Welder Apprenticeship in Kansas

At $49,040 per year, Welder wages in Kansas are near the national median of $48,060. Combine that with zero tuition and the effective return exceeds what the raw salary suggests.

At $49,040 per year, Kansas pays roughly the national average for Welders. Neither a wage premium nor a discount — average market conditions.

Employment growth for Welders (2.2%) won't make headlines, but the underlying math still works: 45,600 workers need replacing every year, and apprenticeship is the primary training pipeline.

With 6,310 Welders employed (1.4% of the U.S. total), Kansas is a smaller market for this trade. Apprenticeship seekers may find limited local options and should explore neighboring states.

The Welder apprenticeship path spans 3 years in a time-based format. During those 6,000 hours, apprentices rotate between jobsite work under a journeyman and formal instruction in precision measurement, CNC operations, and metallurgy.

With 515 sponsors on record, Kansas ranks among the top states for apprenticeship access. Whether through IBEW locals, contractor-run programs, or state-sponsored initiatives, entry points are plentiful.

Welder compensation in Kansas runs from $37,920 to $67,450 — a compressed $29,530 range. Less wage variation typically means more predictable career economics but fewer breakout earning opportunities.