How much is welding school?

Welding school typically costs around $5,000 for education courses that last from three to seven months, while college-level welding programs average around $15,000 for courses that last up to 15 months.

How to learn welding?

You can complete a welder's training program or an apprenticeship to learn welding. Many trade schools offer welding programs lasting from a few weeks to almost two years. These programs help people gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as welders.

On-the-job welding training

On-the-job welding training consists of hands-on welding experience under the guidance of a professional welder or multiple professional welders. The best option for on-the-job welder training is to get an apprenticeship as a welder. Apprenticeships are excellent and novel opportunities because they give you the chance to be mentored by professional welders and get paid in the process.

Welder Education Requirements And Courses

Welder Education Requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Usually, welders don't need a college education. The most common degree for welders is high school diploma with 46% graduates, with only 18% welder graduates earning associate degree. Welders who decided to graduate from college often finish Central State University or University of Phoenix. Some good skills to have in this position include arc welding, aluminum and hand tools.

Popular welder certifications include Certified Welder, Certified Welding Engineer, or Certified Welding Fabricator (CWF). To improve welder qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in welder education paths.

What education do you need to become a welder?

What degree do you need to be a welder?

The most common degree for welders is high school diploma, with 46% of welders earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 18% and associate degree degree at 17%.

High School Diploma, 46%

Associate, 18%

Diploma, 17%

Bachelor's, 6%

Other Degrees, 13%

What should I major in to become a welder?

You should major in precision metal working to become a welder. 55% of welders major in precision metal working. Other common majors for a welder include business and general studies.

Precision Metal Working, 55%

Business, 6%

General Studies, 6%

Automotive Technology, 6%

Other Majors, 27%

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Precision Metal Working	54.6%
2	Business	6.4%
3	General Studies	6.4%
4	Automotive Technology	5.6%
5	Industrial Technology	4.2%

Rank

Major

Percentages

Precision Metal Working

54.6%

Business

6.4%

General Studies

6.4%

Automotive Technology

5.6%

Industrial Technology

4.2%

20 best online courses for welders

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Average welder salary by education level

Welders with a Bachelor's degree earn more than those without, at $42,470 annually. With a Associate degree, welders earn a median annual income of $40,732 compared to $39,491 for welders with an High School Diploma degree.

Welder education level	Welder salary
High School Diploma or Less	$39,491
Bachelor's Degree	$42,470
Some College/ Associate Degree	$40,732