Are you considering attending a welding school, but aren’t sure how much you should spend on your training?
In this article, we’ll take a deeper look into the costs associated with welding school programs, along with the work environment and job responsibilities of welders, to help you make an informed decision.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Welding School?
The amount you’ll pay for welding school will depend on where you choose to train.
The types of institutions that offer welding training include:
- Vocational/Trade Schools
- Community Colleges
The cost of a welding training program also varies depending on the length of the program and the type of training.
When choosing a school, it is important to consider factors like class size, the balance between hands-on instruction versus theory and GE classes, and whether you will earn any certifications.
Aside from tuition, there may be additional costs associated with going to welding school.
For example, if you plan to relocate for school, you’d have to consider housing costs. For some welding programs, you may need to pay for books and supplies out of pocket. Other common expenses include welding gear, such as work boots.
What’s Included in Your Welding School Tuition?
It’s important to understand what’s included in the cost of your welding tuition, so that you can plan and prepare for any additional expenses.
Delta Technical College (DTC), for example, includes the following in your welding program tuition cost:
- Books
- Metals
- Gear
DTC also offers a Welding and Pipefitting Training Program that teaches SMAW, TIG, MIG and FCAW welding techniques and provides students with an additional 10 weeks of pipefitting training.
Here’s a list of principles covered in both of DTC’s Welding Programs:
- Properties of Metal
- Cutting Techniques of Metal
- Production Welding Techniques
- Safety Training/Cranes/Rigging
- Metallurgy/Industry Vocabulary
- Basic Math/Basic Fitting Principles
- Basic Pipe Fitting
- Advanced Pipe Fitting (Welding & Pipefitting Program only)
Students can also earn DTC welding certification.
To learn more about becoming a welder, check out How Long Does it Take to Become a Welder?
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How Do You Pay for Welding School?
Even though you can attend most vocational schools for a fraction of the cost of a traditional 4-year college, trade school is still an investment in your future.
The good news is there are options that can potentially help you fund your welding training.
Financial Aid
DTC students are eligible for the same types of financial aid as traditional college students.
DTC offers a variety of financing options to qualifying students, including:
- Federal Pell Grant William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Programs
- Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
- Federal Direct PLUS Loan
Delta Technical College is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in the Federal Financial Aid Program.
For more information, contact DTC, or visit our Financial Aid page.
How to Apply for Welding Scholarships
Scholarships are a great resource for trade school students. During the enrollment process, you can ask about scholarship opportunities at the welding schools you’re interested in attending.
DTC offers a High School Scholarship Program for seniors interested in learning a skilled trade at DTC after graduating high school, including welding and pipefitting.
When searching for welding scholarships, you should also consider opportunities and scholarship programs from national organizations. For example, the American Welding Society is just one of many organizations that offers scholarships at the national level that you can utilize at a trade school.
The Cost of Welding Certification
Certain states and employers require specific welding certifications, in addition to your welding training.
For instance, the American Welding Society offers various welding certifications, ranging from Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to Certified Welding Sales Representative (CWSR). To earn these certification, you’re required to pass an exam, and upon passing, AWS will send a Certified Welder wallet card via mail.
Many employers require you to take welding tests to demonstrate your skill level as part of the interview process. This can vary, depending on the employer, industry, and job position.
Where Can You Work as a Welder?
Welders are needed across a wide range of industries. In 2023, 62% of welders (the majority) were employed in manufacturing. Common work environments for welders also include repair and maintenance, specialty trade contractors, and self-employment.
With the right education and certifications, you can develop the skills to perform in a variety of settings, including shipbuilding, automotive assembly and more.
For more details, check out What Does a Welder Do?
Should You Pursue a Career in Welding?
With the demand for skilled workers on the rise, now is a great time to consider a career in welding.
Nearly 45,800 openings for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers are projected each year, from 2023-2033. Investing in a welding career through a training program, like the Welding Program at Delta Technical College, can be a great first step toward your welding career.
Start Your Career as a Welder at DTC
At DTC, you can finish your welding training in less than a year. Interested in learning more? Contact DTC or schedule a tour today!
SOURCES
- https://www.aws.org/Career-Resources/Students/Scholarships/
- https://www.aws.org/Certification-and-Education/Professional-Certification/
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm#tab-3
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm#tab-6
