If you want to become a welder in the state of New Jersey, this page is designed to provide you with information about the best schools that can equip you with the skills needed for this profession.
As a welder, you will be responsible for joining metal parts using hand-held or remotely controlled equipment.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage reported by welders in New Jersey was $61,000, as of May 2023- higher than the national average for this profession.
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.
During their training, students typically learn about:
- Materials used in welding and their application
- Welding Symbols
- How to bevel two pieces of metal properly for a welding application
- Types of welding joints performed in pipe welding
- Welding Processes
- Welding Safety
- And more
Program duration varies between a few months and a few years, depending on the school, the type of degree or diploma you want to obtain, and the format you choose.
We invite you to read our list and choose the format that best meets your needs.
#1Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech Plainfield has been making an impact on the American workforce since 1930.
It offers programs for students who want to start careers in diesel technology, electrical, heavy equipment, or welding.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available in South Plainfield:
- Diesel Technology
- Electrical/Electronics
- Heavy Equipment
- Welding Technology
The welding school training highlights include:
- Welding and cutting fundamentals
- Arc welding and plate welding processes
- Fabrication processes
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Flux Core Arc Welding
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
Individual welding booths are available for students to practice their craft.
Access to grants, scholarships, and other financial aid options is available for those who qualify.
A welding program is also available at the Mahwah campus.
Contact Information
- Address: 901 Hadley Road, South Plainfield, NJ 07080
- Phone: (908) 756-7155
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
#2Eastwick Education
About the School
Eastwick Education offers a Welding diploma program in Paterson.
Students receive training in the fundamentals of welding and prepare for employment in a wide range of industries.
Graduates are eligible for AWS Structural Standards and the American Welding Society (Plate).
The program covers training in all phases of combination welding and code certification requirements, including electric arc, TIG, MIG, metal theory, oxy-fuel practice, and mild steel and plasma arc cutting.
Daytime students graduate in six months, while evening students need 12 months to complete the program.
The American Welding Society offers certifications in various welding skills.
Graduates of this program have the opportunity to earn the certification upon completion of training.
Contact Information
- Address: 10 South Franklin Turnpike, Ramsey, NJ 07446
- Phone: 201-989-1131
- Website: https://eastwick.edu
#3Elite Welder Training & Testing
About the School
Elite Welder Training & Testing offers a variety of welding courses.
The school’s catalog includes:
- SMAW (Stick) Pipe Welding Qualification program- a seven-week program that includes 193 clock hours
- GTAW (TIG) Pipe Welding Qualification program- a five-week program that includes 137 clock hours
- SMAW (Stick) Structural/Plate program- a five-week, 137 clock hour program
- GMAW/FCAW (Mig) Structural/Plate program- a five-week program that includes 165 clock hours
Costs vary between $5,000 and $7,900, depending on the program and the skill you want to learn.
All courses and services include supplies, books/manuals, and instructor supervision.
Contact Information
- Address: 223 Democrat Rd. Mickleton NJ 08056
- Phone: 856 508 4619
- Website: https://weldertrainingsouthjersey.com
#4Rowan College South Jersey
About the School
Rowan College South Jersey offers career and technical education programs.
The welding technology program trains and certifies students to a level of competency in line with welding industry standards.
Students receive:
- Hands-on experience
- Industry expert faculty
- Industry certifications
- Connections to employers
The course provides students with opportunities for hands-on training in shielded metal arc welding and oxyfuel gas welding.
The student receives training in shielded metal arc welding and oxyfuel gas welding.
They also receive training in welding and machine shop safety practices.
Before completing the course, students sit for the AWS D1.1. Structural Steel Certification.
Students learn:
- Welding Safety- how to identify common hazards in welding, explain and identify proper personal protection, and describe proper material handling methods
- Oxyfuel Cutting- students learn how to identify and explain the use of oxyfuel cutting equipment and perform oxyfuel cutting
Contact Information
- Address: 1400 Tanyard Road, Sewell, NJ 08080
- Phone: 856-468- 5000
- Website: https://www.rcsj.edu
#5Sussex County Community College
About the School
Sussex County Community College offers more than 100 academic programs, degree options, online degrees, professional certificates, and workforce development.
The programs are designed to prepare students for the first two years of a bachelor’s degree so they can transfer to a four-year college or university.
The school also offers programs that prepare students to enter the workforce upon completion.
Classes remain small to ensure students receive individualized attention.
Courses Offered
The college offers a Welding Technology option- A.A.S.
The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the science, technology, and applications essentials for successful employment in the welding and metal industry.
Students take courses such as:
- Technical Mathematics
- Welding Safety
- Print Reading & Welding Symbols
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Welding Metallurgy
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- And more
In total, students need 60 program hours.
Contact Information
- Address: One College Hill Road, Newton, New Jersey 07860
- Phone: 973-300-2100
- Website: https://www.sussex.edu
#6AmeriArc Welding Academy
About the School
AmeriArc Welding Academy provides hands-on, employment-focused vocational training and services to prepare youth, young adults, and veterans for a lasting career in the trade industry.
Students need only 10-12 weeks to train for a high-salaried job.
Night and weekend courses are available, so students can keep a job while completing their training.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at the academy:
- Master Welder Program up to 350 hours of training
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding up to 180 hours
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding- up to 120 hours
- Advanced Pipe Welder & Pipe Fitter up to 225 hours
- Gas Metal Arc Welding/Flux Cored Arc Welding- up to 90 hours
- Pipe Welding (Downhill Welding) API 1104 Standard up to 100 hours
- Blueprint Reading for Welding
- And more
Tuition costs range from $500 to $24,500, depending on the program.
Contact Information
- Address: 250 S. Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
- Phone: 201-367-9700
- Website: https://trainawa.com
#7County College of Morris
About the School
County College of Morris offers programs that prepare students for careers in:
- Business & entrepreneurship
- Computers & IT
- Creative arts & media
- Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing
- And more
The Welding program available at County College of Morris offers two courses:
- Introduction to Welding
- AWS Level 1 Welding
The Introduction to Welding course introduces students to welding technology and welding theory with an emphasis on basic stick and MIG welding and operating procedures.
This course costs $1,599.
The AWS Level 1 Welding program teaches the basics of welding in its lab, in the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center.
The 200-hour program teaches the differences and applications of the four main welding processes: flux, stick, MIG, and TIG welding.
This course costs $4,999.
Contact Information
- Address: 214 Center Grove Rd. Randolph, NJ 07869
- Phone: 973-328-5000
- Website: https://www.ccm.edu
#8CCTEC
About the School
CCTEC offers a Welding engineering program that helps students develop skills in the following areas:
- Shielded metal arc welding
- Gas metal arc welding
- Gas tungsten arc welding
- Plasma arc cutting
- Oxyfuel gas cutting
Students also learn how to prepare parts from simple sketches or blueprints, prepare weld joints from welding symbol information, and make minor external repairs to equipment and accessories.
Before program completion, students take the American Welding Society Entry Level Welding Certification Workmanship Qualification Test.
The program includes the following courses:
- Career and Technical Education Seminar- for students in grade 9
- Welding Engineering I- for students in grade 10
- Welding Engineering II- for students in grade 11
- Welding Engineering III- for students in grade 12
Contact Information
- Address: 3400 College Dr., Vineland, NJ 08360
- Phone: (856) 451-9000
- Website: https://www.cctecnj.org
#9Raritan Valley Community College
About the School
Raritan Valley Community College has been serving the Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for more than 50 years.
The college provides more than 90 associate degrees and certificates.
Courses Offered
Raritan Valley Community College offers a Welding course as part of the state’s free manufacturing education and training programs initiative.
As part of this initiative, anyone who enrolls in designated manufacturing education and training programs receives free tuition up to $5,000.
Students who complete this program earn an American Welding Society certificate.
Participants also acquire skills to do piecework; the course is also appropriate for non-professionals interested in learning more about welding and its artistic possibilities.
Contact Information
- Address: 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ 08876
- Phone: 908-526-1200
- Website: https://www.raritanval.edu
#10Ocean County Vocational and Technical School
About the School
Ocean County Vocational and Technical School offers an industry-leading learning experience.
Shared-time programs are available for high school students, and accelerated programs are offered for adults.
Courses Offered
The Welding program available as a Shared-Time program can be completed in two years and provides students with a dynamic, hands-on learning experience that integrates practical skills with essential welding theory.
Students gain expertise in a wide range of welding processes, including shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, gas tungsten arc, and flux core arc welding and metal cutting techniques.
Students also benefit from meaningful work-based learning experiences with local industries.
Graduates are encouraged to join the American Welding Society and have the chance to earn national certification.
Contact Information
- Address: 137 Bey Lea Road, Toms River, NJ 08753
- Phone: (732 ) 244-1122
- Website: https://www.ocvts.org
Schools Summary Table
Welding Average Salary in New Jersey
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$40K
|
|
|
$64K
|
|
|
$90K
|
Welding Salary by Metro Area in New Jersey
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | 90 | $67,770 | $32.58 | $118,110 | $45,180 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | 140 | $61,360 | $29.50 | $80,340 | $42,790 |
| Vineland, NJ | 80 | $58,570 | $28.16 | $80,970 | $45,960 |
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.
Final Thoughts
If you want to start a career in welding, there are several degree options available.
Now that you have read our selection of the best welding programs in New Jersey, 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!
