Becoming a welder generally requires completing technical skills training and gaining hands-on experience to land an entry-level job. That’s because welding is a skilled trade that demands focus, skill, and safety. The decision to enroll in welding school to attain these skills can be an investment in a lifelong career. But how much is welding school?
How Much is Welding School?
According to , welding school costs can range from as little as $5,000 to as much as $30,000. Tuition for welding programs depends on the length of program, the type of training school, and the location. Some welding programs take just a few months to complete, but programs at community colleges can last up to 2 years.
When researching welding schools and associated costs, it’s important to consider factors like class size, the balance between hands-on instruction versus theory/classroom and whether you will earn any welding certifications during the program.
How Much Does Welding Training Cost at Trade Schools?
Costs for welding programs at trade schools vary based on the length of the program and the specific training provided. For example, ÃÀÀöÐǿմ«Ã½â€™s Welding Program is a 7-month program that prepares students for entry-level welding and pipefitting roles. ÃÀÀöÐǿմ«Ã½â€™s Welding & Pipefitting Program is a 10-month program that expands on pipefitter training with 10 more weeks of advanced pipe fitting training. At ÃÀÀöÐǿմ«Ã½, all tuition (where applicable) includes:Ìý
- Fees
- Books
- Metals
- Gear
- Tool Kit
The tool kit includes tig gloves, welding gloves, work gloves, leathers, chipping hammer, wire brush, soapstone, safety glasses, striker, tip cleaner, hood, channel locks, welding cap, bucket, file and cutting goggles.
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How Do You Pay for Welding School?
Students in welding programs at trade schools, like ÃÀÀöÐǿմ«Ã½, are eligible for the same types of financial aid as traditional college students. This includes:
- Federal Grants
- Federal Low-Interest Student Loans
- GI Bill® Assistance (for veterans and children of veterans)
ÃÀÀöÐǿմ«Ã½ is approved by the United States Department of Education to participate in the Federal Financial Aid Program. ÃÀÀöÐǿմ«Ã½ offers a variety of financing options to qualifying students. For more information, visit Financial Aid.
How to Apply for Welding Scholarships
Some welding trade schools offer scholarships for qualifying students. ÃÀÀöÐǿմ«Ã½ offers a scholarship for high school seniors who are interested in a career in welding. Scholarship amounts vary and in some cases can cover the full cost of tuition for welding programs.Ìý
ÃÀÀöÐǿմ«Ã½ also offers an annual High School Welding Competition for seniors interested in a career in welding. Various scholarships are awarded to participants and winners. You can also search for external scholarship programs to help you pay tuition at a welding school, such as ÃÀÀöÐǿմ«Ã½. The offers a list of scholarship opportunities available at the national level. ÃÀÀöÐǿմ«Ã½ also maintains a list of general scholarship opportunities.
Are There Any Welding Licensing Requirements in Illinois or Missouri?
There are no licensing requirements in Illinois or Missouri, where ÃÀÀöÐǿմ«Ã½ offers welding schools. In these states, a welder does not need to pass any kind of state exam to begin working. However, holding a welding certification can improve your employment potential. Some employers look for specific certifications from accredited organizations, particularly for certain welding specialties.Ìý
ÃÀÀöÐǿմ«Ã½â€™s welding certifications help employers validate your welding skills and can potentially help increase your employability in the welding industry. The American Welding Society (AWS) offers a Certified Welder exam. This exam measures your welding performance, and passing this exam shows employers that you are an AWS Certified Welder. They also offer other types of exams at various price points for different purposes. Check the for the most up to date costs.
Should You Pursue a Career in Welding?
, making it a great time to consider a career in welding. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, , and an estimated are projected each year through 2033.Ìý
ÃÀÀöÐǿմ«Ã½â€™s Welding Training Program
The Welding Program at ÃÀÀöÐǿմ«Ã½ uses hands-on training to prepare you to become a welder and pipefitter. You can earn ÃÀÀöÐǿմ«Ã½ Welding Certifications and learn a variety of welding techniques, including:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
- Gas Tungsten Arc Gas Welding (GTAW/TIG)
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG)
- Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW)
- And more!
Start Your Welding Career at ÃÀÀöÐǿմ«Ã½
Ready to get started?Ìý
ÃÀÀöÐǿմ«Ã½â€™s WeldingProgram will have you on the road to becoming a welder in less than a year. Contact ÃÀÀöÐǿմ«Ã½â€™s Admissions Team to learn more or schedule a tour of your local campus today.Ìý
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