Best Welding Schools in the USA:
Choosing careers in welding can be highly rewarding & can mean exciting opportunities for travel & compensation. Welding requires a significant level of skill, & many potential employees find that their experience is more marketable after receiving quality training from a reputable welding school.
Investing in formal welding education can help move you from your dead-end jobs to a well-paid, skilled craftsman.
Findings the top weldings schools for your budget & lifestyle can be a challenge. Below, we’ve gathered the best weldings schools in the United States based on criteria of affordability, opportunities, and training.
With over 488,000 projected job openings in this field by 2028, welding is a career that has lots of jobs opportunities & is growing steadily. Welders are in demand in many different industries, including automotive, aerospace, building and construction, even the military.
With a welding education, you can pursue a career as an assembler, manufacturing welding technician, a welding inspector in robotics repair and maintenance, technical sales, or one of the many other specialized welding fields.
Median’s annual salary for a welder is just over $40,000, but with so many opportunities for specialization, you can make six in a career as an industrial plumbing welder, an underwater welder, or even a military support welder.
You can see the annual salary in the figures. Of course, the first step in any of these career paths is to earn a degree or certification in welding from an accredited school or college.
The following 17 schools and colleges are the best to help prepare you for your career in welding and take the first step towards gainful employment. Don’t forget we have a collection of all the best welding scholarships for anyone looking for financial aid.
Best Welding Schools:
#1. Warren County Career Center
The Welding Technician program at Warren County Career Center is fully accredited by the Council on Vocational Education and will earn you the certifications you need to jump into a full-time welding career with any major company.
You will spend 600 hours completing the entire course, which includes 282 theory hours in the laboratory and 318 practical hours. Once completed, you will receive American Welding Society structural certifications in the TIG, MIG, and ARC welding processes.
You will also have the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification, American Heart First Aid/CPR Certification, and a Certificate of Program Completion from the WCCC. This is a full-time program that will prepare you in every way for a long-term career in welding.
- Website: mywccc.org
- Phone: (513) 932-8145
#2. Southwestern Illinois College
Recognized by the Americans Weldings Society as one of the best welding programs in the country, Southwestern Illinois Colleges is one of the top weldings schools in the United States.
Students can choose from day classes or evening classes and have access to state-of-the-art equipment and a laboratory that is open to learning 70 hours a week.
As the fifths largest community college in Illinois, SWIC enrolls over 13,000 students a year. Out-of-state tuition exceeds $15,000/year, while in-state tuition is around $12,000/year.
Welding Instructors are members of the American Weldings Society St. Louis Section & part of the Nationals AWS Committees, providing years of knowledge & experience.
Website: www.swic.edu
#3. Apex Technical School
Combinations Weldings Technology program at Apex Technical School teaches students the basics of foreign metals, pipe & tube weldings, blueprints reading for metals layout, gas and electric welding processes, and manual & automatics cutting techniques.
Requirings a combines 900 hours of training from classrooms & shop courses, the Weldings Schools began in 1979 to teach weldings skills for entry-level positions. Located in Long Island City, NY, Apex Technical School costs approximately $15,000/year, with 82% of students receiving financial aid.
- Website: apexschool.com
- Phone: (212) 645-3300
#4. Knight School of Welding
Knight School of Welding offers five welding programs ranging from four weeks to fourteen weeks and the American Welding Society certification program. The school is located in Louisville, KY, & also offers six advanced welding courses.
With classes during the day Monday through Friday and evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Night School of Welding also produces a uniquely located traditional and virtual welding program, allowing each student to learn at their own pace.
- Website: knightschoolofwelding.com
- Phone: (502) 778-9767
#5. Pennsylvania Colleges of Technology
Also known as Penn Colleges or Penn Tech, the Pennsylvania College of Technology hosts the student chapter of the American Welding Society and SkillsUSA, national, professional student organizations. Both organizations are essentials for students interested in networking & management.
The school offers its students opportunities to earn an associate’s degree in welding or a bachelor’s degree in welding technology and construction engineering technology, adding that graduate graduates can go on to careers in middle-management and supervisory positions.
Each education path teaches the basics of weldings, but students at Pennsylvania College of Technology can take their education toward a variety of career paths.
Website: www.pct.edu
#6. Ashland Community & Technical College
The Welding Technology Programs at Ashland Community and Technical College says graduates of its program will be qualified to advance to careers in boiler-making, marine welding, manufacturing, pipefitting, and ironworking.
Like the Elite Welding Academy in Cincinnati, Ashland Community and Technical College do not offer any housing on campus. Tuition is $169 per credit hour for in-state students, or $529 per credit hour for out-of-state students, making it an affordable option for the student in Kentucky.
- Website: ashland.kctcs.edu
- Phone: (800)-928-4256
#7. Hobart Institute of Weldings Technology
According to Class One Weldings, Hobart Institutes of Welding Technology is one of the bests weldings schools in the USA. With excellent reviews and exceptional training, Hobart Institutes is also one of the most affordable welding schools. The school tuition is $16,000.
The Hobart Institute of Welding Technology offers more than 20 comprehensive welding training programs, including Gas Metal Arc Welding, Oxyacetylene Welding & Cutting, Combination Structural and Pipe Welding, and Flux Cored Arc Welding.
The Hobart Institute is also accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Career Schools and Colleges.
- Website: www.welding.org
- Phone: 937-332-9500
#8. Vincennes University
Working closely with Lincoln Electric, Vincennes University in Indiana created a comprehensive 2-year welding technology program that seeks to fully prepare his students for American Welding Society certifications.
Its partnership with Lincoln Electrics helped produce new multi-process weldings equipment & state-of-the-art technology. Vincennes also offers a one-year certifications program that is earned over nine months with 20 hours a week to acquire skills in the welding laboratory.
In-state tuition for students participating in the welding program at the University of Vincennes is $5,575 per year. Out-of-state tuition is $13,184, and the school has an acceptance rate of 100%.
Website: www.vinu.edu
#9. Tulsa Welding School
The largest welding school in countries, Tulsa Welding Schools, is also known for being one of the top welding schools available. Offering pieces of training in welding, pipefittings, HVAC, refrigerations, & electrical works, Tulsa Welding School boasts a graduations rate of 67.4%.
According to Niches, tuition for this Oklahoma school is approximately $25,000/year, & the enrollment is just over 900 undergraduate students.
Although Tulsa Welding School offers a relocation assistance program to its students, the school has campuses in Houston, TX, Jacksonville, FL, & Tulsa, OK.
- Websites: www.tws.edu
- Phone: (855) 237-7711
#10. Elite Welding Academy
Located in Cincinnati, OH, Elite Welding Academy offers 6-month courses every January, March, May, July, September, and November.
With an emphasis on ensuring that its students are prepared for welding jobs, Elite Welding Academy prides itself on providing real-world experience with instructors who have spent years in fields.
Although schools do not offer any on-campus accommodation, they work with local extended-stay hotels and apartments to provide students with 6-month leases during their courses.
Accredited through the Ohio Board of Careers Colleges & Schools and the Accreditation Council of Continuing Education and Training, Elite Welding Academy provides financial aid for veterans and qualified others.
- Website: www.eliteweldingacademy.com
- Phone: (513) 874-1410
#11. Lincoln Electric Welding School
Lincoln Electric Weldings Schools acknowledges that it is “the longest operating & most comprehensive weldings training facilities in the world.”
His reputation for being one of the top weldings schools has been earned through quality training programs, committees instructors, & over 150,000 men & women trainers in arc weldings.
All course is held on campus in Cleveland, OH, including its most popular, 15-week comprehensive welding programs. Lincoln Electric Welding Schools are also known for their training in the welding of exotic metals, a highly specialized and potentially lucrative skill.
- Website: www.lincolnelectric.com
- Phone: 216-383-2259
#12. University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Anchorages are the largest post-secondary school in the state, giving its welding students the benefits of a large university.
UAA’s state-of-the-art welding facility houses a 4,000-square-foot laboratory that includes 44 welding booths, industrial band saws, oxy-acetylene, and plasma cutting technologies, and metal shears.
The one-year Welding Professional Support Certificate is available at the Anchorage campus & qualifies its graduates for industrial welding, ship, & building repair, pipeline installation, & military infrastructure & equipment welding.
- Website: www.uaa.alaska.edu
- Phone: (907) 786-1800
#13. ALBANY Technical College
Located in southwest Georgias, Albany Tech enrolls more than 3,000 full-time and 2,500 part-time students in its school & certifications programs. Weldings programs underscore the importance of welding theory & practical application in its classes.
After 54 credit hours of studies, graduates of Albany Technical College receive a Welding & Joining Technology Diploma and are well equipped for the required aptitude tests.
Website: www.albanytech.edu
#14. Welder Testing and Training Institute
Offering both career-level programs and advanced welding techniques courses, the Welder Testing & Training Institute is accredited by five accreditation bodies, including The Americans Welding Society and the NYC Department of Building.
WTTI has a well-established campus in Allentown’s, Pennsylvania, but prefers that its students make their own arrangements for accommodation.
Student/teachers ratios for classrooms learnings is 25:1, and for the shop, the student/teacher ratio is 15:1. Tuition for the Welders Fitter program is $9,900, & the tuition for the Combination Welding program is $8,140.
- Website: www.welderinstitute.com
- Phone: (610) 437-9720
#15. Modern Welding School
Established in 1936 in Schenectady, NY, Modern Welding School implements both day and evening classes, giving its students more flexibility to learn while in full-time employment.
All of his instructors are licensed by the New York State Department of Education, and all have spent time in the weldings field. Tuitions for the Combinations Weldings courses is $15,300, not including books & equipment.
Unique to a modern welding school, the school offers a Women in Welding program, a Warrior to Welder program for veterans, and a welding training course for the hobbyist who wants to learn to weld but does not require professional credentials.
- Website: www.modernwelding.com
- Phone: (518) 631-2866
#16. Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Composed of seven separate campuses, Central Louisiana Technical Community College has a graduation rate of approximately 70%.
The estimated cost per semester for Central Louisiana TCC is $2,402. Its offerings include courses in Arc Welding, Tackle Welding, Production Line Welding, Thermal Cutting, and Welding Helping.
Students typically take 15 hours in one semester and complete courses in four semesters. Centrals Louisiana Technicals Community College requires its students to maintain a 2.0-grade point average in order to remain enrolled.
- Website: www.cltcc.edu
- Phone: (318) 487-5443
#17. Akron Testing Laboratory and Welding School
With missions of promoting the advancement of quality welding in the industry, Akron Testing Laboratory & Weldings Schools provides 45 welding booths, a grinding area, two band saws, a plasma cutting machine, and an oxy-acetylene torch for its students.
Schools partner with Akron Testing Laboratory, a company that provides welder qualification tests to construction companies, the construction industry, & the pressure piping industry.
Students at the Akron Testing Laboratory and Welding School have an unusual opportunity to see how their education impacts on-the-job testing and qualifications.
With classes offered throughout the year and both daytime and evening, Akron Testing Laboratory and Welding School strive to provide a flexible learning environment for students in every situation.
- Website: akronweldingschool.com
- Phone: (330) 753-2268
#18. Arizona Automotive Institute
One of the more intensive welding schools in the country, the Arizona Automotive Institute offers 40-week career training to its welding students. Providing business training programs near Phoenix, AZ for over 45 years, AAI focuses on individual student & their specific careers goals.
According to their website, “As students of our weldings educations program, you learners to performs shielded metals arc welding, gas tungsten arc weldings, gas metal arc welding, & flux core arc welding on various metals and surfaces.
The technicalities gained in this program These skills along with the knowledge you need lay the foundations for rewarding career as a professional welder.”
Website: www.aai.edu
#19. South Georgia Technical College
Offering a Diploma in Welding & Joining Technology as well as 11 other welding certificates, South Georgia Technical College can help prepare you to start your welding career. They are an accredited school, so your certificates and diplomas will have value when it comes time to get hired.
Obtaining a full Diploma in Welding and Joining Tech will require 54 semester credit hours and will include different types of ARC welding, plasma cutting, blueprint reading, and more.
- Website: southgatech.edu
- Phone: (229)-931-5800
#20. Universal Technical Institute
With five campuses offering Weldings Technology training program from UTI, you will receive all practical training you need to pursue careers in welding in industries such as automotive fabrication and aerospace.
The curriculum is 36 weeks from start to finish and includes extensive training developed with Lincoln Electric.
With 12 courses completed, you’ll learn GMAW, SMAW, FCAW, and GTAW, including how to weld flat, horizontal, overhead, and vertical positions for pipe, plate, and sheet metal.
Once you complete your courses, you will earn your Associate in Occupation Studies, which will help you build a well-paying career in the welding field of your choice.
Website: uti.edu
FAQ: Top 20 Welding Schools in the USA
What are the criteria used to rank these welding schools?
The welding schools were ranked based on factors such as accreditation, program comprehensiveness, opportunities for certification, faculty expertise, facilities and equipment, affordability, and student support services.
Why should I consider attending a welding school?
Attending a welding school can provide you with specialized skills and certifications that are highly valued in various industries. It can also enhance your earning potential and career opportunities.
What types of certifications can I earn from these welding schools?
Depending on the school and program, you can earn certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS) in various welding processes such as TIG, MIG, and ARC welding. Some schools also offer additional certifications like OSHA safety certifications.
How much does it cost to attend these welding schools?
Costs vary widely depending on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student, the type of program (diploma, certificate, degree), and additional factors like housing. Many schools offer financial aid options to help offset costs.
Are there job placement services available after completing the program?
Many of these welding schools provide job placement assistance, industry connections, and career services to help graduates find employment opportunities in their field.
Can I pursue specialized welding careers like underwater welding or aerospace welding through these programs?
Yes, some programs offer advanced training and specialization options that can prepare you for careers in niche areas such as underwater welding, aerospace welding, or robotic welding maintenance.
Are these welding schools accredited?
Yes, most of the schools listed are accredited by recognized accrediting bodies such as the American Welding Society (AWS), Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), and state education departments.
Can I apply for financial aid or scholarships to help cover tuition costs?
Yes, many welding schools offer financial aid options including federal aid, scholarships, grants, and loans. It’s recommended to check with each school for specific details and eligibility criteria.
What are the typical class sizes and student-to-instructor ratios at these welding schools?
Class sizes and ratios vary by school and program. Generally, smaller class sizes and lower student-to-instructor ratios can provide more personalized instruction and hands-on training.
How long do the programs at these welding schools typically take to complete?
Program lengths vary from a few weeks for intensive certification programs to two years for associate’s degree programs. The duration depends on the level of education and specialization you are pursuing.
