If you want to start a rewarding career in trades without spending four years in higher education, you have arrived at the right place.
On this page, we have compiled information about the best welding schools in Montana and the programs they offer.
The institutions included in our list can prepare you for entry-level employment in this field by combining classroom and hands-on training.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Montana welders reportedly earned $52,190 on average, as of May 2023.
The top 10 percent of welders earn more than $74,000 annually, so experience pays off.
Before being ready to start your welding career, the first step is to get your high school diploma or equivalent and then complete a post-secondary program that teaches you the skills needed for entry into this profession.
Programs that can be completed during high school and provide dual credit are also available.
Regardless of the type of program you choose, during your training, you will typically learn about:
- Shop math
- Materials used in welding and their application
- Welding symbols
- Reading blueprints
- Pipe welding
- Welding processes
- Welding safety
Most programs teach, hands-on, the following welding processes: SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and 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.
#1Flathead Community College
About the School
Flathead Community College helps students begin or level up their hands-on careers.
An array of career and technical programs is available at the college.
Students learn the skills they need to get the job and wage they deserve.
Courses Offered
The Welding program offered at Flathead Community College combines experienced instructors with cutting-edge equipment and certifications that employers value.
The following program options are available:
- Welding Technology Certificate of Technical Studies
- Welding and Fabrication Technology Certificate of Applied Science
- Welding and Fabrication Technology Associate of Applied Science
Certificates can be completed in one year, while the degree takes two years to complete.
The Welding Technology Certificate of Technical Studies program awards 18 credits and includes courses such as:
- Welding Theory I Practical
- Fabrication Basics
- Blueprint Reading and Welding Symbols
- Welding Theory III Practical
- Fabrication Basics II
- Welding Qualification Test Preparation
Contact Information
- Address: 777 Grandview Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901
- Phone: (406) 756-3822 | (800) 313-3822
- Website: https://catalog.fvcc.edu
#2University of Montana
The University of Montana has a department of Industrial Technology that aims to provide the workforce with credentialed, skilled, and competent entry-level technicians.
Courses Offered
The Welding Technology program at the University of Montana has the following degree options:
- Associate of Applied Science
- Certificate of Applied Science
In order to receive a certificate, students have to complete classes such as:
- Interpersonal Skills in the Workplace
- Contemporary Mathematics
- Technical Drafting
- Related Metals Processes
- OSHA 10 Hour Safety Training
- Blueprint Reading & Welding Symbols
- Fabrication Basics
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Flux Core Arc Welding
- And more
In total, the program awards 32-33 credits.
Contact Information
- Address: Aber Hall Room 623, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812
- Phone: (406) 243-5600
- Website: https://www.umt.edu
#3Montana State University- Northern
About the School
Montana State University- Northern offers a Welding Technology C.A.S. program for students who enjoy working with their hands and creating things from metal.
Students learn industry-standard welding techniques, from arc welding to CNC plasma cutting, and prepare for a successful career in just nine months.
The curriculum covers essential welding techniques, including:
- Oxy-acetylene welding
- Brazing
- Gas metal arc welding
Graduates earn a Certificate of Applied Science and have the opportunity to become American Welding Society certified.
Courses Offered
Students learn how to:
- Perform oxy-acetylene welding and cutting
- Master shielded metal arc welding and gas metal arc welding
- Operate gas tungsten arc welding and CNC plasma cutting equipment
- Follow industry safety standards and best practices
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: Havre, Montana, 300 13th Street West
- Phone: 800.662.6132
- Website: https://www.msun.edu
#4Dawson Community College
About the School
Dawson Community College offers a Welding Technology program that prepares students to enter the workforce as an entry-level, credentialed, and skilled welder/fabricator.
Students learn how to:
- Maintain tools and equipment
- Read and interpret blueprints and weld symbols
- Understand power sources and current types
They gain the knowledge and skills to make welds in all positions that meet industry standards in:
- Flux Core Arc Welding
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding
The following degree options are available:
- Associate of Applied Science
- Certificate of Applied Science
- Certificate of Technical Studies
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Standard First Aid/CPR
- Technical Math
- Welding Theory
- Cutting Processes
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Welding Qualification Test Prep
- Flux Core Arc Welding
- Pipe Welding
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 300 College Drive, Glendive, MT 59330
- Phone: (406) 377-9400
- Website: https://www.dawson.edu
#5Helena College
About the School
Helena College offers a Welding Technology program that includes extensive hands-on experience, enabling students to obtain employment in a wide spectrum of areas with high earning potential.
The Industrial Welding and Metal Fabrication degree program has been designed to provide students with state-of-the-art education in a shop filled with industry-standard equipment.
Students learn about:
- Industry standards for safety and compliance
- The proper use of manufacturing equipment
- Proper techniques for analyzing and producing drawings
- An understanding of welding processes, codes, and procedures
- Manufacturing processes and their applicability
- And more
Students receive extensive lab training in a wide variety of welding processes, including SMAW, GMAW, Pulse MIG, and plasma cutting.
The program emphasizes safety and hands-on, theoretical, and technical training in rigging, job estimation, blueprint reading, and layout and pattern making.
This welding program is affiliated with the American Welding Society through an Institutional Educational Membership.
Contact Information
- Address: 1115 N. Roberts Street
- Phone: (406) 447-6900
- Website: http://www.helenacollege.edu
#6Montana State University
About the School
Montana State University offers a variety of programs and degrees, including a Welding Technology program.
The Welding Technology program leads to a Certificate of Applied Science.
The program teaches students how to execute a wide variety of welding techniques, including shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and flux cored arc welding.
Students also learn how to maintain their tools and equipment as well as read and interpret blueprints for use on the job site.
After completing the program, students are eligible to apply to be listed in the AWS National Registry of welders.
Courses Offered
Students take classes such as:
- Technical Mathematics
- Welding Theory
- Blueprint Reading and Welding Symbols
- Applied Metallurgy
- Shop Practices
- Fabrication Basics
- And more
The program includes 30 credits in total.
Tuition for resident students at Montana State University- Gallatin College is $123.24 per credit.
Additional fees bring the total per credit resident tuition to $285.65
Contact Information
- Address: 101 Hamilton Hall, P.O. Box 170515, Bozeman, MT 59717
- Phone: 406-994-5536
- Website: https://gallatin.montana.edu
#7Great Falls College
About the School
Great Falls College offers a Welding & Fabrication program that has the following options:
- Associate of Applied Science Degree
- Certificate of Applied Science
The programs take between 1 and 2 years to complete, depending on the credential you want to pursue.
This program is designed to provide students with comprehensive training in welding techniques and technologies.
The CAS focuses on foundational welding skills and prepares students for entry-level positions.
Graduates become ready to:
- Perform Core Welding Processes
- Read and Interpret Blueprints
- Operate Welding Equipment Safely
- Apply Welding Techniques
- Ensure Weld Quality
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2100 16th Avenue South, Great Falls, MT 59405
- Phone: (406) 771-4300
- Website: https://www.gfcmsu.edu
#8Montana State University Billings- City College
About the School
Montana State University Billings offers a variety of degree options that prepare students for careers in a wide range of in-demand industries.
The college provides a comprehensive two-year college mission, including university transfer options, career preparation, developmental education, GED preparation, and workforce training.
Courses Offered
Non-credit welding courses are also held at Montana State University, Billings, City College.
The courses are designed to prepare students for a new and exciting career field.
The City College is dedicated to the development of workforce capacity by providing top-quality learning opportunities and services to meet a variety of career choices and customer needs.
Contact Information
- Address: 3803 Central Avenue, Billings, Montana 59102
- Phone: 406-247-3000
- Website: https://www.msubillings.edu
#9Montana Technological University
About the School
Montana Technological University offers a Welding focus area through the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Students enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering program have access to state-of-the-art research facilities on campus with interdisciplinary collaborations across engineering and sciences.
The university provides access to more hands-on experience through mechanical engineering internships.
More than 100 companies come to the campus each year to recruit students for mechanical engineering summer internships.
Students learn from a faculty with more than a decade of real-world mechanical engineering experience.
The mechanical engineering degree prepares students for careers in nearly every industry, including automotive, aerospace, biomedical, electronics, manufacturing, mining, construction, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: 1300 West Park Street, Butte, MT 59701
- Phone: 800-445-8324
- Website: https://www.mtech.edu
#10Skagit Valley College
About the School
Skagit Valley College offers an Industrial Technology and Transportation program that provides students with the skills they need for a successful career in some of today’s most in-demand technical trades.
The Welding Technology program prepares students to work as entry-level welders, fitters, or metal fabricators in a variety of industries.
Students learn about a variety of layout, fabrication, and metal joining techniques using steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
The processes covered by this program include:
- Oxyfuel cutting
- Shielded metal arc welding
- Gas metal arc welding
- Flux-cored arc welding
- Gas tungsten arc welding
SVC is accredited through the American Welding Society entry-level welder training program.
The following degree options are available:
- Welding Technology, AAS
- Welding Technology Certificate
- Aluminum Welding Specialty Certificate
- Flux-Cored Arc Welding Specialty Certificate
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding Specialty Certificate
- WABO Certification
Contact Information
- Address: 2405 East College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273-5899
- Phone: 360.416.7600
- Website: https://www.skagit.edu
Schools Summary Table
Welding Average Salary in Montana
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$40K
|
|
|
$56K
|
|
|
$78K
|
Welding Salary by Metro Area in Montana
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT | 340 | $55,330 | $26.60 | $74,510 | $41,000 |
| Bozeman, MT | 160 | $57,630 | $27.71 | $71,990 | $46,410 |
| Great Falls, MT | 120 | $56,940 | $27.38 | $96,670 | $40,080 |
| Helena, MT | 40 | $53,160 | $25.56 | $66,890 | $45,220 |
| Missoula, MT | 110 | $51,210 | $24.62 | $63,830 | $42,100 |
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to safely join pieces of metal together can be the first step towards 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 Montana, it’s time to decide if this is the path you want to pursue and which program best fits your needs.
