If you want to start a career in welding, you’ve come to the right place.
Here we have compiled information about the best welding schools in Kentucky and the programs they offer.
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, Kentucky welders reportedly earned $47,950 on average, as of May 2023, but the top 10 percent of welders earn more than $62,000 annually.
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 entry into this profession.
During your training, you will typically learn about:
- Shop math
- Materials used in welding and their application
- Welding symbols
- Pipe welding
- Welding Processes
- Welding Safety
- And more
Most programs teach, hands-on, the following welding 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 and choose the format that best meets your needs.
#1Western Welding Academy
About the School
Western Welding Academy offers welding training courses that focus on real-world training and prepare students for successful welding careers.
Programs are available in Gillette, Wyoming.
No experience is needed as students train from the ground up or refine their craft at the highest level.
Classes are taught by industry veterans with 330+ years of combined experience.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the academy:
- Expert Pipe Welder
- Professional Pipe Welder
- Foundational Pipe Welder
- Advanced Structural Welder
The Expert Pipe Welder program takes 24 weeks to complete and includes the following classes:
- Intro to Stick Welding
- Intro to TIG and Combo Welding
- Stick Welding & Pipe Fundamentals
- Intro to TIG & Combo Welding
- Stainless, Downhill, or Chrome Pipe
The total cost sums up to $35,800.
Contact Information
- Address: Western Welding Academy, 26 Kinsey Lane, Gillette, WY 82716
- Phone: (307)-284-5313
- Website: https://www.westernweldingacademy.com
#2Kentucky Welding Institute
About the School
Kentucky Welding Institute helps students gain the confidence and certification they need to forge a successful welding career.
The institute offers a wide range of certifications and programs designed to ensure your success in the welding industry.
The hands-on approach and industry-leading education help students achieve their professional goals.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at the school:
- Certified Fabricator Welder
- Certified Structural Welder
- Certified Pipe Welder
- Custom Welding Courses
- Certified Safety Training
- Accredited Testing Facility
The Certified Fabricator Welder program teaches welding safety and the fundamentals of the semi-automatic processes.
During the training, students perform production, fabrication, maintenance, repair, and assembly of welds.
Students learn:
- FCAW and GMAW in all positions
- Out-of-position welding
- Fit, prep, rigging, and welding projects
- OFC, PAC, CAC thermal processes
Contact Information
- Address: 1828 Maysville Road, Flemingsburg, KY 41041
- Phone: (606) 291-2787
- Website: https://kwi.us
#3Knight School of Welding
Knight School of Welding provides students with hands-on experience through its MIG, Stick, TIG, and pipe welding training programs.
The classes are available during the day and at night for students’ convenience, and the school charges less than other welding schools.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available:
- MIG Welding
- Stick Welding
- TIG Welding
- 6G Pipe Uphill Welding
- TIG Stainless Pipe Welding
Costs range from $4,100 to $5,500.
Classes take between four and 10 weeks to complete, depending on the course and the schedule you choose.
Contact Information
- Address: 2017 S. 39th Street, Louisville, KY 40211
- Phone: (502) 237-9434
- Website: https://www.knightschoolofwelding.com
#4Enzweiler Building Institute
Enzweiler Building Institute offers evening programs in nine trades: two-year programs in Carpentry, Diesel Mechanic for Construction, Facilities Maintenance and Remodeling, HVAC, Plumbing, Welding, and more.
Courses Offered
The Welding Apprentice program available at Enzweiler Building Institute introduces students to a variety of welding applications, including stick, Tig, and Mig, with an emphasis on structural welding.
Students in year one begin by preparing for the Kentucky Department of Transportation welding certificate.
During the second year of instruction, they work with their instructor to identify and prepare for the welding certifications and skills appropriate for their specific career interests.
Students meet twice a week for this hands-on program.
The program is taught by a highly experienced welding professional.
They attend the program 26 weeks per year for two years.
Tuition and fees sum up to $5,075 per academic year.
Contact Information
- Address: 2751 Circleport Dr., Erlanger, KY 41018
- Phone: 859.640.4294
- Website: https://buildinginstitute.com
#5Ignite Academy North Campus
About the School
Ignite Academy North Campus offers a Welding Technology program that helps students prepare with the skills needed when assisting lead welders in the fabrication of steel and metal structures.
Students have to meet the following requirements:
Be adept at performing basic welding functions and calculating dimensions
Operating power equipment, grinders, and other related tools
Reading and interpreting basic blueprints
Follow work procedures and specifications.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding & Lab
- Gas Metal Arc Welding & Lab
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding & Lab
- SMAW Groove Welds
- GTAW Groove Welds
- GMAW Groove Welds
Contact Information
- Address: 2075 Merchant Drive, Richmond, KY 40475
- Phone: 859 387-6630
- Website: https://ignitenorth.madison.kyschools.us
#6Owensboro Community and Technical College
About the School
Owensboro Community and Technical College offers a Welding Technology program designed to prepare students for work in many industries.
Students learn the latest techniques in joining, fabricating, and repairing metal.
The college has state-of-the-art facilities where students prepare for this exciting field.
Courses Offered
The following credential options are available:
- Welding Technology AAS
- Combination Welder Diploma
- Certificates:
- Arc Cutter
- Gas Welder
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
- Production Line Welder
- And more
The Welding Program is accredited by the American Welding Society.
Full-time students can earn an Associate’s Degree in two years.
Contact Information
- Address: 4800 New Hartford Road, Owensboro, KY 42303
- Phone: (270) 686-4400
- Website: https://owensboro.kctcs.edu
#7Somerset Community College
About the School
Somerset Community College offers a Welding Technology program that prepares students for work in many industries as specialists in one of the most highly paid skilled trades.
The Welding program is a two-year course that trains students in various welding techniques, including shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and gas tungsten arc welding.
Students can earn up to nine certificates throughout the program.
They may earn a diploma and an Associate in Applied Science Degree.
Students need 52-54 credits for a Combination Welder Diploma.
The following certificates are available at the college:
- Gas Welder
- Arc Cutter
- Welder Helper
- Tack Welder
- Welding Automation
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- And more
Tuition for resident students is $195 per credit hour.
Contact Information
- Address: 808 Monticello Street, Somerset, KY 42501
- Phone: (877) 629-9722
- Website: https://somerset.kctcs.edu
#8Campbellsville University
About the School
Campbellsville University offers a program that helps students forge a career in Welding.
Students learn how to master the art and science of welding through practical, career-focused training.
The 12-month program provides hands-on training and theoretical instruction in four primary types of welding
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Flux Cored Arc Welding
Students also learn the critical safety procedures and technical skills necessary for each welding process.
Instruction in the proper and safe use of a torch to cut metal is also covered.
Students also learn blueprint reading.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 University Dr. Campbellsville, KY 42718
- Phone: 800-264-6014
- Website: https://www.campbellsville.edu
#9Harding County Schools
About the School
Harding County Schools offers a Welding program through its Early College & Career Center.
Students may choose four credits from the following:
- Basic Welding- 5 credits- available for 10th and 11th grade students
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding- one credit- for students in 11th and 12th grades
- Oxy Fuel Systems- a one-credit course for students in 11th and 12th grade
- Gas Metal Arc Welding- a one-credit course for 12th-grade students
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding- a one-credit course available for 12th-grade students
- Blueprint for Welding- a one-credit course for students in the 12th grade
- Welding Internship- for students in 12th grade
Contact Information
- Address: 200 University Dr., Elizabethtown, KY 42701
- Phone: 270-769-7930
- Website: https://ec3.hardin.kyschools.us
#10Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College
About the School
Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College offers a Welding Technology program.
The program is taught by a faculty that holds the Certified Welding Educator credential from the American Welding Society.
All welding instructors have extensive hands-on experience in the field, experience that they bring to the classroom.
Courses Offered
The following credentials are available at the college:
- Welding Technology Associate in Applied Science is a program that requires between 60 and 68 credits
- Combination Welder Diploma
- Gas Metal Arc Welder Certificate
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welder Certificate
- Gas Welder Certificate
- Production Line Welder Certificate
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1845 Loop Dr. Bowling Green, KY 42101
- Phone: (270) 901-1000
- Website: https://southcentral.kctcs.edu
Schools Summary Table
Welding Average Salary in Kentucky
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$37K
|
|
|
$51K
|
|
|
$64K
|
Welding Salary by Metro Area in Kentucky
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY | 470 | $50,160 | $24.12 | $58,130 | $40,750 |
| Elizabethtown, KY | 500 | $56,620 | $27.22 | $71,130 | $40,320 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 500 | $53,980 | $25.95 | $69,440 | $38,870 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 2,380 | $52,690 | $25.33 | $65,740 | $39,360 |
| Owensboro, KY | 450 | $49,700 | $23.89 | $61,570 | $38,900 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | 320 | $50,200 | $24.13 | $63,160 | $38,060 |
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to safely join pieces of metal together can lead to a fulfilling career that gives you the opportunity to combine technical skills with creativity.
Now that you have read our selection of the best welding schools in Kentucky, it’s time to decide if this is the path you want to pursue and which program best fits your needs.
