19 Best welding schools 2024

Attending a welding school gives you a professional advantage over other welders.

The best welding schools will give you the skills you need without bogging you down with debt.

Pipeline welders, underwater welders, and ironworkers can make up to $100,000 a year.

Welding is like sewing…with fire. Instead of joining two pieces of flower-print fabric together with a needle and thread, you’re binding materials with scorching temperatures using torch rigs, welding guns, and even laser beams.

Why are welders in such high demand? It’s their ability to dive into a wide range of industries, including the big 3: manufacturing, construction, and energy.

To do this, welders need to be trained properly. There are many ways to learn welding, but attending one of the best welding schools in the U.S. can bring you success in today’s job market and the ever-changing welding industry.

Is it worth it going to welding school?

Attending a welding school provides students with practical knowledge and hands-on experience under the guidance of seasoned welders. As technology and manufacturing processes become increasingly complex, there’s a growing need for extensive training.

Not only that, but with certification and education to back your experience, welders are able to negotiate higher salaries and are more competitive in the job market.

Welders with the right education and specialized welding skills can find jobs that pay up to $100,000 a year. Pipeline welders, underwater welders, and ironworkers can all make up to six figures a year without being in a cubicle. Welding is one of many high-paying jobs you can get without a degree.

Weighing your welding training options

The most common ways to become a welder are industry certifications and post-secondary programs, but there are many ways a welder can learn the tricks of the trade.

Welding school (7 months – 2 years) – Trade schools aim to get graduates ready to work. This means career-focused curriculums and hands-on training. While many employers prefer welders with the right credentials, this option could be expensive depending on the school.

Apprenticeship (3 – 4 years) – After completing formal training, the apprenticeship phase begins. During this stage, a trainee assists an experienced professional welder while working with actual clients. When the apprenticeship is finished, the trainee earns the “journeyman” title, showing they have gained all necessary practical experience in welding. This is a great option for students who want to earn money while they learn. You don’t need to pay for any additional schooling, but this process can take up to 4 years.

Welding degree (2 – 6 years) – Community colleges offer associate degrees in welding while bachelor’s degrees can be found at 4-year universities. This is a good option for students who want to take courses outside of welding like writing, math, and humanities, but might not be the best idea for those who want to stay welding-focused.

On-the-job training – Learning over the shoulder of another welder is a traditional route, but may give you a limited welding skillset and may not transfer easily to other companies. However, this is ideal for students who are ready to get their hands dirty and need to make money now.

Welding courses – Community colleges offer welding courses for students who want to explore the field and earn a certificate or diploma or just take a class to be sure it’s right for them. This route gives students more freedom to explore or get entry-level certification, but is limited to lower-division coursework.

Best welding schools in the US

The following are the best welding schools based on our ranking methodology. We take government data to calculate schools that have the best return on investment (ROI). If a school or program has good ROI, it means the average graduate earns a salary that outweighs the cost of the degree. For our economic score, a lower score is better.

These are the programs that not only give you what you need to excel professionally, but won’t burn your savings account to get a job in welding.

Welding technology classes at community college

Many of the colleges on our list of best welding schools are community colleges. One of the benefits of attending a community college is the career-focused curriculum at an affordable price. Many students are able to take certificate, diploma, or associate programs in welding at a lower cost compared to traditional welding schools or 4-year universities.

Welding has gotten increasingly complex because of technological advancements in recent years, so employers want welders who know their stuff. Attending welding technology classes at a community college ensures you’re graduating with everything you need to know about welding.

The future of welding

According to the American Welding Society, 330,000 skilled welders are projected to be needed by 2028. The demand for welders is constant. From underwater welders to work on off-shore oil rigs to structural welders working on bridges and skyscrapers, new welders are needed now more than ever.

Attending one of the best welding schools in the country will ensure you’re ready for the challenge.

FAQ

How long is welding school?

The fastest way to become a welder is by attending a technical school or community college. These programs typically take a year or less to complete. Associate degrees in welding can take up to 2 years.

How much does welding school cost?

The expenses for welding school can vary widely, spanning from as low as $5,000 to as high as $30,000. The tuition for welding programs is influenced by factors like the program’s duration, location within the state or region, and the nature of the training provided.

What is the highest welding education?

Welding technology degrees are typically only offered at the certificate, diploma, or associate levels. But, for students who are interested in a challenge, welding engineering programs are available at the undergraduate and graduate level.