Welcome to our selection of the best welding schools in the state of Illinois.
The institutions included in our list can prepare you for entry-level employment in this field through a combination of classroom and hands-on training.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois welders reportedly earned $50,160 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 complete a combination of technical and on-the-job training.
During your training, students typically learn about:
- Materials used in welding and their application
- Welding symbols
- Types of welding joints performed in pipe welding
- Welding processes
- OSHA-approved safety procedures
- And more
Most programs teach, hands-on, the following processes:
- SMAW
- GTAW
- GMAW
- FCAW
Program duration varies between a few months and a few years, depending on the school and the credential you want to obtain.
We invite you to read our list of the best welding programs in Illinois and choose the format that best meets your needs.
#1Illinois Welding School
About the School
Illinois Welding School is an accredited testing center that administers AWS/ASME code certifications.
Available are two shifts with monthly start dates and intense hands-on personal training.
The school is certified through the Illinois State Board of Higher Education and the Veterans Administration Post 9/11 GI Bill.
AWS and ASME Welding Certifications and courses in structural, pipe welding, and combination welding are also offered at the school.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at the school:
- Structural Welding Specialist
- Pipe Welding Specialist
- Combination Structural/Pipe Welding Specialist
- Continuing Education
- BrushUp/Refresher Welding
- Basic Welding
Program cost ranges from $1,200 to $18,000.
Contact Information
- Address: 1315 Enterprise Dr., Romeoville, IL 60446
- Phone: 630-679-0566
- Website: https://www.ilws.edu
#2Lincoln Tech
About the School
Lincoln Tech offers a welding school in Illinois at Melrose Park.
The campus is located just 20 minutes west of downtown Chicago.
Welding students learn the three most used processes in the industry, which include:
- Shielded Arc Welding
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
The course also teaches Flux Core Arc Welding processes, as well as OSHA-approved safety procedures.
Courses Offered
The Welding and Fabrication Technology with Pipe program leads to a Diploma and includes 960 instructional hours.
Students need approximately 42 weeks.
Core courses include:
- SMAW Welding Procedures
- GMAW Welding Procedures
- FCAW Welding Procedures
- GTAW Welding Procedures
- SMAW Pipe Welding
- GMAW Pipe Welding
- GMAW/GTAW Fabrication Process
Contact Information
- Address: 8317 W. North Avenue, Melrose Park, IL 60160
- Phone: (708) 344-4700
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
#3Southwestern Illinois College
About the School
Southwestern Illinois College offers a Welding Technology program that gives students the opportunity to earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Welding Technology and three stackable certificates:
- Basic Welding
- Advanced Welding Skills
- Advanced Welding Manufacturing
Students may also earn a Bachelor’s Degree by transferring to Southern Illinois University- Carbondale.
They gain extensive hands-on experience and learn about employer relationships in preparation for the job market.
Courses Offered
Among many other skills, welding students learn:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
- Print reading
- Plasma Arc Cutting
- Layout & Fitup
- Oxy-fuel Cutting
- Welding Inspection
Contact Information
- Address: 2500 Carlyle Ave. Belleville, IL 62221
- Phone: 866-942-SWIC (7942)
- Website: https://www.swic.edu
#4Lincoln Land Community College
About the School
Lincoln Land Community College offers a Welding program that helps students develop their skills in current welding processes, including flat and position welding.
Students train in a state-of-the-art facility with the most recent aviation equipment and technology.
They can use the skills learned here to work in industries such as car racing, construction, manufacturing, pipelines, and more.
Courses Offered
The following degrees and certificates are available:
- Basic Multipractice Welding- Certificate of Completion
- Intermediate- Level Welding- Certificate of Completion
- Advanced-Level Welding- Certificate of Completion
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding-Certificate of Completion
In total, the Advanced Level Welding program costs approximately $8,500.
Contact Information
- Address: 5250 Shepherd Rd. Springfield, IL 62703
- Phone: 217-786-2200
- Website: https://www.llcc.edu
#5Illinois Central College
About the School
Illinois Central College offers a Welding Specialist program that leads to a Certificate and develops entry-level welders for industry.
The ICC welding lab includes 32 welding booths and a large variety of equipment used on the job.
Students earn credentials as they move through the curriculum and have opportunities to seek employment while in school.
The classes are kept small, which allows for one-on-one, personalized instruction.
The program can be completed in 12 months by full-time students.
The estimated cost is $6,460 plus supplies and fees.
The average class size is 15 students.
Students can apply credentials toward the Welding Technology Associate in Applied Science degree.
Courses Offered
The following related programs are also available at the college:
- Industrial Maintenance Certificate
- Production Welders Certificate
- Welding Operator Certificate
- Welding Technology Associate in Applied Science
- Machine Tool Technology Associate in Applied Science
- Mechanical Engineering Technology Associate in Applied Science
Contact Information
- Address: 1 College Drive, East Peoria, IL 61635
- Phone: (309) 694-5422
- Website: https://icc.edu
#6College of Lake County
About the School
College of Lake County offers Welding & Fabrication Technology programs led by instructors who are expert-level welders and fabricators who bring real-world skills and techniques to the classroom/lab.
Students get personalized instruction in small class sizes.
They can earn a certificate, a pathway to a career, or earn an associate degree and transfer to a four-year school.
Students earn and learn as they go with stackable credentials.
Certificates awarded during the program build their skills for better job opportunities.
Courses Offered
The following credentials are available:
- Welding and Fabrication Technology Associate in Applied Science- a program that costs approximately $10,675
- Gas Metal Arc Welding Certificate- a program that costs approximately $4,025
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Certificate- a program that costs around $4,025
- General Welding Certificate- a program that costs roughly $1,575
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding Certificate- a $4,025 program
- Advanced Welding Fabrication Certificate- estimated costs for this program sum up to $8,575
- Welding Fabrication Certificate- a program that costs approximately $3,325
Contact Information
- Address: 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake, IL 60030
- Phone: (847) 543-2000
- Website: https://www.clcillinois.edu
#7Elgin Community College
About the School
Elgin Community College offers a welding degree and various welding certifications.
The welding programs give students the opportunity to learn oxygen-acetylene welding, cutting, and brazing.
They also study shielded metal arc welding, known as stick welding.
Students also gain skills in gas metal arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding.
ECC provides a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Fabrication Technology and three basic welding certificates.
A vocational welding certificate is also available for those seeking specialized training.
Courses Offered
The following credential options are available:
- Associate of Applied Science- Welding Fabrication Technology
- Basic Vocational Certificates:
- Welding
- Arc Welding
- Gas Metal Arc
- Vocational Certificates:
- Welding
Contact Information
- Address: 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL 60123
- Phone: 847-697-1000
- Website: https://elgin.edu
#8Prairie State College
About the School
Prairie State College offers a Welding program as part of the Math, Science, and Technology division.
The program offers comprehensive training in various welding techniques, safety protocols, and industry best practices, preparing students for successful careers in welding and metalworking.
The school provides flexible scheduling, including evening classes, to accommodate students’ busy lives.
Courses Offered
The training programs cover a wide range of tools and techniques essential to mastering every phase of welding.
The curriculum covers basic skills to advanced methods, and courses are designed to equip students with the expertise needed to meet industry demands.
Contact Information
- Address: 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights, IL, 60411
- Phone: (708) 709-3500
- Website: https://prairiestate.edu
#9Joliet Junior College
About the School
Joliet Junior College offers a Welding Technology program that prepares students for high-demand, high-wage occupations in the industrial welding sector.
Students train in the maintenance, structural, or pipe welding fields.
The following degrees and certificates are available:
- Welding Technology, Associate in Applied Science degree
- Basic Welding, Certificate of Completion
Courses Offered
The Certificate available at Joliet Junior College includes 12 semester hours of the following major core requirements:
- Blueprint reading for manufacturing
- Physical Metallurgy
- Introduction to the Welding Processes
- SMAW I- Flat and Horizontal
Contact Information
- Address: 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL, 60431
- Phone: 815.729.9020
- Website: https://jjc.edu
#10Moraine Valley Community College
About the School
Moraine Valley Community College helps students get prepared for hands-on careers in the welding workforce through its Welding program.
Students enrolled in this program receive training provided by certified welding inspectors who are industry professionals and offer welding classes for all skill levels.
They are trained under the current industry, structural steel, pipe, and pressure codes.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at Moraine Valley Community College:
- Individualized Welding Certificate
- Multi-Process Welding Certificate
- Pipe Welding Certificate
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding Certificate
- Welding, Advanced Certificate
- Welding, Combination Certificate
Contact Information
- Address: 9000 W. College Pkwy. Palos Hills, IL 60465-2478
- Phone: (708) 974-4300 TTY 711
- Website: https://www.morainevalley.edu
Schools Summary Table
Welding Average Salary in Illinois
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$38K
|
|
|
$53K
|
|
|
$70K
|
Welding Salary by Metro Area in Illinois
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL | 80 | $54,320 | $26.12 | $70,960 | $38,620 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 130 | $50,060 | $24.07 | $62,240 | $37,440 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | 9,150 | $53,840 | $25.89 | $70,910 | $37,950 |
| Decatur, IL | 120 | $54,280 | $26.09 | $65,780 | $44,740 |
| Kankakee, IL | 190 | $54,600 | $26.25 | $68,810 | $39,880 |
| Peoria, IL | 1,690 | $57,560 | $27.67 | $77,430 | $45,330 |
| Rockford, IL | 1,010 | $52,510 | $25.24 | $66,900 | $38,630 |
| Springfield, IL | 130 | $49,660 | $23.88 | $65,600 | $33,400 |
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.
Final Thoughts
Skilled welders will continue to be needed in the future to help rebuild the nation’s aging infrastructure.
Now that you have read our selection of the best welding programs in Illinois, it’s time to continue the research and choose the one that best meets your learning style and career aspirations.
Take your time and choose wisely!
