Welding Classes in California (Top Schools)

Californians who like working with their hands might find welding an ideal occupation.

Welders have many employment options in California and get paid well too.

We prepared a list of the best welding schools in California if this is something you see yourself doing but don’t really know where to start.

Becoming a Certified Welder in California

To become a welder you need to attend a training school what was approved by the American Welding Society (AWS) and obtain their diploma.

The training has 2 parts: theoretical notions and practice.

When the training ends you must pass a test that is usually organized at the school you attended.

The official AWS website has more information about these tests in which you must prove your proficiency in welding.

How Long Is The Training?

Nobody really wants to start a class without knowing for how long it lasts.

There’s no standard period of time for a welder’s training, though it’s sure to last less than 24 months.

California’s Welding Schools

In this section, you’ll find all the locations approved to offer training for welders along with some additional information.

Common Classes

You should know that it’s possible for the programs to have slight differences.

However, these classes are the most common:

• MIG
• TIG
• STICK

Requirements

Most welding schools expect their future students to have a high school or a GED diploma.

Rarely, those who finished just 10th grade are also accepted, and these pupils have the possibility of finishing high school at the same time.

Best Schools in Northern California

Our list of Californian welding schools is pretty long, so if you want a list of schools found in the Northen part of the state, we have that too.

Top 5 welding schools in Northern California:

1. Cal-Trade Welding School in Modesto, California.
2. Allied Welding School in Richmond.
3. GK Welding School, in Richmond.
4. Cal Weld in Freemont.
5. Sierra College.

Best Schools in Southern California

We also prepared a list of the best schools in Southern California, if you prefer this region.

Top 4 schools in Southern California:

1. John Lopez Welding School in Bakersfield.
2. Welding Skills Test and Training Center in Rancho Cucamonga.
3. Elite Welding Academy in Southern California.
4. Precision Welding & Fabrication, Inc.

Here is the complete list of welding schools across the state:

Popular Program: Underwater Welding in California

Those who want to work as underwater welders have few training options across the country.

California has only 2 such schools:

Santa Barbara City College

There are 2 degrees available at this college, and you can get both if you really want to:

• Associate in Science Degree
• Certificate in Marine Technology

Both of these programs are perfect for those who like diving and want a career in welding

National University Polytechnic Institute

Here, there are 2 programs you can get enrolled in:

• Diving medical technician
• Non-destructive tester

Salary for a Welder in California

There are many employment opportunities for welders in California and their salary is good too.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects there will be an increased demand for welders at least until 2026.

It’s predicted there will be some 22,500 new job offers for these professionals, by that year.

The median salary for a welder in California is $44,159 per year.

This is higher than the $39,533 median national salary for a welder, per year.

Additionally, the top 10% welders earn around $45,418 per year, whereas the same segment of welders in California can earn around $50,731 annually.

Regional Salary

Safety Tips

Being a welder can be dangerous, therefore it’s important to pay attention to your safety and that of those around.

Here are some tips:

• Learn how each tool works by reading its instructions booklet.
• Buy quality equipment if you want it to last and do its job properly, no matter it’s gloves, helmet, shoes or face protecting gear.
• Make sure your eyes and skin are well protected.
• To avoid accidents, make sure the space you work in or store your tools, is always clean and tidy.

Final Thoughts

Welding is a rewarding career with many employment possibilities and very easy to get into in California, thanks to the many schools offering such training.

It’s time you decide if you want to become a welder and enroll!

Good luck!

Welding Schools by City

• Bakersfield2 Schools
• Fresno2 Schools
• Los Angeles10 Schools
• Oakland5 Schools
• Riverside7 Schools
• Sacramento3 Schools
• San Diego2 Schools
• San Francisco6 Schools
• San Jose5 Schools

This page is also available in Spanish.