Welder Apprenticeship in Nebraska

Wages, programs & career outlook
NE Median Salary
$50,550/yr
-1% vs. national
National Median
$51,000/yr
NE Employment
3,990
Welders employed
NE Sponsors
316
Registered programs

Nebraska Wage Spread

Annual wages for Welders in Nebraska across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$39,640
25th %ile
$46,500
Median
$50,550
75th %ile
$58,890
90th %ile
$64,880

Welder Apprenticeship in Nebraska

At $50,550 per year, Welder wages in Nebraska are near the national median of $48,060. Combine that with zero tuition and the effective return exceeds what the raw salary suggests.

Wages for Welders in Nebraska ($50,550/yr) track close to the $51,000 national median — within 1% either way. The state sits squarely in the middle of the pack.

Job growth for Welders is projected at 2.2% through 2034 — slow but positive. Most of the 45,600 annual openings come from workers retiring rather than industry expansion.

The Welder workforce in Nebraska (3,990 workers, 0.9% of national employment) is relatively small. Fewer employers means fewer apprenticeship slots — competition for available programs can be stiffer.

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.

Apprenticeship seekers in Nebraska can contact any of 316 registered sponsors. Coverage is solid in metro areas, though rural regions may have fewer options for specific trades.

The $25,240 gap between entry-level and top-earning Welders in Nebraska ($39,640 to $64,880) is tighter than most trades. Standardized pay schedules — often union-negotiated — keep the spread narrow.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Nebraska

316 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Nebraska. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Freeman Public Schools Adams
Brown County Hospital dba Ainsworth Family Clinic Ainsworth
Allen Consolidated Schools Allen
CITY OF ALLIANCE Alliance Box Butte County
Panhandle Rural Electric (NREA) Alliance Box Butte County
West Holt Memorial Hospital Atkinson
City of Auburn (KMU) Auburn Nemaha County
Mars Petcare Aurora
Trucker Force Aurora Hamilton County
Bancroft-Rosalie Community Schools Bancroft
ELKHORN RURAL PUBLIC POWER (NREA) Battle Creek Madison County
Chimney Rock PPD (NREA) Bayard Morrill County
Beatrice Community Hospital Beatrice
Nebraska Department of Labor Beatrice Career Center Beatrice
MIDWEST REBAR SERVICES LLC Belleview
Cornerstone Christian School Bellevue
Aire Serv of Omaha Belview
Allied Electrical Contractors Bennington
Bennington Public Schools Bennington
Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center Bennington
Gethmann Construction Co., Inc. Blair
CITY OF BRIDGEPORT (KMU) Bridgeport Morrill County
CITY OF BROKEN BOW (KMU) Broken Bow Custer County
Custer PPD (NREA) Broken Bow Custer County
Twin Valleys Public Power District (NREA) Cambridge Furnas County
+ 5 more sponsors in Nebraska

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Welders earn in Nebraska?
Welders in Nebraska earn a median salary of $50,550/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?
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?
The key difference: apprenticeships pay you during training while trade schools charge tuition. Many employers prefer apprenticeship-trained Welders, but trade school can give you a head start on the classroom requirements.
What is the job outlook for Welders?
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 Nebraska?
There are 316 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Nebraska. 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 Nebraska, a first-year Welder apprentice might earn around $25,275/yr (roughly half the $50,550 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 3-year program.

Welder in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Nebraska

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