Welder Apprenticeship in Oregon

Wages, programs & career outlook
OR Median Salary
$58,590/yr
+15% vs. national
National Median
$51,000/yr
OR Employment
4,870
Welders employed
OR Sponsors
249
Registered programs

Oregon Wage Spread

Annual wages for Welders in Oregon across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$45,570
25th %ile
$49,420
Median
$58,590
75th %ile
$66,330
90th %ile
$79,230

Welder Apprenticeship in Oregon

The median Welder in Oregon earns $58,590 annually, outpacing the national all-occupation median by 22%. The trade offers a reliable path to financial stability in the state.

At $58,590/yr, Oregon Welders earn 15% more than the $51,000 national median for the trade. A slight edge that may reflect local demand or cost of living.

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

At just 1.1% of the national Welder workforce (4,870 employed), Oregon has a compact market. Apprenticeship programs may be concentrated in one or two metro areas rather than spread across the state.

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 Oregon can contact any of 249 registered sponsors. Coverage is solid in metro areas, though rural regions may have fewer options for specific trades.

From $45,570 at the 10th percentile to $79,230 at the 90th, Welder wages in Oregon are fairly compressed. Flat wage structures are common in heavily unionized trades where pay scales are negotiated collectively.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Oregon

249 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Oregon. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
AREA II LTD ENERGY ELECTRICAL JATC Albany
MID-VALLEY STEAMFITTERS/PIPEFITTERS JATC Albany
MID-WILLAMETTE INDUSTRIAL TATC Albany
NATIONAL FROZEN FOODS JATC Albany
The Ammonia Refrigeration Consortium c/o RETA Albany Linn County
WorkSource - Albany Albany
Lomakatsi Restoration Project Ashland Jackson County
NORTH COAST PLUMBERS JATC Astoria
COLUMBIA HELICOPTER INC JATC Aurora
BAKER TECHNICAL INSTITUTE JATC Baker City
WorkSource Oregon - Baker City Baker City
CITY OF BANDON & IBEW LOCAL 659 JATC Bandon
LEUPOLD & STEVENS OF BEAVERTON JATC Beaverton
AREA VII LTD RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL JATC Bend
BMS Technologies Bend
Bend Vocational Rehabilitation Bend
East Cascades Workforce Investment Board Bend
Pacific Power & LU 125 JATC Bend
Rock Supremacy, LLC Bend
SOUTHERN OR ELECTRICAL UTILITIES JATC Bend
The Oxford Hotel Bend
WorkSource Oregon - Deschutes County - Bend Bend
South Coast Lumber Co. (SOCOMI) Brookings
WorkSource Oregon - Curry County Brookings
WorkSource Oregon - Burns Burns
+ 5 more sponsors in Oregon

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Welders make in Oregon?
The median annual wage for Welders in Oregon is $58,590 as of May 2024. Wages range from $45,570 at the 10th percentile to $79,230 at the 90th percentile.
What is the length of a Welder apprenticeship program?
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 Oregon?
Contact one of the 249 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Oregon, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
Do Welder apprentices get paid during training?
Apprentices are paid employees from the start. In Oregon, a first-year Welder apprentice might earn around $29,295/yr (roughly half the $58,590 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 3-year program.

Welder in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Oregon

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