As a welder, you will spend most of your workday joining metals using a variety of techniques and processes.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders in Colorado earn $56,670 on average, as of May 2023.
Before being ready to start your welding career, the first step is to get your high school diploma or equivalent and then complete technical and on-the-job training that teaches you the skills needed for this profession.
Programs are also available for high school students who want to learn welding skills and earn dual credit.
To help you choose the format that best fits your learning style, budget, and career aspirations, on this page, we have compiled information about the best welding schools in your state.
During their training, students typically learn about:
- Materials used in welding and their application
- Welding Symbols
- Bevel two pieces of metal properly for a welding application
- Types of welding joints performed in pipe welding
- Welding Processes
- Welding Safety
- And more
Most programs teach the following processes:
- SMAW/Stick
- GTAW/TIG
- GMAW/MIG
- FCAW/Dual Shield
Program duration varies between a few months and a few years, depending on the school and the format you choose.
We invite you to read our list and choose wisely.
#1Lincoln Tech
About the School
Lincoln Tech has been a leading provider of technical skills training since 1946.
It offers programs for students who want to start careers in automotive, skilled trades, healthcare, and information technology.
The school provides trade and vocational programs at Lincoln Tech Denver.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- Automotive Technology
- Collision Repair and Refinishing
- Diesel Technology
- Electrical/Electronics
- HVAC
- Welding Technology
The welding school training highlights include:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Flux Core Arc Welding
- Metal fabrication techniques
- Welding plate metal, carbon steel plates, aluminum, and stainless steel
- Welding in horizontal, vertical, and overhead settings
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 11194 E. 45th Avenue, Denver, CO 80239
- Phone: (303) 722-5724
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
#2Emily Griffith Technical College
About the School
Emily Griffith Technical College offers the following career and technical education programs:
- Automotive Service
- Cosmetology
- HVAC
- Medical Assisting
- Welding I and II
- And more
The Welding I program costs approximately $13,000 but is eligible for financial aid.
Full-time students graduate in eight months while part-time students graduate in 18 months.
The program is available at the Branch Campus.
The Welding I program gives students hands-on experience in key welding processes, including gas metal arc welding, thermal cutting processes, shielded metal arc welding, flux cored arc welding, and more.
46 of the credits will transfer to Front Range Community College towards an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Safety for Welders
- Allied Cutting Processes
- Flux Cored Arc Welding
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Basic Shielded Metal Arc
- Structural Welding
- Intro to CNC Plasma Table
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1860 Lincoln St., Denver, CO 80203
- Phone: 720-423-4700
- Website: https://www.emilygriffith.edu
#3Colorado Mesa University
About the School
Colorado Mesa University offers a Welding Technology program and degree options.
All welding courses are modeled after the American Welding Society’s criteria for training entry-level welders.
This ensures that graduates leave school with the skills and knowledge used by manufacturers nationwide and that they are prepared for entry-level employment.
Students have access to:
- State-of-the-art simulators in the virtual welding lab
- Robotic welding educational cells from Lincoln Electric and FANUC Robotics
- Fully-equipped fabrication and layout lab
- Cutting tables, track torches, and gas welding booths
- Classrooms with digital interactive projectors
- Knowledgeable faculty
The following degree options are available:
- Welding Technology- Associate of Applied Science
- Basic Welder- Technical Certificate
- Welding Technology- Technical Certificate
The Welding Technology certificate provides training and the opportunity to become proficient at SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, OAC, PAC, blueprint reading, fabrication, layout, mathematics, and safety.
Contact Information
- Address: 2508 Blichmann Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81505
- Phone: 970.255.2600
- Website: https://www.coloradomesa.edu
#4Front Range Community College
About the School
Front Range Community College offers a Welding Technology program that provides students with the skills as well as the personal attention and support to complete their education and start their career.
The college offers an Associate of Applied Science in welding as well as a variety of specialized certificates at its Larimer campus.
An AAS in Welding, as well as the following certificate options, are available:
- Automated Welding and Cutting
- Metal Fabrication
- Comprehensive Welding
- Creative Metalworking
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
- Oxyacetylene Welding
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Welding Fundamentals
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2190 Miller Drive, Longmont, CO 80501
- Phone: 303-678-3722
- Website: https://www.frontrange.edu
#5Kilroy's Workshop
Kilroy’s Workshop offers metalworking classes for students with busy schedules.
Classes are available at the following campuses: Colorado Springs, Littleton, and McKinney.
Courses Offered
The following classes are available in Littleton:
- Blacksmithing Foundations
- Copper Rose
- MIG/GMAW Welding
- And more
The MIG/GMAW Welding class can be completed in one day and includes three hours of training.
This is a beginner/intermediate course that meets students right where they are at.
This class costs $99.
Contact Information
- Address: 7363 McClain Point, #110, Colorado Springs, CO 80915
- Phone: (719)257-3012
- Website: https://kilroysworkshop.com
#6The Mill National Training Center
About the School
The Mill National Training Center offers a manufacturing industry learning lab that houses a cabinet manufacturing, careers in construction, and welding technology programs for high school students.
Students are trained in using the industry’s most sophisticated machines, tools, and technology.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the center:
- Cabinet Manufacturing
- Careers in Construction
- Welding Technology
The Welding Technology program gives students the opportunity to gain valuable skills that can be used in the welding industry.
Students learn the basics of oxy-acetylene welding and torch cutting.
The program also includes:
- Wire feed/MIG welding and plasma cutting
- OSHA-10 Safety Certification
- The opportunity to participate in regional, state, and national SkillsUSA competitions
Contact Information
- Address: 4450 Foreign Trade Zone Blvd, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925
- Phone: 719-391-3595
- Website: https://mill.wsd3.org
#7Pickens Technical College
About the School
Pickens Technical College offers a Welding program designed to provide entry-level skills in welding.
Students receive training in oxyacetylene, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc and gas tungsten arc welding, flux-cored arc welding, and blueprint reading.
Modern tools and equipment are used during the program.
Students take the American Welding Society Plate Certification test to determine welding competence.
In total, the program costs approximately $6,500 plus tax.
Courses cover the following skills:
- Performing a number of different welding techniques
- Reading blueprints
- Measuring dimensions of completed products
- Selecting production equipment
- Adjusting production equipment
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 500 Airport Blvd, Aurora, CO 80011
- Phone: 303-344-4910
- Website: https://www.pickenstech.org
#8Pikes Peak State College
About the School
Pikes Peak State College offers a Welding program that teaches the fundamental welding techniques and gives students the opportunity to explore both industrial and creative applications through hands-on training.
The welding program offers real-world experience with local internships, helping students learn the crucial skills that employers need.
Courses Offered
Welding students at Pike Peak:
- Understand and apply essential welding safety practices
- Read and interpret industry-standard blueprints
- Master basic and advanced welding techniques
- Work with various metals and welding processes
- Learn ornamental ironwork and fabrication skills
- And more
The following degree options are available:
- Welding, Associate of Applied Science
- Basic Welding Certificate
- Gas Metal Arc Welding Certificate
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Certificate
- Pipe Welding Certificate
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding Certificate
Contact Information
- Address: 5675 S. Academy Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80906
- Phone: 719-502-2000
- Website: https://www.pikespeak.edu
#9Red Rocks Community College
About the School
Red Rocks Community College offers a Welding program designed to develop the skills needed for entry-level employment in the industry.
Students may earn entry-level welder certification from the American Welding Society upon completion of the program.
The program is available at the Lakewood campus.
Courses Offered
The following degrees and certificates are available:
- Welding AAS- a 64-credit program
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding- Certificate- 8-credit program
- Ox-Fuel Welding and Cutting Certificate- 9-credit program
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Certificate- 8-credit program
- Gas Metal Arc Welding Certificate- 8-credit program
- Flux Core Arc Welding Certificate- 8-credit program
Contact Information
- Address: 13300 W. 6th Ave. Lakewood, CO
- Phone: 303.914.6600
- Website: https://www.rrcc.edu
#10Northeastern Junior College
About the School
Northeastern Junior College is located in Sterling and combines the benefits of big-school amenities with the affordability of a small-school experience.
The college’s mission is to provide a strong foundation of knowledge, advancing skills to foster excellence in every student, and to prepare them for educational transfer or successful entry into the workforce.
Courses Offered
The following welding-related courses are available at the college:
- Fabrication Welder
- FCAW Welder
- GMAW Welder
- GTAW Welder
- Welder Helper
- Welding Technician
- Welding Engineer
- And more
The Welding Technology program leads to an Associate of Applied Science after earning 61 credits.
The Welding Fabricator Certificate requires 29 credits and includes the following program requirements:
- Safety for Welders
- Blueprint Read- Welders/Fitters
- Oxyfuel and Plasma Cutting
- Oxyacetylene Welding
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 100 College Avenue, Sterling, Colorado 80751
- Phone: 800-626-4637
- Website: https://www.njc.edu
Schools Summary Table
Welding Average Salary in Colorado
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
N/A
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
N/A
|
Final Thoughts
As a welder, you will spend most of your workday joining pieces of metal together using a variety of welding techniques.
The schools included in our list are designed to equip you with the skills needed for this profession.
After reading our list, we invite you to apply for the program that best meets your learning style and career aspirations.
