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What is a welder apprentice and how to become one
When you see any two or more pieces of metal joined together, there is a welder behind that work. This makes them essential workers in the construction of pipelines, ships, buildings, bridges, ships, and practically any other structure with metal components.
If you want to become a welder, you have to go through a welding apprenticeship. Welding apprentices learn everything there is about welding. Apart from the practical skill of welding itself, welding apprentices also learn to interpret blueprints, inspect work pieces, keep track of materials, and maintain welding equipment. In a typical day, a welding apprentice will set up a work site, work on whatever project assigned to them, communicate with supervisors, and clean up their area after.
Welding apprenticeships usually last three to four years, depending on the program. Most programs require at least 144 of classroom instruction and 2,000 hours of hands-on training. After the apprenticeship is completed, apprentices can start looking for work in the industry that appeals most to them.
To become a welding apprentice, you must have at least a high school diploma or a GED. Moreover, you must be physically able to lift heavy objects and equipment, stay on your feet for long periods of time, and have good hand-eye coordination.
You can expect to make around $15 an hour or $28,200 a year as a welding apprentice. After you finish the program and become a welder, that salary can go up to $41,380 a year.
Avg. Salary $34,266
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 2%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.60%
Asian 2.66%
Black or African American 10.42%
Hispanic or Latino 19.94%
Unknown 3.98%
White 61.39%
Genderfemale 8.00%
male 92.00%
Age - 40American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 40Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Welder Apprentice career paths
Key steps to become a welder apprentice
Explore welder apprentice education requirements
Start to develop specific welder apprentice skills
Skills 
Percentages MIG 12.24% Hand Tools 8.93% Arc Welding 6.68% Brazing 4.47% Tack 4.26% Complete relevant welder apprentice training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New welder apprentices learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a welder apprentice based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real welder apprentice resumes.Gain additional welder apprentice certifications
More About CertificationsWelder apprentice certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific welder apprentice certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for welder apprentices include OSHA Safety Certificate and Certified Welder.
Research welder apprentice duties and responsibilities
- Manage and run production parts through the brake.
- Transition from GMAW to GTAW for use on tubular steel and aluminum welding projects.
- Experience in utilizing skills in shortarc, Fluxcore, stick and minimal experience in Tig welding.
- Operate metal brake, various welding machines, grinders, cutting torches, drills, and portable plasma cutter.
Prepare your welder apprentice resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your welder apprentice resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a welder apprentice resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Welder Apprentice Resume templates
Build a professional Welder Apprentice resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Welder Apprentice resume.
Apply for welder apprentice jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a welder apprentice job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Welder Apprentice Job
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Average welder apprentice salary
The average Welder Apprentice salary in the United States is $34,266 per year or $16 per hour. Welder apprentice salaries range between $26,000 and $43,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do welder apprentices rate their job?
Welder Apprentice reviews
Good job for a person like me. Just put my hood down and weld without much instruction. I am quiet and welding fits good with my personality.
I don't like getting burned, but as long as I wear proper protection, it is very preventable.
It's challenging it keeps focused
Not to be appreciated, when we work hard, l love my work ND l wana learn more
The skill level required to properly join metal together. Pride in your work and skill
Being Hot. The concentration level can be very tiring. Can be hard on the eyes.
Updated January 8, 2025
