Welding is a skill that’s in high demand, and whether you’re in New York or any other part of the U.S., getting hands-on training at a reputable school can make all the difference. New York 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.
Best Welding Schools in New York
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. Hudson Valley Community College
Type: Public
Location: Troy, NY
Degree Offered: Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $6,018
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,818
Median Earnings: $45,460
1-Year ROI: 755%
Hudson Valley Community College offers the highest ROI among welding programs in New York. With a combination of affordable tuition and strong post-graduation earnings, this associate degree program provides excellent value for students aiming to build successful careers in precision metalworking.
2. Monroe Community College
Type: Public
Location: Rochester, NY
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $5,712
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,468
Median Earnings: $40,174
1-Year ROI: 703%
Monroe Community College offers a well-rounded program with a high ROI, providing both certificate and associate degree options in precision metalworking. Affordable tuition and strong earnings after graduation make it a top choice for aspiring welders in New York.
3. Onondaga Community College
Type: Public
Location: Syracuse, NY
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $5,890
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,080
Median Earnings: $41,190
1-Year ROI: 699%
Onondaga Community College provides students with a competitive ROI in its precision metalworking programs. Offering both certificate and associate degree options, the program ensures students are prepared for high-paying careers in welding.
4. Erie Community College
Type: Public
Location: Buffalo, NY
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $5,935
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,135
Median Earnings: $41,228
1-Year ROI: 695%
Erie Community College offers a strong ROI for students pursuing a certificate in precision metalworking. The program’s combination of reasonable tuition and good earnings after graduation makes it a solid choice for those looking to enter the welding field.
5. Mohawk Valley Community College
Type: Public
Location: Utica, NY
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $5,776
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,211
Median Earnings: $39,850
1-Year ROI: 690%
Mohawk Valley Community College provides students with an affordable path into precision metalworking. With both certificate and associate degree options, the program offers a solid return on investment for aspiring welders.
6. Niagara County Community College
Type: Public
Location: Sanborn, NY
Degree Offered: Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $6,165
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,205
Median Earnings: $42,285
1-Year ROI: 686%
Niagara County Community College offers a strong program for students seeking an associate degree in precision metalworking. With solid post-graduation earnings, this program provides a competitive ROI for those entering the welding industry.
7. SUNY Corning Community College
Type: Public
Location: Corning, NY
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $5,966
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,230
Median Earnings: $38,817
1-Year ROI: 651%
SUNY Corning Community College provides a well-balanced program for students interested in precision metalworking. Offering both certificate and associate degree options, the program delivers a strong education and a solid return on investment.
8. Cayuga County Community College
Type: Public
Location: Auburn, NY
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $6,292
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,284
Median Earnings: $38,709
1-Year ROI: 615%
Cayuga County Community College provides students with an affordable certificate program in precision metalworking. The program offers good post-graduation earnings, making it a solid choice for those looking to enter the welding profession.
9. Jamestown Community College
Type: Public
Location: Jamestown, NY
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $6,450
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,750
Median Earnings: $38,242
1-Year ROI: 593%
Jamestown Community College offers a competitive program in precision metalworking. With both certificate and associate degree options, the program ensures students are prepared for careers in welding while offering a good return on investment.
10. SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
Type: Public
Location: Delhi, NY
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $8,720
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,490
Median Earnings: $51,629
1-Year ROI: 592%
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi offers a high-earning potential for graduates of its precision metalworking programs. Despite higher tuition costs, the program’s solid earnings after graduation provide a reasonable ROI for students seeking either a certificate or associate degree.
11. SUNY College of Technology at Alfred
Type: Public
Location: Alfred, NY
Degree Offered: Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $8,862
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,942
Median Earnings: $50,445
1-Year ROI: 569%
SUNY College of Technology at Alfred offers students a strong program in precision metalworking, with high earnings after graduation. Although the tuition is higher, the strong post-graduation salaries provide a reasonable return on investment.
12. Rochester Institute of Technology
Type: Private, Nonprofit
Location: Rochester, NY
Degree Offered: Associate’s Degree
In-State & Out-of-State Tuition: $54,518
Median Earnings: $76,571
1-Year ROI: 140%
Rochester Institute of Technology offers an elite welding program with top-tier earnings for graduates. However, the high tuition results in a lower ROI compared to other institutions, making it more suitable for those seeking top-tier education and career opportunities in precision metalworking.
How to Become a Welder in New York
Becoming a welder in New York 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 New York.
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 New York. 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 New York 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 New York
Once you’ve gained the necessary skills and certifications, you can begin applying for welding jobs in New York. 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 New York
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the low, average, and high welding salaries for New York are:
- Low: $37,000.00
- Average: $50,000.00
- High: $68,000.00
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 New York 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 New York?
Attending welding school in New York 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 New York 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 New York 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 New York, 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.
