There are still many high-level welders needed for jobs covering manufacturing, construction and both the infrastructure and energy sectors. By studying at a leading trade school or by joining an apprenticeship, future welders can make a good living. Often, the USA does things differently, so consider the below information as covering entry apprenticeships, average (or journeyman) plumbing and advanced (supervisory) roles. In this article, we look at welding trade schools in America for 2025, outline current apprenticeships and talk about average welder apprentice salary.

Level 2 Welding Apprenticeship Programs

  • Description: These programs build upon foundational welding knowledge, often focusing on more advanced techniques and processes. Apprentices gain practical experience in various welding methods and begin to tackle more complex projects.
  • Duration: Usually, these kinds of programs take several months or greater than a year to finish, depending on the coursework and any new modules the apprenticeship involves. Similarly, some Level 2 Certificates allow students to prepare for further school or advance their careers in 1.5 years by gaining 42 credits.
  • Cost: The cost of your service will vary depending on the location. At various places, you would have to pay $84 per credit hour for a Level 2 certificate. Students in a 42-credit program may be charged a tuition and fee bill of $3000 to $5000.
  • Credits: Around this stage, programs generally offer students credits amounting to 30-60 units in preparation for further study.

Top Program Providers:

Palo Alto College – San Antonio, TX

  • Program: Welding Technology, Level 2 Certificate 
  • Credits: Total Credit Hours Required is 45 
  • Cost: Not specified 
  • Description: The program prepares individuals for work in manufacturing shops, steel construction projects, shipbuilding, oil field activities and ranch welding. Through working with industrial welding equipment, students learn a lot of skills.
  • Website:  Palo Alto College 

2. Collin College – McKinney, TX

  • Program: Welding Technology Certification, Level 2 Certificate
  • Credits: Total Credit Hours Required is 45
  • Cost: For Texas residents within Collin County, the tuition is $65.00 per credit hour, with an additional $2.00 student activity fee, totaling $67.00 per credit hour. For a 44-credit program, the estimated tuition cost would be approximately $2,948. Financial Aid is available
  • Description: The college has a Level 2 certificate that proves you can work in specific fields such as GTAW Welding, SMAW Welding, Welding Fabrication and Welding Technology.
  • Website:  Collin College

Level 3 Welding Apprenticeship Programmes

  • Description: Now, apprentices begin to use different welding ways, welding pipes, various structures and unique metals. They gain greater accuracy and learn to solve tough problems since they take part in difficult projects. Advanced methods in metallurgy, blueprint reading and quality control play important roles in what is taught in class.
  • Duration: Generally, they feature a lot of classroom learning and require students to complete hundreds of hours of work experience. For each level of training, students need between 5 and 17 weeks in the classroom. No matter the learning style, a Level 3 student could require a little more time to complete their course.
  • Cost: There is no set cost. The average amount you can expect to pay is $5000 or over.
  • Credits: You may collect many credits during this time which can help you move closer to advanced certificates or associate degrees.

Top Programme Providers:

Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) – Detroit, MI

  • Program: Welding Technology: Specialized Welding – Level 3
  • Credits: 28 credits are required for the course.
  • Cost: Not specified
  • Description: The short-term certificate program centers on teaching welding skills. 
  • Website:  WCCCD

2. Anvil Welding Instruction – Washington State

  • Program: Level 3 – Pipe Welding
  • Duration: There are 8 weeks in the course (which is 256 hours).
  • Cost: $7,200 (tools extra)
  • Description: The focus of this course is to help experienced welders develop the abilities required to become 6G pipe welders. The course includes one AWS or FCAW welding qualification test with WABO.
  • Website:  Anvil Welding Instruction

Level 4 Welding Apprenticeship Programmes

  • Description: At Level 4, apprentices are almost ready to be called journey-level, since they know complex welding skills and often direct others. It is important that welders can inspect the job, solve problems and comply with a wide range of complex standards. Many people use this level to help them qualify for Red Seal certification or related high-level industry certificates.
  • Duration: At this level, training takes place both on the job and in class, following the same aim of reaching total competency. You must finish all apprenticeship levels (usually four) before you take the comprehensive certification exams.
  • Cost: Costs for this level are generally the same as or higher than Level 3, since they include tuition, fees and certification test expenses. You may receive assistance with paying for your studies.
  • Credits: Generally, credits at this stage lead to an Associate of Applied Science degree and also show an individual is ready for more advanced credentials from groups like the American Welding Society (AWS) or American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) certifications.

Top Programme Providers:

1. College of Southern Nevada (CSN) – Las Vegas, NV

  • Program: Welding Technology: Advanced Level Welder, AAS
  • Duration: Approximately 3–4 years
  • Credits: 60 credits
  • Cost: Financial Aid is available
  • Description: The Associate of Applied Science program teaches students everything they need to find success in the welding field. The course includes more instruction on welding inspection, testing, code for welding, methods for fabrication and layout and the chance for students to take additional classes.
  • Website:  College of Southern Nevada (CSN)

Online Welding Courses

American Welding Society (AWS) Online Courses

  • A selection of AWS online courses is available.:
    • Welding Fundamentals Series.
    • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) preparatory courses.
    • Welding Procedure and Qualification.
    • Mobile-friendly platform.
  • Cost: Starting cost: $250 per course.
  • Description: The AWS Welding Fundamentals Course covers the fundamental ideas that are essential for welding. Topics that participants will cover include the basic science of welding, practical training, welding terminology, weld design, safety requirements, electrical theory, metal weldability and how to measure welding quality.
    • There are comprehensive learning routes and users can obtain certificates.
    • Introduces students to the concepts they will need for AWS certifications.
  • Website: AWS

Additional Information

  • The USA does not follow the strict structure seen in Europe, but the descriptions mostly relate to level 1 (beginner apprentice), level 2 (intermediate journeyman) and level 4 and 4 (supervisory or advanced).
  • Unions or employers will often pay for an apprentice’s most significant costs in the USA. Payments by apprentices are mostly for their own equipment, a little for basic materials and sometimes for a part of class fees.
  • Sometimes, earning classroom credits at community colleges or trade schools for plumbing partnered with apprenticeship sponsors can be used toward associate degrees.

General Entry Requirements for Welding Apprenticeship in the USA

Level 2 Welding Apprenticeship

  Age Requirement:

  • You need to be at least 18.

Educational Qualifications:

  • Either a high school diploma or GED is required.
  • A student should be able to read and perform basic arithmetic.

Physical Requirements:

  • The capacity to raise objects that weigh up to 50 pounds.
  • Physical stamina and manual dexterity.

Experience/Training:

  • Welder students don’t have to have any training before this type of work.
  • Learning safety guidelines could be worthwhile.

Other Requirements:

  • Having a valid driver’s licence can be necessary to get some jobs.
  • Being able to pass both a drug screening and a background check

Level 3 Welding Apprenticeship

Completion of Level 2 or Equivalent Experience:

  • You need to finish Level 2 welding apprenticeship or have identical experience in your field, usually 1-2 years.

Educational Qualifications:

  • You must have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Being able to use math, interpret blueprints and know what materials are needed.

Technical Skills:

    • Should know the basics of using MIG, TIG and stick welding.
    • Being able to follow and use welding safety rules.

Certification:

  • Some programs may require an entry-level welding certification (e.g., AWS Certified Welder).

Physical Requirements:

  • Advanced stamina for longer welding sessions.
  • Working with welding tools with great attention.

Other Requirements:

  • Depending on you, your hours and access to reliable transportation.
  • The skill to finish advanced safety training and successfully pass testing. 

Level 4 Welding Apprenticeship

Completion of Level 3 or Extensive Experience:

  • You are eligible if you have either finished a Level 3 apprenticeship or gained at least 3-5 years of professional welding experience.

Educational Qualifications:

  • You will need either a high school diploma or a GED.
  • Advanced coursework or certifications in welding engineering or metallurgy may be an advantage.

Technical Skills:

  • Candidates should be familiar with several welding methods (e.g., pipe welding, structural welding).
  • Proficiency in advanced blueprint reading, welding codes, and quality assurance standards.

Certification:

  • Minimum certifications are required; however, advanced certifications may also be needed.
    • Certificate of Welding Inspector (CWI)
    • ASME or API welding certifications.

Physica Requirements:

  • Ability to work in challenging environments (e.g., high altitudes, confined spaces).
  • Exceptional hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.

Other Requirements:

  • Leadership skills, as Level 4 often involves supervising junior welders.
  • Strong communication skills for reporting and coordinating with teams.

The Earning Potential: Welder Apprentice Salary in 2025

It is very important for those considering welding to understand how much the welder apprentice salary is. At the moment, according to data from 2025, an average welder apprentice salary in the US is $24.52 an hour. Overall, people in this field earn about $51,000 each year.

These numbers could be quite different depending on where you are, your background and which industry you are in. Average welder apprentice salary can be around $19.58 to $20 per hour . The range starts at $16.35 per hour, and rises to $22.12 – $26.92 at the 75th percentile, while highest earners earn as much as $25+ per hour or $53,500+ each year. Apprentices in Mineral, VA ($59,197), Surry, VA ($58,580) and Two Rivers, WI ($54,960) generally earn more than average. Also, people who choose pipe welding or become inspectors can expect greater earnings. For more details regarding Welder Salaries in USA, go to Welder Salary Average Insights 2025

In 2025, signing up for welding trade classes and getting hands-on training through apprenticeships leads to a truly rewarding and stable career. Because of the high demand for skilled welders in many industries, these programs ensure you learn the skills and earn the credentials to rise in your field. Appropriate training has a major effect on your career progress and what you are capable of earning as a welder, no matter if you’re just starting or already skilled. Those wishing to earn more should first focus on an extensive welder apprentice program.