Best Welding Schools in Arkansas

Welding is a skill that’s in high demand, and whether you’re in Arkansas or any other part of the U.S., getting hands-on training at a reputable school can make all the difference. Arkansas 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-Year ROI refers to the return on 1 year of tuition to 1 year of earnings.

1. Arkansas State University-Newport

Type: Public
Location: Newport, AR
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $2,952
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,416
Median Earnings: $41,524
1-Year ROI: 1407%

Arkansas State University-Newport leads the pack with an exceptional ROI. With low tuition and high median earnings, this program offers significant financial benefits, making it a top choice for future welders.

2. Arkansas Northeastern College

Type: Public
Location: Blytheville, AR
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $2,542
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,222
Median Earnings: $33,169
1-Year ROI: 1305%

With extremely low tuition costs and solid post-graduation earnings, Arkansas Northeastern College delivers excellent value for students, resulting in one of the highest ROIs among Arkansas welding programs.

3. North Arkansas College

Type: Public
Location: Harrison, AR
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $2,760
Out-of-State Tuition: $5,136
Median Earnings: $34,653
1-Year ROI: 1256%

North Arkansas College offers a high return on investment, with affordable tuition and strong earnings after graduation. It’s an excellent option for students seeking quality education in welding without breaking the bank.

4. University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville

Type: Public
Location: Batesville, AR
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $2,766
Out-of-State Tuition: $3,750
Median Earnings: $33,706
1-Year ROI: 1219%

UACC Batesville stands out with its high ROI and low tuition, making it an excellent choice for students who want a welding career with a quick financial payoff. Its strong training programs ensure good job prospects for graduates.

5. Arkansas State University-Beebe

Type: Public
Location: Beebe, AR
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $3,024
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,728
Median Earnings: $36,603
1-Year ROI: 1210%

Arkansas State University-Beebe offers one of the best ROIs in the state. With affordable tuition and strong median earnings after graduation, this program is ideal for students looking to start a welding career without heavy financial burdens.

6. Arkansas State University Mid-South

Type: Public
Location: West Memphis, AR
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $2,818
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,258
Median Earnings: $31,857
1-Year ROI: 1130%

Arkansas State University Mid-South offers an outstanding ROI with low tuition and reasonable post-graduation earnings, providing students a solid start in the welding profession at an affordable cost.

7. Arkansas State University-Mountain Home

Type: Public
Location: Mountain Home, AR
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $3,024
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,632
Median Earnings: $34,238
1-Year ROI: 1132%

Arkansas State University-Mountain Home combines low tuition with strong post-graduation earnings, making it a solid option for students aiming to maximize their ROI while pursuing a welding career.

8. South Arkansas Community College

Type: Public
Location: El Dorado, AR
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $3,012
Out-of-State Tuition: $5,124
Median Earnings: $34,521
1-Year ROI: 1146%

South Arkansas Community College provides a great value with affordable tuition and strong earnings potential for its graduates. The ROI makes this a compelling choice for aspiring welders in Arkansas.

9. Arkansas State University Three Rivers

Type: Public
Location: Malvern, AR
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $3,356
Out-of-State Tuition: $5,780
Median Earnings: $37,374
1-Year ROI: 1114%

Arkansas State University Three Rivers offers a good balance of tuition costs and high post-graduation earnings, resulting in a strong ROI. It provides flexible degree options, making it ideal for students at different stages in their welding education.

10. University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana

Type: Public
Location: Hope, AR
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $3,250
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,660
Median Earnings: $34,162
1-Year ROI: 1051%

University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana offers an excellent return on investment with a low tuition rate and strong earnings for its graduates. This makes it a top choice for students in the Texarkana region pursuing a welding career.

11. University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton

Type: Public
Location: Morrilton, AR
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $3,336
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,128
Median Earnings: $34,924
1-Year ROI: 1047%

UACCM offers a strong return on investment for welding students, with low tuition and high median earnings after graduation. It’s a solid choice for students looking to pursue either a certificate or associate degree in welding.

12. Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas

Type: Public
Location: Helena, AR
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $3,110
Out-of-State Tuition: $5,060
Median Earnings: $29,552
1-Year ROI: 950%

Phillips Community College offers a highly affordable welding program, with a strong ROI. Though median earnings are slightly lower, the tuition costs are very reasonable, making this school a good choice for budget-conscious students.

13. University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain

Type: Public
Location: Mena, AR
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $3,384
Out-of-State Tuition: $3,960
Median Earnings: $30,037
1-Year ROI: 888%

UACCR offers a welding program with a solid ROI and low tuition costs. While the median earnings are lower than some other programs, the affordable education still makes this a great choice for aspiring welders in the region.

14. Southern Arkansas University Tech

Type: Public
Location: Camden, AR
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $4,519
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,519
Median Earnings: $36,376
1-Year ROI: 805%

SAU Tech offers a high-quality welding program with competitive post-graduation earnings. The flat tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students makes it an appealing option for students seeking an affordable and reliable education in welding.

How to Become a Welder in Arkansas

Becoming a welder in Arkansas 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 Arkansas.

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 Arkansas. 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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas

Once you’ve gained the necessary skills and certifications, you can begin applying for welding jobs in Arkansas. 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 Arkansas

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

Low: $33,500.00
Average: $43,000.00
High: $56,000.00

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 Arkansas is , 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 Arkansas?

Attending welding school in Arkansas 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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas, 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.