Welding is a skill that’s in high demand, and whether you’re in Virginia or any other part of the U.S., getting hands-on training at a reputable school can make all the difference. Virginia 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 Virginia
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. Northern Virginia Community College
Type: Public
Location: Annandale, VA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $5,565
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,648
Median Earnings: $53,557
1-Year ROI: 962%
Northern Virginia Community College offers the highest ROI among Virginia welding programs. With competitive tuition and strong median earnings post-graduation, this program provides an excellent return on investment for students pursuing a career in precision metalworking.
2. Brightpoint Community College
Type: Public
Location: Chester, VA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $4,800
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,803
Median Earnings: $41,223
1-Year ROI: 859%
Brightpoint Community College offers a well-rounded welding program, combining affordable tuition with strong post-graduation earnings. This program is a great option for students seeking to enter the precision metalworking industry with a solid ROI.
3. New River Community College
Type: Public
Location: Dublin, VA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $4,697
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,699
Median Earnings: $40,025
1-Year ROI: 852%
New River Community College offers a strong return on investment for students pursuing either a certificate or an associate degree in precision metalworking. The affordable tuition and solid post-graduation earnings make it an attractive option for aspiring welders.
4. J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Type: Public
Location: Richmond, VA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $4,998
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,001
Median Earnings: $39,529
1-Year ROI: 791%
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College provides students with an affordable path into the welding industry. With competitive tuition and reasonable post-graduation earnings, the program offers a solid return on investment for students pursuing a certificate in precision metalworking.
5. Virginia Peninsula Community College
Type: Public
Location: Hampton, VA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $4,806
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,809
Median Earnings: $37,996
1-Year ROI: 791%
Virginia Peninsula Community College offers a good balance between affordable tuition and post-graduation earnings, making it a viable choice for students interested in a career in welding.
6. Paul D. Camp Community College
Type: Public
Location: Franklin, VA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $4,730
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,733
Median Earnings: $36,031
1-Year ROI: 762%
Paul D. Camp Community College provides students with an affordable welding program, offering a solid return on investment for those looking to enter the precision metalworking field.
7. Virginia Western Community College
Type: Public
Location: Roanoke, VA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $5,103
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,106
Median Earnings: $38,787
1-Year ROI: 760%
Virginia Western Community College offers a comprehensive welding program that prepares students for the workforce, combining reasonable tuition rates with solid post-graduation earnings.
8. Central Virginia Community College
Type: Public
Location: Lynchburg, VA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $4,853
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,856
Median Earnings: $36,627
1-Year ROI: 755%
Central Virginia Community College provides students with a cost-effective option for entering the welding field, with good post-graduation earnings and a solid ROI for students pursuing a certificate in precision metalworking.
9. Wytheville Community College
Type: Public
Location: Wytheville, VA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $4,725
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,728
Median Earnings: $34,303
1-Year ROI: 726%
Wytheville Community College offers a solid return on investment for students pursuing a certificate or associate degree in welding. With affordable tuition and reasonable post-graduation earnings, it’s a great choice for those seeking a career in precision metalworking.
10. Mountain Gateway Community College
Type: Public
Location: Clifton Forge, VA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $4,740
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,743
Median Earnings: $34,293
1-Year ROI: 723%
Mountain Gateway Community College provides students with an affordable option for entering the welding field. With competitive tuition and solid earnings after graduation, the program offers a strong ROI for students pursuing a certificate in precision metalworking.
11. Southwest Virginia Community College
Type: Public
Location: Cedar Bluff, VA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $4,733
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,736
Median Earnings: $34,221
1-Year ROI: 723%
Southwest Virginia Community College offers a flexible and affordable welding program, providing students with the skills they need to succeed in precision metalworking. The program offers a strong return on investment with competitive tuition rates.
12. Patrick & Henry Community College
Type: Public
Location: Martinsville, VA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $4,720
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,723
Median Earnings: $33,323
1-Year ROI: 706%
Patrick & Henry Community College offers a solid welding program at an affordable price. Students benefit from reasonable tuition and decent post-graduation earnings, making it a viable option for those looking to enter the welding industry.
13. Virginia Highlands Community College
Type: Public
Location: Abingdon, VA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, Associate’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $4,725
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,728
Median Earnings: $32,681
1-Year ROI: 692%
Virginia Highlands Community College provides students with a flexible welding program offering both certificate and associate degree options. The program’s affordable tuition and competitive earnings ensure a solid return on investment for students pursuing careers in welding.
14. Mountain Empire Community College
Type: Public
Location: Big Stone Gap, VA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $4,725
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,728
Median Earnings: $32,622
1-Year ROI: 690%
Mountain Empire Community College offers an affordable certificate program in precision metalworking. The combination of reasonable tuition and decent earnings after graduation makes this a strong choice for students looking to enter the welding industry.
15. Tidewater Community College
Type: Public
Location: Norfolk, VA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $5,561
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,564
Median Earnings: $38,349
1-Year ROI: 690%
Tidewater Community College provides students with a competitive welding program at an affordable cost. With good post-graduation earnings, the program ensures a solid return on investment for students seeking a career in precision metalworking.
16. Southside Virginia Community College
Type: Public
Location: Alberta, VA
Degree Offered: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
In-State Tuition: $4,695
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,698
Median Earnings: $32,371
1-Year ROI: 689%
Southside Virginia Community College offers a solid welding program with competitive tuition and decent post-graduation earnings. The program provides students with an affordable entry into the welding field, ensuring a reasonable ROI.
How to Become a Welder in Virginia
Becoming a welder in Virginia 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 Virginia.
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 Virginia. 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 Virginia 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 Virginia
Once you’ve gained the necessary skills and certifications, you can begin applying for welding jobs in Virginia. 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 Virginia
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the low, average, and high welding salaries for Virginia are:
- Low: $34,000.00
- Average: $47,000.00
- High: $62,000.00
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 Virginia is $47,000, 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 Virginia?
Attending welding school in Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia, 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.
