Welding Technology
This curriculum offers practical skills and theory in welding, quality assurance, welding design, robotic welding, CNC plasma cutting, and non-destructive testing, as well as the mathematics and language skills necessary to move into a technical or management career in the welding and fabrication industries.
Graduates have a diverse set of skills and abilities that could prepare them for employment in the natural gas industry. Read more
Program Specs
- Application/Major Code: WA – view in catalog
- School: Industrial & Engineering Technologies
- Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
About the curriculum
Classes
View the classes you will be attending in the College Catalog.
Accreditation & Industry Connections
Certification: American Welding Society (AWS) Test Facility.
After graduation
Continue Education
Graduates of the WA major can continue their education and expand their job skills in the welding industry. The first two years of both the WA and BWE majors share a majority of the same courses, allowing for easy transfer into the four-year BWE degree without loss of credits.
Career Opportunities
List of jobs via the College Catalog.
Earnings
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, for example, median wages of Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders were $16.93 an hour in May 2010. The middle 50 percent earned between $13.38 and $19.62. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $11, and the top 10 percent earned more than $24.01.
Additionally, Natural Gas Distribution welders annual mean wage was $59,230 as of May 2010. (source)
According to our most recent graduate survey the average starting salary for Welding Technology graduates range from approximately $45,000 to $50,000.
Industries with the highest published employment and wages for this occupation are:
| Industry | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing | 6,370 | $16.68 | $34,700 |
| Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing | 4,490 | $16.16 | $33,610 |
| Agriculture, Construction, and Mining Machinery Manufacturing | 3,110 | $18.26 | $37,980 |
| Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 2,010 | $18.40 | $38,260 |
| Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing | 1,840 | $17.48 | $36,350 |
*Statistics reported in May 2010
Transfer Procedures
View general transfer procedures via the College Catalog.
The four-year BWE major provides a unique opportunity for students enrolled in the WA associate's degree major to continue their education and expand job skills in the welding industry. The first two years of both the WA and BWE majors share a majority of the same courses, allowing for easy transfer into the four-year degree without loss of credits.
Tools, Uniforms & Supplies
Tools
Students are advised not to purchase new tools before meeting with faculty on the first day of classes.
Uniform
- Leather work shoes (safety toes optional)
- Safety glasses
- Welding helmet with #10 lens
- Welding goggles with #5 lens
- Leather arm and chest covers (bibs) or leather coat
- Welding gloves (SMAW & GTAW)
Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.
Clubs & Activities
American Welding Society (AWS)
SkillsUSA Champions at Work
The purpose of SkillsUSA, a National vocational student organization, is to compete in more than 80 competitions in a variety of fields. Students can compete in the Welding competition. Regular SkillsUSA activities include chapter meetings, state and national conferences, fund raising, and community and college service.
View the entire student organizations listing or Greek Life listing.
Welding Advisory Committee
Advisory committees, which act as recommending bodies to the faculty and administration, consist of in-field professionals who act as partners in the development of curriculum. Their curricular and equipment advice as well as their industry connections and internship opportunities are invaluable to our students and to the growth of our institution.
