZIP code. Use keywords like "welder," "welding apprentice," or “fabricator” to find union and non-union listings in your area.
2. Check with Local Unions and Contractors
The United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers often offer welding apprenticeships as part of their training programs. These include competitive pay, healthcare, retirement plans, and a clear promotion track.
Find local branches and inquire directly:
3. Look Into the Ironworkers and Sheet Metal Unions
The Ironworkers International and SMART (Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation) unions also train welders through apprenticeships, especially for construction and HVAC welding jobs.
4. Job Boards & Employers
Many private companies and fabrication shops hire entry-level welders and apprentices. Try these search terms on job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and CareerBuilder:
- “Welder Apprentice”
- “Entry-level Welder”
- “Paid Welding Training”
💵 What You Can Expect to Earn
Welding apprenticeships pay real money—even at the starting level. Here’s what the average looks like:
| Apprenticeship Year | Typical Hourly Pay | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Year | $17–$22/hr | $35,000–$45,000 |
| 2nd–3rd Year | $22–$28/hr | $45,000–$58,000 |
| Final Year | $28–$35/hr | $58,000–$72,000 |
| Certified Journeyman Welder | $35–$50/hr+ | $70,000–$100,000+ |
🛠️ Welders in specialized sectors like pipelines or shipyards can earn even more—with some union contracts exceeding $55/hr plus per diem.
🧪 What You’ll Learn and Do
As a welding apprentice, you’ll work under the supervision of a journeyman welder, assisting with real-world projects while receiving formal instruction. You’ll learn:
- MIG, TIG, and Stick welding techniques
- Blueprint and welding symbol reading
- Proper safety and PPE procedures
- Metal preparation, cutting, and fitting
- Weld testing and quality inspection standards
Training usually takes 3–4 years, and often includes classroom hours to prepare for AWS (American Welding Society) certifications or similar licensure.
✅ How to Qualify and Apply
Most welding apprenticeships require:
- Age 18 or older
- High school diploma or GED
- Physical fitness (you’ll be lifting, bending, climbing)
- Basic math and reading skills
- A valid driver’s license (especially for jobs that require travel)
Some programs may require an aptitude test or drug screening. If you're new to welding, consider enrolling in a pre-apprenticeship program at a local community college or trade school to learn the basics and increase your chances of selection.
🏁 After the Apprenticeship: What's Next?
Once you finish your apprenticeship and pass the required exams, you’ll become a journeyman welder—qualified to work independently and eligible for union membership (if not already enrolled). From there, you can specialize or progress into roles like:
- Welding Inspector (CWI)
- Welding Instructor
- Pipe Welder or Shipfitter
- Foreman or Site Supervisor
- Certified Welding Engineer (CWE)
