Best Welding Schools in Illinois

Welding is a skill that’s in high demand, and whether you’re in Illinois or any other part of the U.S., getting hands-on training at a reputable school can make all the difference. Illinois offers some of the best programs in the country, with schools providing instruction in various techniques such as TIG, MIG, and arc welding.

Learn more about these welding schools below as we provide insights on their tuition costs, earnings after graduation, and more, helping you make an informed decision when kickstarting your career.

We’ve ranked the following welding schools according to tuition costs and expected salaries after graduation, as reported by College Scorecard, ensuring graduates get the best return on their education. However, other variables when selecting a welding school could include location, degree level, and more. It’s advised that prospective students thoroughly research each program of choice to make the best decision for them.

1. Elgin Community College

Type: Public
Location: Elgin, IL
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $3,180
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,516
Median Earnings: $45,516
1-Year ROI: 1431%

Elgin Community College offers the highest ROI for welding students in Illinois, with low tuition and strong post-graduation earnings, making it an excellent option for students.

2. Waubonsee Community College

Type: Public
Location: Sugar Grove, IL
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $3,360
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,496
Median Earnings: $44,788
1-Year ROI: 1333%

Waubonsee Community College ranks second with its affordable tuition and strong earnings for graduates, providing a high ROI for welding students.

3. William Rainey Harper College

Type: Public
Location: Palatine, IL
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $3,774
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,754
Median Earnings: $48,071
1-Year ROI: 1274%

William Rainey Harper College provides excellent earnings for graduates, offering one of the highest median salaries, contributing to its strong ROI.

4. Oakton Community College

Type: Public
Location: Des Plaines, IL
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $3,985
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,462
Median Earnings: $47,852
1-Year ROI: 1201%

Oakton Community College offers high earnings for graduates, providing a strong ROI for welding students, despite the higher tuition rates for out-of-state students.

5. Moraine Valley Community College

Type: Public
Location: Palos Hills, IL
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $3,750
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,630
Median Earnings: $43,892
1-Year ROI: 1170%

Moraine Valley Community College provides solid earnings and affordable tuition, making it an excellent option for students looking for a high ROI in welding.

6. McHenry County College

Type: Public
Location: Crystal Lake, IL
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $3,862
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,692
Median Earnings: $45,143
1-Year ROI: 1169%

McHenry County College offers strong post-graduation earnings, making it a good option for students, although the out-of-state tuition is higher compared to other schools.

7. College of DuPage

Type: Public
Location: Glen Ellyn, IL
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $4,200
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,910
Median Earnings: $46,909
1-Year ROI: 1117%

College of DuPage provides strong post-graduation earnings, and despite the higher tuition rates, it offers a good ROI for welding students.

8. Lincoln Land Community College

Type: Public
Location: Springfield, IL
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $3,612
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,068
Median Earnings: $38,479
1-Year ROI: 1065%

Lincoln Land Community College offers affordable tuition and decent earnings for welding graduates, making it a solid option for students.

9. Lewis and Clark Community College

Type: Public
Location: Godfrey, IL
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $3,552
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,552
Median Earnings: $37,724
1-Year ROI: 1062%

Lewis and Clark Community College provides a solid welding program with good post-graduation earnings, making it a good option despite the higher out-of-state tuition.

10. College of Lake County

Type: Public
Location: Grayslake, IL
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $4,200
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,118
Median Earnings: $43,424
1-Year ROI: 1034%

College of Lake County provides good earnings for graduates, with moderate tuition rates, resulting in a strong ROI for welding students.

11. Illinois Valley Community College

Type: Public
Location: Oglesby, IL
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $4,000
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,314
Median Earnings: $40,810
1-Year ROI: 1020%

Illinois Valley Community College provides decent earnings for graduates and affordable in-state tuition, offering a good ROI for local students.

12. Lake Land College

Type: Public
Location: Mattoon, IL
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $3,965
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,906
Median Earnings: $38,877
1-Year ROI: 981%

Lake Land College provides solid post-graduation earnings, though the higher out-of-state tuition reduces its ROI compared to other schools in Illinois.

How to Become a Welder in Illinois

Becoming a welder in Illinois is an excellent career choice if you’re interested in a hands-on job that’s in high demand. Welding professionals are needed in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and automotive repair. The path to becoming a welder generally involves a combination of education, certifications, and on-the-job experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start your welding career in Illinois.

Step 1: Obtain a High School Diploma or GED

To start your welding career, you will need a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED). Most welding programs and apprenticeships require at least a high school level of education, with an emphasis on subjects such as math, science, and technical drawing, which are crucial for understanding welding techniques.

Step 2: Enroll in a Welding Program

The next step is to enroll in a welding training program at a technical school, community college, or dedicated welding school in Illinois. These programs typically cover different welding techniques like MIG, TIG, and arc welding, safety practices, and blueprint reading. Depending on the program, you can earn certifications, diplomas, or even associate degrees.

Step 3: Gain Hands-on Experience

While formal education is important, practical experience is crucial for becoming a skilled welder. Many welding programs offer hands-on training as part of the curriculum, but you can also seek out apprenticeships or internships to get additional real-world experience. Working under experienced welders will help you master techniques and understand workplace safety.

Step 4: Earn Welding Certifications

Certifications are often required by employers to ensure you meet industry standards. The most widely recognized certification for welders in Illinois is offered by the American Welding Society (AWS). You can earn certifications in various welding specialties, including structural welding, pipe welding, and more. Having these certifications increases your employability and allows you to work on more complex projects.

Step 5: Apply for Welding Jobs in Illinois

Once you’ve gained the necessary skills and certifications, you can begin applying for welding jobs in Illinois. Welders are in demand across various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and oil and gas. Be sure to tailor your resume and highlight your hands-on experience, certifications, and any specialized training you’ve completed.

Licensure and Certification Requirements

The American Welding Society (AWS) is the leading organization offering certifications for welders in the U.S. AWS certification is highly regarded by employers and required by many industries. Key certifications include:

Certified Welder (CW): This certification demonstrates that a welder can work according to specific welding codes and industry standards. It covers multiple welding processes.
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): A certification for experienced welders looking to oversee and inspect welding work.
Certified Welding Educator (CWE): For welders who wish to teach welding techniques.

AWS certifications are typically earned after passing both written and performance tests that demonstrate your skill level in various welding methods.

In addition to AWS certifications, welders may need specialized certifications depending on their field. Examples include:

Pipe Welding Certification: For welders working with pipelines or in industries such as oil and gas.
Structural Welding Certification: Required for welders working on buildings and other large structures.
Pressure Vessel Welding Certification: Important for those working on boilers or other pressurized systems.

Some certifications may be required by employers or government agencies for specific projects, especially in industries like construction and aerospace.

Salary and Job Outlook in Illinois

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the low, average, and high welding salaries for Illinois are:

Low: $36,000.00
Average: $50,000.00
High: $65,000.00

These figures can differ based on several variables including welding specialty, employer, years of experience, and more. To gain a better understanding of your salary expectations, it’s important to conduct research specific to your circumstances.

As for career outlook, the BLS reports that “employment of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2023 to 2033, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 45,800 openings for welders… are projected each year.”

While the average salary for welding in Illinois is $50,000, nationwide, welders in the U.S. earn an average of $45,000 – $47,000 per year, with top earners making upwards $63,000, and specialized fields such as underwater welding exceeding $100,000 annually.

Is Welding School Worth It in Illinois?

Attending welding school in Illinois is often worth the investment if you’re looking to enter a high-demand field with solid earning potential and opportunities for growth. Here are a few reasons why:

Strong Job Demand in Welding: Welding is a crucial skill across many industries, including construction, manufacturing, automotive, oil and gas, and aerospace. The demand for skilled welders is steady nationwide, and this is true for Illinois as well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the employment of welders will remain stable, with opportunities for growth in certain industries depending on the region.
Competitive Salaries: Welding offers competitive pay, especially for those with advanced certifications and experience. While the average salary for welders nationwide is around $47,000 per year, wages can vary by state. For instance, states like Texas, California, and Alaska often have higher-than-average salaries due to the presence of industries like oil and gas and aerospace, which are high-paying sectors for welders.
Hands-on, Skill-Based Learning: One of the main advantages of attending welding school is the hands-on learning experience. Welding requires precise skills and practice that can only be mastered through real-world application. Most welding schools provide access to equipment, tools, and industry-grade materials, preparing students to enter the workforce with the necessary technical skills.
Certification and Advancement: Completing a welding program provides the necessary training to earn certifications, such as those from the American Welding Society (AWS), which are often required by employers. Certified welders typically have more job opportunities and can command higher salaries.
Flexibility in Career Choices: Welders have a wide range of career paths. You can start with entry-level positions and advance to higher-paying, specialized fields such as pipeline welding, underwater welding, or welding inspection. Welding schools in Illinois typically offer various types of programs, from certificates to associate degrees, allowing students to choose the path that best suits their career goals.

With proper training and certifications, welding offers a stable and rewarding career path in various industries. If you’re considering welding school in Illinois, be sure to explore local job opportunities, salary expectations, and the types of welding programs available to make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long does it take to complete welding school?

The length of welding school varies depending on the program and the type of certification or degree you’re pursuing. Typically, a certificate or diploma program can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months. If you pursue an associate degree in welding technology, it usually takes about 2 years to complete. Many schools offer flexible schedules, including part-time options, which can extend or shorten the overall duration.

Q: Do I need any prior experience or education to enroll in welding school?

Most welding schools do not require prior welding experience, but a high school diploma or GED is typically required. It helps to have a background in subjects like math, physics, and technical drawing, but welding programs are designed to train students from the ground up. Some schools may offer introductory classes to help you get comfortable with the basics before moving on to advanced techniques.

Q: What certifications can I earn through welding school, and are they necessary?

Welding schools offer various certifications, most notably those from the American Welding Society (AWS). AWS certifications, such as the Certified Welder (CW), are recognized industry-wide and often required by employers. Other certifications may include specialized fields like pipe welding, structural welding, or underwater welding. While not all welding jobs require certifications, having them significantly boosts your job prospects and earning potential.