Welder Apprenticeship in Georgia

Wages, programs & career outlook
GA Median Salary
$48,000/yr
-6% vs. national
National Median
$51,000/yr
GA Employment
14,030
Welders employed
GA Sponsors
568
Registered programs

Georgia Wage Spread

Annual wages for Welders in Georgia across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$37,160
25th %ile
$41,480
Median
$48,000
75th %ile
$56,400
90th %ile
$64,750

Welder Apprenticeship in Georgia

The $48,000 median for Georgia Welders tracks close to the national all-occupation average. The value here is in the apprenticeship model: earn while you learn, graduate debt-free.

Welders in Georgia earn $48,000/yr — 6% below the $51,000 national median for the trade. Lower cost of living may compensate, but wage-sensitive candidates should compare neighboring states.

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

With 3.2% of the nation's Welders (14,030 workers), Georgia sits in the middle of the pack. Apprenticeship programs exist but may concentrate in metro areas rather than spread statewide.

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.

Georgia's 568 registered apprenticeship sponsors create one of the more competitive markets for program placement. Candidates should apply to multiple programs, as the most popular ones fill quickly.

The $27,590 gap between entry-level and top-earning Welders in Georgia ($37,160 to $64,750) is tighter than most trades. Standardized pay schedules — often union-negotiated — keep the spread narrow.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Georgia

568 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Georgia. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Chumley's Paving & Grading Inc Acworth
Custom Technologies, Inc. Acworth
TCSG- Chattahoochee Technical College Acworth Bartow County
thyssenkrupp Materials NA, CBS Acworth
Republic Services Technical Institute Adairsville Bartow County
Cardinal CT Adel
Heritage House of Virginia, Inc Adel
Laurie Carey Consulting, LLC Adel Cook County
Machine & Tool Manufacturing Adel
DuPont Pine Products, LLC Alapaha
A. West Enterprise, LLC Albany Dougherty County
A. West Enterprises, LLC Albany
Albany Electrical JATC Albany Dougherty County
Albany State University Albany Dougherty County
Aspen Dental- Albany, GA Albany
Dougherty County School System Albany Dougherty County
Dr. William Russell Berry Albany
King Family Dental Care, PC Albany
Mann Dental Care Albany
Metro Power, Inc. Albany Dougherty County
TCSG-Albany Technical College Albany Dougherty County
Vital Smiles Albany
West Albany Dental and Medical Center, LLC Albany
Alma-Bacon County Fire & EMS Alma
BRUNSWICK, GA JAC LOCAL 1169 Alma Bacon County
+ 5 more sponsors in Georgia

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Welder salary in Georgia?
Welders in Georgia earn a median salary of $48,000/yr according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). This is below the national median of $51,000 for the trade.
How many years does it take to become a Welder through apprenticeship?
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.
Should I do a Welder apprenticeship or go to trade school?
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?
The BLS projects 2.2% employment growth for Welders through 2034 — modest demand. About 45600 positions open annually through both growth and retirements.
Where can I apply for a Welder apprenticeship in Georgia?
There are 568 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Georgia. 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?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $24,000/yr in Georgia). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Welder in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Georgia

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