Welding Apprentice Jobs (Union & Non-Union Programs)

No prior welding experience is required for most apprenticeships—that's what the program teaches you. You need a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years old, and demonstrate basic hand-eye coordination. However, having some welding experience makes you significantly more competitive, especially for union programs. Many successful applicants complete a short community college welding course (8-16 weeks) before applying. Physical capability matters: you'll be working with heavy materials in awkward positions, often in heat while wearing protective gear. Good vision, steady hands, and the ability to tolerate repetitive motion are important.

Union apprenticeships through Ironworkers, Boilermakers, or Pipefitters typically offer higher starting pay ($18-$22/hr vs $15-$18/hr), better benefits, pension plans, and more structured training programs. They're also significantly more competitive—acceptance rates can be 10-15%, and you may need to pass a welding test and interview. Non-union programs through fabrication shops, manufacturers, or construction companies are easier to enter and offer more flexibility in scheduling and specialization. Both lead to the same AWS (American Welding Society) certifications. Union welders often work on large construction projects and travel more, while non-union welders might have more stable shop-based positions.

First-year apprentices typically earn 50-60% of journeyman wages, which translates to $15-$20/hr depending on location and program. Each year, your wage increases by 10-15% as you gain skills and certifications. By third year, you're earning $22-$28/hr. Union programs generally pay better—Ironworkers apprentices in major cities might start at $20-$24/hr. Geography matters significantly: welders in industrial areas, oil/gas regions, or major metros earn substantially more than those in rural areas. After completing the program and earning multiple certifications (MIG, TIG, stick, flux-core in various positions), journeyman welders make $28-$42/hr ($58k-$87k annually). Specialized welders (underwater, pipeline, nuclear) can earn $40-$60/hr or more.

Welding is physically demanding in different ways than other trades. You'll work in extreme heat—welding arcs reach 10,000°F, and you're wearing heavy protective gear (leather jacket, gloves, helmet) in all weather. Your arms and shoulders fatigue from holding welding torches steady, sometimes overhead or in cramped positions. You'll be lifting heavy metal pieces, working on your knees or back, and dealing with sparks, fumes, and bright light. The repetitive motion can cause joint problems over time. Arc flash can damage your eyes if you don't use proper protection. Most welders develop tolerance within 3-6 months, but if you have serious heat sensitivity, respiratory issues, or vision problems, this trade will be challenging. The work is less about raw strength and more about endurance and tolerance for uncomfortable conditions.

During your apprenticeship, you'll earn certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS) in different processes and positions. Most programs ensure you're certified in MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), stick (SMAW), and flux-core (FCAW) welding. You'll also certify in different positions: flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead. Common certifications include AWS D1.1 (structural steel), AWS D1.6 (stainless steel), and various pipe welding certifications. Some specializations require additional certs—underwater welding, nuclear welding, or aerospace welding have their own requirements. Your employer or union typically covers certification test costs ($150-$500 each). Certifications must be renewed periodically (usually every 6 months) by performing test welds that meet quality standards.

Welding has real hazards: arc flash can damage eyes, UV radiation can burn skin, sparks cause burns, and fumes are harmful if inhaled regularly. However, proper safety protocols make it manageable. You'll always wear an auto-darkening helmet (protects eyes), leather protective gear (prevents burns), and work in ventilated areas or use respirators (protects lungs). Modern shops have excellent ventilation systems. The biggest long-term health concern is metal fume exposure—breathing zinc, manganese, or hexavalent chromium fumes over decades can cause respiratory problems or 'welder's lung.' This is why respirators and ventilation are critical. Many welders work 30-40 year careers without serious health issues by following safety protocols. Arc eye (like severe sunburn on your eyeballs) is the most common injury, caused by welding without proper helmet protection.

Henry Hire rates welding a 92/100 on the AI resistance scale. Robotic welding is common in high-volume manufacturing (automotive assembly lines), but robots struggle with the variability required in construction, repair work, custom fabrication, and field welding. Robots excel at repetitive welds in controlled environments but can't adapt to unique situations, weld in tight spaces, work on uneven surfaces, or make on-the-fly adjustments. The trades most resistant to automation are structural steel, pipeline welding, repair/maintenance work, and custom fabrication—these require human judgment and adaptability. Factory production welding faces more automation pressure. If you're concerned about job security, focus on becoming a skilled TIG welder (hardest to automate), pursue pipe welding certifications, or specialize in structural/field welding rather than production manufacturing.

Yes, especially if you pursue specialized certifications and are willing to travel. Journeyman welders make $28-$42/hr ($58k-$87k/year), but specialized welders earn significantly more. Pipeline welders often make $80k-$120k working contract jobs with perdiem. Underwater welders can make $50-$80/hr but the work is dangerous and requires commercial diving certification. Nuclear welders and aerospace welders earn $90k-$130k+ due to strict quality requirements. Welding inspectors (CWI certification) make $70k-$100k in less physically demanding roles. The highest earners are often traveling welders who work shutdowns and turnarounds (planned maintenance at refineries, power plants)—these can pay $3,000-$8,000 per week for intense 60-80 hour work weeks. Geographic mobility significantly increases earning potential.