Welder Apprenticeship in Arizona

Wages, programs & career outlook
AZ Median Salary
$53,770/yr
+5% vs. national
National Median
$51,000/yr
AZ Employment
7,630
Welders employed
AZ Sponsors
669
Registered programs

Arizona Wage Spread

Annual wages for Welders in Arizona across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$39,990
25th %ile
$47,390
Median
$53,770
75th %ile
$66,340
90th %ile
$82,040

Welder Apprenticeship in Arizona

The $53,770 median for Arizona Welders tracks close to the national all-occupation average. The value here is in the apprenticeship model: earn while you learn, graduate debt-free.

The $53,770 median edges out the national average of $51,000 by 5%. Arizona is an above-average but not exceptional market for Welder apprenticeships.

Job growth for Welders is projected at 2.2% through 2034 — slow but positive. Most of the 45,600 annual openings come from workers retiring rather than industry expansion.

With 7,630 Welders employed (1.7% of the U.S. total), Arizona is a smaller market for this trade. Apprenticeship seekers may find limited local options and should explore neighboring states.

At 6,000 hours over 3 years, the Welder apprenticeship is comprehensive. You'll spend most of your time working alongside certified professionals, supplemented by classroom training in precision measurement, CNC operations, and metallurgy. Every hour is paid.

Finding a Welder apprenticeship in Arizona starts with a broad search — 669 organizations sponsor registered programs. Community colleges, trade unions, and independent employers all participate.

Wages for Welders in Arizona range from $39,990 at the entry level to $82,040 for veterans — a $42,050 spread that maps directly to experience, certifications, and willingness to take on complex jobs.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Arizona

669 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Arizona. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Faith Lutheran Preschool 801 E Camelback Rd
International Sonoran Desert Alliance Ajo Pima County
Armstrong Service Electric Anthem
Industrial West Electric, Inc. Anthem
Quality Interactive Anthem Anthem
TC Boiler & Piping, Inc. Anthem Maricopa County
Robert Horne Ford Apache Junction
Sun Solar LLC Apache Junction
Sun Solar, LLC Apache Junction
AZ Barber Studio Avondale Maricopa County
Dmndkutz Barbershop (Cactus) Avondale Maricopa County
Dmndkutz Barbershop (Laveen) Avondale Maricopa County
Dmndkutz Barbershop Olive Avondale Maricopa County
Dmndkutz Barbershop Phoenix Avondale Maricopa County
Kingz Cuts Avondale
Stotz Equipment (Arizona Machinery LLC dba) Avondale Maricopa County
VIP Kutz and Shave Barbershop Avondale Maricopa County
Restoration Forest Products Bellemont
ARIZONA G & T COOPERATIVE Benson Cochise County
Benson Hospital Benson
High Side Electric LLC Buckeye Maricopa County
High Side Electric, Inc. Buckeye
Wintersburg BarberShop LLC Buckeye Maricopa County
ARIZONA@WORK Bullhead City Bullhead City
Dot Transportation Inc Bullhead City Mohave County
+ 5 more sponsors in Arizona

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Welders earn in Arizona?
The BLS reports a median wage of $53,770/yr for Welders in Arizona (May 2024 data). Experience, union membership, and specialization all affect where you fall in the range.
What is the length of a Welder apprenticeship program?
A typical Welder apprenticeship lasts approximately 3 years (6,000 hours of on-the-job training). The program combines paid work experience with related classroom instruction.
Is an apprenticeship better than trade school for Welders?
The key difference: apprenticeships pay you during training while trade schools charge tuition. Many employers prefer apprenticeship-trained Welders, but trade school can give you a head start on the classroom requirements.
Is there demand for Welders?
Demand for Welders is modest, with 2.2% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
How do I find a Welder apprenticeship in Arizona?
Contact one of the 669 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Arizona, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
Do Welder apprentices get paid during training?
Apprentices are paid employees from the start. In Arizona, a first-year Welder apprentice might earn around $26,885/yr (roughly half the $53,770 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 3-year program.

Welder in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Arizona

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.