Welding is a skill that’s in high demand, and whether you’re in New Mexico or any other part of the U.S., getting hands-on training at a reputable school can make all the difference. New Mexico 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 Mexico
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. Southeast New Mexico College
Type: Public
Location: Carlsbad, NM
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $1,176
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,008
Median Earnings: $39,067
1-Year ROI: 3,322%
Southeast New Mexico College offers the highest ROI among New Mexico welding programs. With extremely low in-state tuition and strong post-graduation earnings, students in both certificate and associate degree programs benefit from exceptional value, making it a top choice for those looking to maximize their return on investment in precision metalworking.
2. Luna Community College
Type: Public
Location: Las Vegas, NM
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $1,130
Out-of-State Tuition: $2,882
Median Earnings: $32,461
1-Year ROI: 2,873%
Luna Community College offers one of the best ROIs in New Mexico for students pursuing a certificate in precision metalworking. The combination of very affordable tuition and competitive median earnings after graduation makes this program a great choice for aspiring welders looking for an efficient path into the workforce.
3. Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Branch Community College
Type: Public
Location: Ruidoso, NM
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $1,372
Out-of-State Tuition: $2,644
Median Earnings: $38,550
1-Year ROI: 2,810%
Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso offers a strong ROI for students seeking a certificate in precision metalworking. With low tuition costs and solid post-graduation earnings, the program provides a high-value education in welding, ensuring students are well-prepared for careers in the field.
4. University of New Mexico-Valencia County Campus
Type: Public
Location: Los Lunas, NM
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $1,878
Out-of-State Tuition: $5,130
Median Earnings: $44,792
1-Year ROI: 2,385%
The University of New Mexico-Valencia County Campus offers students a high ROI in its precision metalworking certificate program. With solid earnings after graduation and affordable tuition, this program is a great fit for students looking to gain the skills needed for a successful welding career.
5. New Mexico Junior College
Type: Public
Location: Hobbs, NM
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $1,440
Out-of-State Tuition: $2,280
Median Earnings: $34,233
1-Year ROI: 2,377%
New Mexico Junior College offers strong earnings potential and affordable tuition for students seeking either a certificate or an associate degree in precision metalworking. With a high ROI, the program is an attractive option for those looking to build a career in welding technology.
6. Clovis Community College
Type: Public
Location: Clovis, NM
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $1,472
Out-of-State Tuition: $3,224
Median Earnings: $34,020
1-Year ROI: 2,311%
Clovis Community College provides students with an affordable path to a career in precision metalworking. Offering both certificate and associate degree options, this program ensures strong post-graduation earnings and a good return on investment for aspiring welders.
7. San Juan College
Type: Public
Location: Farmington, NM
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $1,714
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,882
Median Earnings: $36,513
1-Year ROI: 2,130%
San Juan College offers a competitive ROI for students pursuing a certificate or associate degree in precision metalworking. With affordable tuition and solid median earnings, this program is a strong choice for students looking for a cost-effective entry into the welding field.
8. New Mexico State University-Dona Ana
Type: Public
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $1,842
Out-of-State Tuition: $5,880
Median Earnings: $39,067
1-Year ROI: 2,121%
New Mexico State University-Dona Ana offers solid post-graduation earnings and a good ROI for students in precision metalworking programs. With both certificate and associate degree options, this program provides students with the skills they need for a successful career in welding.
9. Central New Mexico Community College
Type: Public
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $1,858
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,978
Median Earnings: $36,869
1-Year ROI: 1,984%
Central New Mexico Community College provides a cost-effective path into the welding industry. With a range of precision metalworking programs and solid post-graduation earnings, this program offers students a good balance of affordability and career preparation.
10. New Mexico State University-Alamogordo
Type: Public
Location: Alamogordo, NM
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $2,136
Out-of-State Tuition: $5,592
Median Earnings: $39,067
1-Year ROI: 1,829%
New Mexico State University-Alamogordo offers students an affordable education in precision metalworking, with solid post-graduation earnings. The program provides a competitive return on investment for those looking to enter the welding industry with a certificate in hand.
11. New Mexico State University-Grants
Type: Public
Location: Grants, NM
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $2,136
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,272
Median Earnings: $39,067
1-Year ROI: 1,829%
New Mexico State University-Grants offers a good ROI for students seeking to enter the welding field. With both certificate and associate degree programs available, students can expect strong earnings post-graduation and a solid return on their educational investment.
12. Santa Fe Community College
Type: Public
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $2,145
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,995
Median Earnings: $38,005
1-Year ROI: 1,772%
Santa Fe Community College provides a solid program in precision metalworking, offering both certificate and associate degree paths. With good median earnings and a reasonable tuition rate, the program offers students a solid ROI as they pursue a career in welding technology.
How to Become a Welder in New Mexico
Becoming a welder in New Mexico 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 Mexico.
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 Mexico. 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 Mexico 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 Mexico
Once you’ve gained the necessary skills and certifications, you can begin applying for welding jobs in New Mexico. 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 Mexico
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the low, average, and high welding salaries for New Mexico are:
- Low: $32,000.00
- Average: $44,000.00
- High: $57,000.00
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 Mexico is $44,000, 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 Mexico?
Attending welding school in New Mexico 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 Mexico 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 Mexico 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 Mexico, 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.