The salaries do vary a lot when it comes to welding.
Local welding jobs, for example, might not be paid well.
However, if you are ready to travel or work in hazardous conditions, then you will be able to earn over $100,000 per year!
But you have to find the right welding school first.
Here are a few options to choose from.
Welders annual average salary in California is $44,159 - ABOVE U.S. AVERAGE!
Summit College
About the School
Summit College has three main campuses – in Colton, El Cajon, and Santa Ana.
It was founded in 1991 and since then follows a formula that leads to its students’ success.
The formula brings together personal attention, knowledgeable instructors, free tutoring services, and academic support.
Summit College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training.
Courses Offered
One of the best things about the Welding Program at Summit College is how fast you can be on the path to your future career as a professional welder.
The curriculum teaches you all the real-world skills you’re going to need in the field as an entry-level welder from professionals with years of experience.
You can complete the welding program in as little as 9 months.
Address: 851 S. Cooley Dr Colton, CA 92324
Fullerton College
About the School
Fullerton College is the oldest community college that has been continuously operating in California.
Since its establishment in 1913, Fullerton has become one of the most successful community colleges in the United States.
The main mission of the school is to develop flexible pathways for individuals who seek educational and career growth.
Fullerton College completed a regular evaluation by the Accrediting Commission of Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).
Courses Offered
The Welding Technology Certificate is designed to prepare students to apply a variety of welding processes in the workplace.
The Welding program here at Fullerton College feeds into each of these high demand labor markets.
All full-time faculty are American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspectors.
Lab is registered as a Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety Approved Testing Agency.
Address: 321 E Chapman Avenue Fullerton, CA 92832
Victor Valley College
About the School
Victor Valley College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
The institution uplifts the diverse communities that it teaches and serves by promoting educational excellence.
At Victor Valley College, classes are offered through the traditional semester system, as well as online classes, hybrid classes, and 8-week sessions.
Courses Offered
VVC’s Welding program prepares students to enter welding-related occupations, offers retraining for those seeking a new career, and provides an opportunity for those employed in welding occupations to learn new skills and upgrade themselves in their positions.
This entry level welder program is part of the National Skills Standards Program, which is being enacted across a wide range of industries in the United States.
The program prepares students to pass the welding performance test necessary to acquire a welding license from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety.
The program offers a certificate of achievement in welding, and an associate degree may be obtained upon completion of 20 units of welding course work in addition to general education.
Address: 18422 Bear Valley Rd Victorville, CA 92395
Santa Ana College
About the School
Santa Ana College was founded back in 1915.
It evolved into one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the nation.
Today, the institution serves nearly 30,000 students every semester.
Santa Ana College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Courses Offered
Enroll at Santa Ana’s College Welding Technology program.
Approximately two-thirds of welders are employed in manufacturing plants that produce motor vehicles, ships, boilers, machinery, appliances, and other metal products.
Repair shops or construction companies that build bridges, large buildings, pipelines, and similar metal structures employ most welders.
Welding machine operators work in manufacturing industries.
You may spend your workday inside well-ventilated and well-lit shops and/or factories, outside at a construction site, or in confined spaces, such as in an underground tunnel or a large storage tank that is being built.
Address: 1530 W. 17th Street Santa Ana, CA 92706
San Bernardino Valley College
About the School
San Bernardino Valley College was founded in 1926.
Today, the college serves around 12.000 students every semester.
Its mission is to prepare individuals to transfer to 4-year universities and to enter the workforce.
The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
Courses Offered
The Welding Technology program prepares students for employment in welding occupations and occupations where welding is required.
The program provides students with an understanding of the welding industry’s requirements for employment and helps them to acquire entry-level job skills.
Hands-on experience is emphasized in addition to a strong background in theory.
Courses are held in well-equipped welding labs.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to demonstrate industry accepted welding and fabrication skills including, but not limited to: SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, GTAW, OAW and OFC in all positions with a variety of metals and alloys.
Address: 701 South Mount Vernon Avenue San Bernardino, CA 92410
Center for Employment Training
About the School
Center for Employment Training started back in 1967.
The mission of this economic and community development corporation is to promote human development and education.
It is accredited by the Council of Occupational Education. The center offers job placing assistance to all graduates.
Courses Offered
In the hands-on welding job training program, you’ll get the skills and training you need for a job as a welder.
Practice shop safety, shop math, shop English, and blueprint interpretation.
Learn essential welding theories such as SMAW process, GTAW process, GMAW process, FCAW process, as well as the Oxy-Fuel process.
After getting lectures on the welding processes, you’ll be assigned projects- just like in a real job.
You’ll become familiar with the various tools and equipment such as grinders, cutters and welding machines.
Once you graduate, CET will help you find a job in the welding field.
Address: 1430 Cooley Court San Bernardino, CA 92408
Mt. San Antonio College
About the School
Mt. San Antonio College opened its doors in 1945.
It is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
The institution is one of the largest community colleges in California and has served over a million people since its opening.
Courses Offered
Mt. San Antonio College offers multiple options to enter the exciting world of Welding.
Students can choose between an associates degree in Welding or five certificates that focus on different specialties within welding to prepare to work in the fast paced environment of the industry.
Earning a Certificate takes less time than an Associate Degree, and provides a stepping stone for students to quickly gain skills and knowledge for advancement.
Address: 1100 N Grand Ave Walnut, CA 91789
Welding Schools by City in California
- Bakersfield2 Schools
- Fresno2 Schools
- Los Angeles10 Schools
- Oakland5 Schools
- Riverside7 Schools
- Sacramento3 Schools
- San Diego2 Schools
- San Francisco6 Schools
- San Jose5 Schools