Welder Apprenticeship in Maryland

Wages, programs & career outlook
MD Median Salary
$56,420/yr
+11% vs. national
National Median
$51,000/yr
MD Employment
3,190
Welders employed
MD Sponsors
695
Registered programs

Maryland Wage Spread

Annual wages for Welders in Maryland across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$41,820
25th %ile
$47,650
Median
$56,420
75th %ile
$72,040
90th %ile
$84,840

Welder Apprenticeship in Maryland

Welders in Maryland earn $56,420/yr at the median — 17% above the $48,060 national average across all occupations. A solid middle-class income that typically comes without student debt.

The $56,420 median edges out the national average of $51,000 by 11%. Maryland is an above-average but not exceptional market for Welder apprenticeships.

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

Only 3,190 Welders work in Maryland — 0.7% of the national total. The limited scale can mean fewer formal apprenticeship programs, pushing some candidates toward nearby states with larger trade economies.

Expect a 3-year commitment for a Welder apprenticeship: 6,000 hours of supervised field work alongside coursework in precision measurement, CNC operations, and metallurgy. Pay starts lower but scales up — most programs bump wages every six months.

With 695 sponsors on record, Maryland ranks among the top states for apprenticeship access. Whether through IBEW locals, contractor-run programs, or state-sponsored initiatives, entry points are plentiful.

Wages for Welders in Maryland range from $41,820 at the entry level to $84,840 for veterans — a $43,020 spread that maps directly to experience, certifications, and willingness to take on complex jobs.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Maryland

695 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Maryland. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
HARFORD SYSTEMS, INC. Aberdeen
NU-TEK PRECISION OPTICAL CORPATION' Aberdeen
TOOL & DIE SPECIALTIES Aberdeen
BUDDY'S AUTOMOTIVE Abingdon
D J'S CAR CARE Abingdon
ROSS MACHINE COMPANY, INC. Abingdon
International Union of Operating Engineers Local 77 Accokeek Prince George'S County
Smoke-N-the-City Accokeek
U. S. ARMY RESEARCH LABORATORY Adelphi
ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS CHESAPEAKE SHORES CHAPTER Annapolis
Absolute Power Solutions Annapolis
Absolute Systems Engineering, LLC Annapolis
Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., Chesapeake Shores Chapter Annapolis Anne Arundel County
MARINE TRADES ASSOCIATION OF MARYLAND Annapolis
Maryland Environmental Service Annapolis Anne Arundel County
Senior Home Services Annapolis
ALLIED DRILLING, LLC Annapolis Junction
ELTA NORTH ANERICA Annapolis Junction
ETLA North America Annapolis Junction Howard County
Quick Servant Company Annapolis Junction Howard County
AMBROSE FUNERAL HOME Arbutus
ANNE ARUNDEL COMMUNITY COLLEGE Arnold
CENTRAL MARYHLAND AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER Balimore
1199 SEIU LEAGUE TRAINING AND UPGRADING FUND Baltimore
1199 SEIU TRAINING & UPGRADING FUND MD/DC Baltimore
+ 5 more sponsors in Maryland

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Welders make in Maryland?
Welders in Maryland earn a median salary of $56,420/yr according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). This is above the national median of $51,000 for the trade.
How many years does it take to become a Welder through apprenticeship?
Most Welder apprenticeships run 3 years. Apprentices work under a journeyman while attending classes, typically earning wages from day one with scheduled increases.
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.
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.
Where can I apply for a Welder apprenticeship in Maryland?
There are 695 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Maryland. 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 Maryland, a first-year Welder apprentice might earn around $28,210/yr (roughly half the $56,420 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 3-year program.

Welder in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Maryland

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