Welder Apprenticeships in Tennessee
Tennessee has 18 registered apprenticeship sponsors training welders — 2 of them union or joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one and finish without tuition debt.
Registered sponsors
18
Union / joint programs
2
Median welder wage
$47,280
Tennessee, all experience levels
Job growth 2022–2032
+12.7%
1,610 openings/yr
Largest Registered Sponsors
Union and joint labor-management programs are listed first — they typically pay the best apprentice rates and charge no tuition.
| Sponsor | City | Program type |
|---|---|---|
| ABB Union / joint | ATHENS | Single Employer |
| Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC Union / joint | Oak Ridge | Single Employer |
| Chattanooga State Community College | Chattanooga | Multiple Employer |
| FORD MOTOR CO.NASHVILLE | NASHVILLE | Single Employer |
| Greene Technology Center | Greeneville | Multiple Employer |
| Hamilton-Ryker TalentGro | Franklin | Multiple Employer |
| IPEC Inc. | Kingsport | Single Employer |
| Kelvion Inc. | Knoxville | Single Employer |
| Morgan Steel, LLC | Memphis | Single Employer |
| Northwest Corrections | TIPTONVILLE | Single Employer |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov).
What Welders Earn in Tennessee
Wages
- Median annual wage: $47,280
- Average annual wage: $49,420
- Welders employed statewide: 12,610
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. Apprentices typically start at 40–50% of the journeyman rate and get scheduled raises.
10-year outlook
- Projected growth 2022–2032: +12.7%
- Average openings per year: 1,610
- Employment: 13,940 → 15,710
Source: Projections Central / state workforce agencies.