Welder Apprenticeship in Delaware

Wages, programs & career outlook
DE Median Salary
$56,510/yr
+11% vs. national
National Median
$51,000/yr
DE Employment
510
Welders employed
DE Sponsors
518
Registered programs

Delaware Wage Spread

Annual wages for Welders in Delaware across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$44,070
25th %ile
$48,980
Median
$56,510
75th %ile
$70,350
90th %ile
$92,410

Welder Apprenticeship in Delaware

Welders in Delaware earn $56,510/yr at the median — 18% above the $48,060 national average across all occupations. A solid middle-class income that typically comes without student debt.

Delaware pays modestly above the national Welder median — $56,510 vs. $51,000, a 11% premium. Not a top-paying state, but above average.

The 2.2% growth projection is below average, but 45,600 replacement openings per year still create steady demand for trained Welders.

Delaware's 510 Welders represent just 0.1% of the national workforce. A thinner market means fewer apprenticeship sponsors and potentially longer waits for program openings.

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.

With 518 sponsors on record, Delaware ranks among the top states for apprenticeship access. Whether through IBEW locals, contractor-run programs, or state-sponsored initiatives, entry points are plentiful.

Apprentices entering the Welder trade in Delaware start near the $44,070 floor but have a clear path to $92,410 — a $48,340 arc that reflects how the trade values experience and skill accumulation.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Delaware

518 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Delaware. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
D & T Heating & Cooling Bear New Castle County
Flowrite Plumbing Bear New Castle County
HNS Plumbing Services LLC Bear New Castle County
Highfield Electric, LLC Bear New Castle County
JJID, Inc. Bear New Castle County
Pace Services LLC Bear New Castle County
Pinnacle Fabricators Bear New Castle County
Reybold Construction Group, LLC Bear New Castle County
Suppi Construction Inc Beat New Castle County
Custom Mechanical, Inc. Bethany Beach Sussex County
Amp Electric, LLC Bridgeville Kent County
Arctec Air Heating & Cooling Bridgeville Kent County
Bridgeville Public Library Bridgeville
J & S Plumbing, Inc. Bridgeville Sussex County
Town of Bridgeville Bridgeville
Alpha Omega DPC Camden
Eastern Shore Energy, Inc. Camden Kent County
Maffia Electric Camden Wyoming Kent County
Power Plus Electrical Contracting, Inc. Cheswold Kent County
Charles Moon Plumbing & Heating Claymont New Castle County
Four Seasons Plumbing Company Claymont New Castle County
Independent Electrical Service Claymont New Castle County
Parker Construction Claymont New Castle County
Bright Electrical Solutions LLC Clayton Kent County
Brothers, Inc. Clayton New Castle County
+ 5 more sponsors in Delaware

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Welders earn in Delaware?
The BLS reports a median wage of $56,510/yr for Welders in Delaware (May 2024 data). Experience, union membership, and specialization all affect where you fall in the range.
How long is a Welder apprenticeship?
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.
Should I do a Welder apprenticeship or go to trade school?
Apprenticeships offer paid training with no tuition, while trade school requires upfront costs but may be shorter. Many Welders combine both — starting with trade school basics before entering an apprenticeship.
What is the job outlook 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 Delaware?
Contact one of the 518 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Delaware, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
How much do Welder apprentices earn?
Apprentices are paid employees from the start. In Delaware, a first-year Welder apprentice might earn around $28,255/yr (roughly half the $56,510 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 3-year program.

Welder in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Delaware

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