Featured Programs and Schools
Texas is one of the top states with the highest employment growth for welders, projected to be 13% between 2018 – 2028 according to and O*Net Online. To start working as a welder in Texas, it is important to be certified by the American Welding Society (AWS). What makes welding an easier career choice is that it doesn’t require any formal degree to enter the industry. The basic requirement is certification which can be obtained by enrolling in any accredited institution that has designed its curriculum according to AWS standards. AWS plays a vital role in uniting welders and industry, maintaining high standards and safety protocols.
Some of the certification programs designed by AWS are
- Certified Welder (CW)
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- Senior Welding Inspector (SCWI)
- Certified Welding Educator (CWE)
- Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS)
All certifications are performance based and do not require any previous education.
Top Welding Schools and Colleges in Texas
Anyone who is looking to set himself apart from peers in the field of welding must opt for basic as well as advanced certifications. By enrolling in an accredited certification program, welders are proving to their employers that they have been through rigorous training and assessment processes. The entire course and training is designed by AWS Qualification and Certification Committee. If you’re starting a career as welder in Texas and want to explore exciting opportunities in future, then search for the best welding schools in the state. We have shortlisted some recognized colleges for you to get you started.
| College Name | Location | Degree/Program | Credit Hours/Duration | Areas of Study |
| 1-Alamo Colleges District St. Philip’s College | San Antonio. Texas | Welder/Welding Technologist, A.A.S. Inert Gas GTAW/GMAW Welder (MSGW) Level 1 Certificate Structural/Pipe Layout Level 1 Certificate Entry-Level Welder, Level 1 Certificate | Minimum 60 credits (AAS) 27 credit hours for certification | Welding Processes and skills on industrial welding equipment. Introduction to layout and fabrication |
| 2-Texas State Technical College | Multiple Campuses in Texas | Welding Technology (Associate in Applied Science) Structural Welding Certificate Structural and Pipe Welding Certificate | 16 months (AAS) Minimum 12 to 16 months certification | Welding Processes and fundamentals. Welding techniques, blue print reading and welding automation |
| 3-San Jacinto Community College | Houston, Texas | Welding Technology (Associate in Applied Science) Welding Certificates | Minimum 60 credits (AAS) 16 to 42 credit hours | Industrial Welder Welding Technology, Art-Welding, Combination Welder |
| 4-Arclabs Welding School | Houston, Texas | Master Welder Program Advanced Welding Program Structural Welding Program Specific Process Welding Program | 13,00 Hours 900 Hours 400 Hours 280 Hours | All Four Welding Processes with special focus on stainless steel and aluminum. Pipe welding. SMAW, FCAW, and GMAW training |
| 5-Lone Star College | Houston, Texas | Welding Technology (Associate in Applied Science) Welding Certificates Pipefitting III NCCER Certificate | 2 years program 320 credit hours 150 credit hours | Advanced Pipefitting Standards & Installation. Welding Fundamentals. Welding Technology Specialization. |
How Much Do Welders Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in Texas was $46,140 per year and $22.18 per hour. Employment opportunities in the industry are expected to grow as fast as the average rate at 6% at a national level. This will result in a new addition of 22,500 jobs in the industry by 2026.
Welding School Prerequisites
The first step to becoming a welder is to get your high school diploma or an equivalent degree. If you are an adult without a high school diploma and are interested in becoming a welder then you should get a GED instead. During your program, you should cultivate a background in mathematics, and shop classes. This will help you further your career as a welder.
The next step is to choose the right training program. To become a welder, you must at least have a post secondary non degree award. After high school, you should be searching for accredited welding schools near you so you can get started with training as soon as possible. Listed below are some colleges in Texas that offer welding programs:
- Lincoln Tech
- South Texas Vocational Technical Institute
- Southern Careers Institute
As a welder, you will often be working on construction sites, and fixing bridges and roads, etc. To ensure the safety of the public, you will have to get certified before you can start your career as a welder. In Texas, The Texas Department of Transportation regulates welders in the state.
Application Process and Cost of Attendance
The application process for welding schools is quite simple – you submit an application online, and based on your high school grades, letters of reference, and general application, you will either be accepted or rejected. When applying to welding schools, it is a good idea to apply to multiple schools and work hard on your application.
If you are concerned about the costs of a welding program, the best option for you is a community college or a vocational school. If you opt for a private school, you will likely have to pay higher amounts for your education. After completing your education and getting your welding license, you will also have to get it renewed. The American Welding Society will aid welders with this process.
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