A welding career generally requires some level of technical skills training and experience to land an entry-level job. This is understandable, since welding is a very specialized vocation 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 what does welding school cost?
Overview of Welding School Cost
Tuition for every vocational school is different. The cost of a welding training program may vary depending on length of program, state or regional location, and type of training.
Where to learn welding:
- Vocational/Trade Schools
- Community Colleges
- Vocational High School Programs
Welding School Cost Breakdown
(National, Technical Schools & Community Colleges)
| Area | Low End | High End | Duration | Award |
| National | $5,000 | $15,000[1] | 3-7 Months | Certificate or Diploma |
When researching welding schools, it’s important to consider factors like class size, the balance between hands-on instruction versus theory/classroom, and whether you will earn any certifications during the program.
To get a better understanding of what it takes to be a welder, check out Midwest Technical Institute (MTI)’s How to Become a Welder guide.
Different Levels of Welder Training Cost
Some welding programs (like MTI’s Journeyman Welder and Journeyman Welder II) cost different amounts because the programs are slightly different. The Journeyman Welder Program is a 7-month program that prepares students for an entry-level welding job. The Journeyman Welder II Program is a 10-month program that expands on the Journeyman training with 10 more weeks of hands-on pipe fitting training.
For more information on MTI’s program costs, see our catalog.
How do You Pay for Welding School?
Students attending vocational or trade schools are eligible for the same types of financial aid as traditional college students.[4] This Includes:
- Federal Grants
- Federal Low-Interest Student Loans
- GI Bill® Assistance (for veterans and children of veterans)
MTI is approved by the United States Department of Education to participate in the Federal Financial Aid Program. MTI offers a variety of financing options to qualifying students. For more information, visit our Financial Aid page.
Apply for Welding Scholarships
Scholarships are a great resource for vocational school students. MTI offers scholarships to students who qualify. MTI offers a scholarship for high school seniors who are interested in a career in welding. Awards range from $2,000 to $10,000 and even full tuition. Learn more about MTI’s scholarship opportunities.
External Scholarships
You can also search for external scholarship programs to help you pay tuition at a welding school. The American Welding Society offers a list of scholarship opportunities available at the national level. [5]
What Does Welding Certification Cost?
Different states have different welding certification requirements, each with their own fees. Some states require students to graduate from a state-sanctioned program to begin working as a welder, and some do not.
There are no licensing requirements in Illinois[6] and Missouri[7], where MTI offers Journeyman Welder Programs. This means that in these states a welder does not need to pass any kind of state exam to begin working.
However, some employers look for specific certifications from accredited organizations or in particular specialties. For example, the American Welding Society (AWS) offers a Certified Welder exam. This exam measures your welding performance. Passing this exam shows employers that you are an AWS Certified Welder.[8] The application costs $50. AWS also offers other types of exams at different price points for different purposes.
Learn more about welding certifications.
Should You Pursue a Career in Welding?
Skilled trades are on the rise, making it a great time to consider a career in welding.[9] The BLS predicts jobs for welders will increase at a rate of 3 percent through 2028, which is about as fast as the average for all professions in the U.S.[10]
Want to learn more? Read our blog post about the welding industry job outlook.
Looking for a Missouri or Illinois Welding School? Fill out the form below to learn more.
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[1] http://education.costhelper.com/welding-school.html
[2] https://www.midwesttech.edu/documents/GE/SPMO-JW.html
[3] https://www.midwesttech.edu/documents/GE/SPIL-JW2.html
[4] https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/eligibility
[5] https://www.aws.org/foundation/page/scholarships
[6] https://www.midwesttech.edu/documents/GE/SPIL-JW.html
[7] https://www.midwesttech.edu/documents/GE/SPMO-JW.html
[8] https://www.aws.org/certification/CW_FAQs
[9] https://www2.staffingindustry.com/site/Editorial/Daily-News/Skilled-trades-job-openings-are-at-a-10-year-high-Aerotek-reports-43665?
[10] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm