MIG Welder - Weld Associate I, Growth & Benefits

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in the United States is $51,750 as of May 2026. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $39,890 annually, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $68,210. Wages vary by industry, with structural metals manufacturing paying a median of $55,420.

USCIS offers H-2B visas for temporary non-agricultural welders, with a cap of 66,000 visas for FY 2026 split between 33,000 for first half and 33,000 for second half. Employers must file Form I-129 at least 75 days before work start and obtain a temporary labor certification from DOL. Permanent residency via EB-3 requires Schedule A designation for skilled welders with 2 years experience.

The Department of Labor states that entry-level welders typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of a 6-18 month apprenticeship program with 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. No prior experience is required for registered apprenticeships, but basic math and blueprint reading skills are essential. Most programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old.

DOL requires submission of a high school diploma or GED, proof of age (18+), a valid driver's license, and a drug test result for welder apprenticeship applications. Additional documents include a resume listing any metalworking experience and results from an aptitude test administered by the sponsor. Applications must be submitted through the Apprenticeship.gov portal by the program's deadline.