Welder Apprenticeship in District of Columbia

Wages, programs & career outlook
DC Median Salary
$58,700/yr
+15% vs. national
National Median
$51,000/yr
DC Employment
330
Welders employed
DC Sponsors
145
Registered programs

District of Columbia Wage Spread

Annual wages for Welders in District of Columbia across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$48,270
25th %ile
$50,410
Median
$58,700
75th %ile
$80,040
90th %ile
$105,060

Welder Apprenticeship in District of Columbia

The median Welder in District of Columbia earns $58,700 annually, outpacing the national all-occupation median by 22%. The trade offers a reliable path to financial stability in the state.

At $58,700/yr, District of Columbia Welders earn 15% more than the $51,000 national median for the trade. A slight edge that may reflect local demand or cost of living.

Growth projections are modest at 2.2%, though the 45,600 annual replacement openings tell a better story. Retiring baby boomers in the trades create persistent demand regardless of economic cycles.

At just 0.1% of the national Welder workforce (330 employed), District of Columbia has a compact market. Apprenticeship programs may be concentrated in one or two metro areas rather than spread across the state.

A Welder apprenticeship runs 3 years at 6,000 hours. The time-based structure means you're logging real work alongside experienced tradespeople from week one, learning precision measurement, CNC operations, and metallurgy in evening or weekend classes.

Apprenticeship seekers in District of Columbia can contact any of 145 registered sponsors. Coverage is solid in metro areas, though rural regions may have fewer options for specific trades.

Wages for Welders in District of Columbia range from $48,270 at the entry level to $105,060 for veterans — a $56,790 spread that maps directly to experience, certifications, and willingness to take on complex jobs.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in District of Columbia

145 registered apprenticeship sponsors in District of Columbia. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
A Little More Support Washington
AMC Industries, Inc. Washington
AMERICAN HOTEL AND LODGING ASSOC. Washington
Admiral Construction, LLC Washington
Agave Lounge Washington
Alcoa & Concrete & Masonry of DC LLC Washington
Aleman Construction LLC Washington
American Hotel & Lodging Association Washington District Of Columbia
American Job Center (Headquarters) Washington
American Job Center Northeast Washington
American Medical Response Mid-Atlantic, Inc Washington
AppleTree Early Learning Public Charter School Washington
Aquil Mechanical Works, LLC Washington
Arctic Innovation System, LLC Washington
BALTIMORE CEMENT MASONS JAC Washington
Blueridge of DC, Inc Washington
Bridges PCS Washington
Build Within (Illinois) Washington District Of Columbia
BuildWithin Washington
BuildWithin, Inc Washington
Building Hope Washington
CAP Innovation Design Washington
CVS Health Washington District Of Columbia
Capital Carpets, Inc Washington
Capital City PCS Washington
+ 5 more sponsors in District of Columbia

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Welders make in District of Columbia?
The BLS reports a median wage of $58,700/yr for Welders in District of Columbia (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?
The standard Welder apprenticeship is 3 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom education. Some programs offer accelerated paths for candidates with prior experience.
Is an apprenticeship better than trade school for Welders?
An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn over 3 years with no tuition cost. Trade school is faster (6-24 months) but costs money upfront. Both can lead to the same journeyman credential.
Are Welder jobs growing?
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 District of Columbia?
There are 145 registered apprenticeship sponsors in District of Columbia. Start with your local IBEW, UA, or trade union office. You can also check apprenticeship.gov for listings and contact sponsors directly.
How much do Welder apprentices earn?
Apprentices are paid employees from the start. In District of Columbia, a first-year Welder apprentice might earn around $29,350/yr (roughly half the $58,700 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 3-year program.

Welder in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in District of Columbia

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