Welding is a skill that’s in high demand, and whether you’re in Ohio or any other part of the U.S., getting hands-on training at a reputable school can make all the difference. Ohio 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 Ohio
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. Sinclair Community College
Type: Public
Location: Dayton, OH
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $3,435
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,316
Median Earnings: $37,558
1-Year ROI: 1,093%
Sinclair Community College offers the highest ROI among Ohio welding programs, thanks to its low tuition and strong median earnings after graduation. The certificate program in precision metalworking is ideal for students looking to gain hands-on experience and enter the workforce quickly.
2. Lakeland Community College
Type: Public
Location: Kirtland, OH
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $3,741
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,105
Median Earnings: $39,612
1-Year ROI: 1,059%
Lakeland Community College provides a well-rounded welding program, offering both certificate and associate degree options. With affordable tuition and high post-graduation earnings, the program delivers an excellent ROI for students pursuing careers in precision metalworking.
3. Lorain County Community College
Type: Public
Location: Elyria, OH
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $4,005
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,601
Median Earnings: $38,837
1-Year ROI: 970%
Lorain County Community College offers a competitive ROI for students in its precision metalworking programs. With flexible certificate and associate degree options, students benefit from a well-balanced education that leads to strong career prospects in welding.
4. Cuyahoga Community College District
Type: Public
Location: Cleveland, OH
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $3,736
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,736
Median Earnings: $35,654
1-Year ROI: 954%
Cuyahoga Community College provides an affordable precision metalworking program with good post-graduation earnings, making it a solid choice for students seeking a quick entry into the workforce with a certificate or associate degree in welding.
5. Clark State College
Type: Public
Location: Springfield, OH
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $4,152
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,568
Median Earnings: $39,584
1-Year ROI: 953%
Clark State College offers a strong certificate program in precision metalworking, providing students with both affordable tuition and high post-graduation earnings. The program delivers an excellent ROI for those looking to enter the welding field.
6. Washington State Community College
Type: Public
Location: Marietta, OH
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $4,128
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,152
Median Earnings: $37,988
1-Year ROI: 920%
Washington State Community College offers a competitive precision metalworking program with both certificate and associate degree options. The combination of affordable tuition and good earnings after graduation ensures a solid return on investment for students.
7. Northwest State Community College
Type: Public
Location: Archbold, OH
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $4,578
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,930
Median Earnings: $40,004
1-Year ROI: 874%
Northwest State Community College offers strong earnings potential and affordable tuition for students pursuing a certificate or associate degree in precision metalworking, making it a great choice for students looking for a high-value welding program.
8. North Central State College
Type: Public
Location: Mansfield, OH
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $4,624
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,102
Median Earnings: $38,158
1-Year ROI: 825%
North Central State College offers a good ROI for its certificate program in precision metalworking. With affordable tuition and solid post-graduation earnings, this program provides students with the skills needed to enter the welding field successfully.
9. Eastern Gateway Community College
Type: Public
Location: Steubenville, OH
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $4,230
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,022
Median Earnings: $34,127
1-Year ROI: 807%
Eastern Gateway Community College offers a well-rounded program in precision metalworking, with both certificate and associate degree options. While the earnings are slightly lower compared to other schools, the program remains a solid option for those looking for affordable education in welding.
10. Stark State College
Type: Public
Location: North Canton, OH
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $4,548
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,644
Median Earnings: $34,661
1-Year ROI: 762%
Stark State College provides an affordable certificate program in precision metalworking with reasonable post-graduation earnings. The program offers students a good entry point into the welding industry at an accessible cost.
11. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Type: Public
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $5,274
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,558
Median Earnings: $40,137
1-Year ROI: 761%
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College offers a solid precision metalworking program with competitive earnings after graduation. The program provides a good balance of tuition cost and ROI for students pursuing a certificate or associate degree.
12. Columbus State Community College
Type: Public
Location: Columbus, OH
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $5,188
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,611
Median Earnings: $39,435
1-Year ROI: 760%
Columbus State Community College offers a precision metalworking program with competitive earnings post-graduation. While tuition is higher than other schools, the program still provides a solid ROI for those seeking a career in welding.
13. Belmont College
Type: Public
Location: St. Clairsville, OH
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $4,700
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,410
Median Earnings: $35,329
1-Year ROI: 752%
Belmont College offers a well-balanced program for students pursuing a certificate or associate degree in precision metalworking. The program provides reasonable tuition and strong post-graduation earnings, ensuring a good return on investment for aspiring welders.
How to Become a Welder in Ohio
Becoming a welder in Ohio 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 Ohio.
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 Ohio. 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 Ohio 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 Ohio
Once you’ve gained the necessary skills and certifications, you can begin applying for welding jobs in Ohio. 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 Ohio
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the low, average, and high welding salaries for Ohio are:
- Low: $36,000.00
- Average: $49,000.00
- High: $64,000.00
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 Ohio is $49,000, 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 Ohio?
Attending welding school in Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio, 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.
