Welding is a skill that’s in high demand, and whether you’re in Pennsylvania or any other part of the U.S., getting hands-on training at a reputable school can make all the difference. Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
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. Community College of Allegheny County
Type: Public
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $4,722
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,223
Median Earnings: $39,449
1-Year ROI: 835%
Community College of Allegheny County offers the highest ROI among welding programs in Pennsylvania. With affordable tuition and solid post-graduation earnings, it is an excellent choice for students pursuing either a certificate or associate degree in precision metalworking.
2. Lehigh Carbon Community College
Type: Public
Location: Schnecksville, PA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $5,100
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,960
Median Earnings: $42,436
1-Year ROI: 832%
Lehigh Carbon Community College offers an excellent return on investment for its precision metalworking certificate program. With competitive tuition and high earnings after graduation, it is a great option for aspiring welders looking for a cost-effective education.
3. Northampton County Area Community College
Type: Public
Location: Bethlehem, PA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $5,070
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,820
Median Earnings: $41,566
1-Year ROI: 820%
Northampton County Area Community College provides a well-rounded welding program with both certificate and associate degree options. With solid post-graduation earnings, the program offers an excellent ROI for students seeking a career in precision metalworking.
4. Butler County Community College
Type: Public
Location: Butler, PA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $5,460
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,550
Median Earnings: $38,891
1-Year ROI: 712%
Butler County Community College offers a competitive ROI for students in its welding programs. With affordable tuition and strong earnings after graduation, this program is a great option for those looking to enter the field of precision metalworking.
5. Delaware County Community College
Type: Public
Location: Media, PA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $6,420
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,400
Median Earnings: $45,391
1-Year ROI: 707%
Delaware County Community College offers students a strong program in precision metalworking, with high post-graduation earnings and flexible degree options. The program provides a good balance of affordability and career potential.
6. Luzerne County Community College
Type: Public
Location: Nanticoke, PA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $6,000
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,060
Median Earnings: $40,437
1-Year ROI: 674%
Luzerne County Community College offers a solid ROI for students pursuing a certificate or associate degree in welding. With competitive tuition and reasonable post-graduation earnings, the program is a great option for those looking to enter the welding industry.
7. Westmoreland County Community College
Type: Public
Location: Youngwood, PA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $5,748
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,172
Median Earnings: $37,439
1-Year ROI: 651%
Westmoreland County Community College provides students with affordable tuition and reasonable post-graduation earnings in its welding programs. The program offers both certificate and associate degree paths, making it a flexible option for aspiring welders.
8. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Type: Public
Location: Lancaster, PA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State & Out-of-State Tuition: $8,450
Median Earnings: $54,681
1-Year ROI: 647%
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology stands out with the highest median earnings among Pennsylvania welding programs. While the tuition is higher, the significant post-graduation salary ensures a solid return on investment for students.
9. Reading Area Community College
Type: Public
Location: Reading, PA
Degree Offered: Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $6,060
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,580
Median Earnings: $39,082
1-Year ROI: 645%
Reading Area Community College offers a well-rounded associate degree program in precision metalworking. With affordable tuition and good post-graduation earnings, the program provides students with strong career prospects in the welding industry.
10. Community College of Beaver County
Type: Public
Location: Monaca, PA
Degree Offered: Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $7,020
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,170
Median Earnings: $45,090
1-Year ROI: 642%
Community College of Beaver County offers a competitive ROI with high post-graduation earnings in its welding associate degree program. Despite higher tuition for out-of-state students, the program remains a solid choice for those pursuing careers in precision metalworking.
11. Harrisburg Area Community College
Type: Public
Location: Harrisburg, PA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $7,088
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,148
Median Earnings: $42,007
1-Year ROI: 593%
Harrisburg Area Community College offers students a solid certificate program in precision metalworking. With reasonable tuition and competitive post-graduation earnings, it is a strong option for students looking to enter the welding field.
12. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
Type: Public
Location: Johnstown, PA
Degree Offered: Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $6,780
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,690
Median Earnings: $38,752
1-Year ROI: 572%
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College offers a well-rounded associate degree program in precision metalworking. With affordable tuition and solid earnings after graduation, the program provides students with a good return on investment.
13. Rosedale Technical College
Type: Private, Nonprofit
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State & Out-of-State Tuition: $15,663
Median Earnings: $47,880
1-Year ROI: 306%
Rosedale Technical College offers high post-graduation earnings for its welding program, though its tuition is significantly higher compared to public institutions. Despite a lower ROI, it remains an attractive option for students seeking top-tier education and career opportunities in precision metalworking.
How to Become a Welder in Pennsylvania
Becoming a welder in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.
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 Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
Once you’ve gained the necessary skills and certifications, you can begin applying for welding jobs in Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the low, average, and high welding salaries for Pennsylvania are:
- Low: $36,000.00
- Average: $49,000.00
- High: $66,000.00
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Attending welding school in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania, 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.
