How much is welding school?
Welding school is $2,675 to $13,562 at the public colleges below, which publish a total price for their welding certificates.[s_cb10508][s_cb2048][s_cb3352][s_cb2212] The biggest differences come from program length and from what is bundled: some prices include books, protective gear and certification tests, others cover tuition and fees only.
| Program | Length | Price | What the price covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Welding Skills certificate, South Puget Sound CC (WA)[s_cb10508] | 3 months, 17 credits | $2,675 | Tuition $1,775.23 + books and supplies $900 |
| Welding and Fabrication certificate, Spokane CC (WA)[s_cb2048] | 9 months, 54 credits | $7,584 | Tuition $5,386 + fees $772 + books and supplies $1,426 |
| Welding Fabrication Technology certificate, South Seattle College (WA)[s_cb3352] | 12 months, 64 credits | $9,057 | Tuition $5,476.10 + fees $1,462 + books and supplies $2,119 |
| Welding Technology certificate, Walla Walla CC (WA)[s_cb2212] | 9 months, 68 credits (1,000 clock hours) | $13,562 | Tuition $10,122.48 + fees $3,440 |
We list only prices that a public institution publishes. Whatever school you consider, ask for the full cost of attendance in writing, including gear and test fees, before you enroll.
Welding certification cost
Welding certification cost is separate from school tuition unless the program bundles it: a welding certification is a performance test in which you weld a sample that is inspected to a code for a specific process and position, and the table above notes where a program’s price includes testing. Ask an employer which certifications its jobs require before you pay for a test.
How long is welding school?
The certificate programs above run from about 3 to 12 months. BLS lists a high school diploma as the typical entry education for welders, followed by moderate-term on-the-job training, so school is a way to get hired faster rather than a legal requirement.[ooh_weld]
Is welding school worth it?
For many students, yes, in money terms: welders earn $46,790 at the 25th percentile and $53,750 at the median, which is $25.84 an hour.[onet_weld] If school moves you from a $35,000 job to the welding 25th percentile, the raise is $11,790 a year before tax, about $9,473 after federal tax and FICA. Try your own numbers in the calculator at the top. BLS projects about 40,300 openings for welders each year from 2025 to 2035, mostly to replace workers who leave.[ooh_weld]
See state-by-state pay on welder salary, compare the longer pipe-trades route on plumbing apprenticeship, or check other training prices on HVAC school cost and CDL cost. For pay after diving training, see underwater welder salary. The paid alternative to school is a welding apprenticeship: 3 years and 6,000 hours with no tuition.
Frequently asked questions
How much does welding school cost?
About $2,675 to $13,562 for a certificate at the public colleges we checked. Check whether the price includes gear, books and certification tests.
How much does welding certification cost?
Certification tests are separate from tuition unless a program bundles them; the program table shows which prices include testing. Ask an employer which tests its jobs require.
How long does welding school take?
The certificate programs we compared take about 3 to 12 months.
Do you need welding school to become a welder?
No. BLS lists a high school diploma plus on-the-job training as the typical path; school can make you job-ready faster.
Sources
- Basic Welding Skills certificate, South Puget Sound Community College
- Welding and Fabrication certificate, Spokane Community College
- Welding Fabrication Technology certificate, South Seattle College
- Welding Technology certificate, Walla Walla Community College
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
- Local Wages: 51-4121.00 Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers (state and metro percentiles)