If you want to start a rewarding career in trades without spending four years in higher education, the welding profession is worth exploring.
The mean wage reported by West Virginia welders was $55,040 on average, as of May 2023, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Before being ready to start your welding career, the first step is to complete technical and on-the-job training that teaches you the skills needed for entry-level employment in this profession.
The programs take between a few months and two years to complete.
Although the curriculum varies depending on the program duration and the credential it leads to, welding students typically learn about:
- Blueprint reading
- Materials used in welding
- Welding symbols
- Types of welding joints performed in pipe welding
- Welding processes
- Welding safety
- And more
Programs are available for adults and high school students who want to earn dual credit.
Most programs teach, hands-on, the following processes: SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, FCAW, and plasma cutting.
Program duration varies between a few months and a few years, depending on the school and the format you choose.
To help you choose the format that best meets your learning style, we have compiled a selection of the best welding schools in West Virginia and the programs they offer.
We invite you to read our list and choose the format that best meets your needs.
#1Monongalia County Technical Education Center
About the School
Monongalia County Technical Education Center offers a variety of high school and career education programs.
The center offers a Welding program that can be completed in two years.
The program provides training in shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, gas tungsten, and thermal cutting, including CNC plasma as well as blueprint reading, metallurgy, fabrication, welding symbols, and shop-related equipment.
Students have access to the following credentials:
- American Welding Society
- West Virginia state certifications on plate and pipe
- Bend testing for SMAW and GMAW for bridge/critical structure welding
- NCCER and OSHA 10 certification
Contact Information
- Address: MTEC 1000 Mississippi Street, Morgantown, WV 26501
- Phone: 304-291-9240
- Website: https://mtec.mono.k12.wv.us/o/mtec
#2James Rumsey Technical Institute
About the School
James Rumsey Technical Institute offers a variety of adult education and high school programs.
The Welding program is available for high school students and teaches them how to read blueprints, measure, cut, shape, and weld to join metals and fabricate parts for construction and equipment repair projects and jobs.
The following skills are taught:
- Oxyacetylene
- Shielded metal arc
- TIG and MIG welding
- Blueprint reading
- Steel fabrication
Students have the opportunity to earn OSHA, Miller Open Book certification, and the WV Welding Certification for each skill set mastered.
The program can be completed in four semesters.
Each semester awards 1.5 credits.
Contact Information
- Address: 3274 Hedgesville Rd, Martinsburg, WV 25403
- Phone: 304-754-7925
- Website: https://jamesrumsey.com
#3United Technical Center
About the School
United Technical Center offers Career Training programs in Clarksburg, West Virginia.
Programs are available for high school and adult students.
The technical school assists students in the areas of Doddridge, Harrison, and Taylor counties.
The school is open for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Many courses are also open for adults who hold a high school diploma or GED.
Courses Offered
The Welding Technology program can be completed in two years by high school students and in one or two years by adult students.
The program provides training in developing skills in basic oxy-acetylene welding and cutting, basic arc welding of steel.
Students also learn blueprint reading, heli-arc welding, and MIG welding, along with destructive testing and metallurgy.
Contact Information
- Address: 251 Marietta Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301
- Phone: (304) 326-7580 or (304) 326-7588
- Website: https://www.unitedtechnicalcenterwv.com
#4Parkersburg West Virginia University
About the School
Parkersburg, West Virginia University offers a variety of degree programs and an 18 to 1 students to faculty.
More than 45 programs are available at the university.
Courses Offered
The Welding Technology program includes coursework that involves physical mastery of the many facets of the field as well as the practical knowledge needed to pass the certification exams.
Students learn techniques in multiple areas of the industry:
- Metal arc welding, both gas and shielded
- Flux-cored and gas tungsten arc welding
- Reading and interpretation of blueprints
- Welding tool and equipment maintenance
The following programs are available for those interested in the welding field:
- Certificate of Applied Science in Welding Technology
- Associate of Applied Science in Welding Technology
Contact Information
- Address: 300 Campus Drive, Parkersburg, WV 26104
- Phone: 304-424-8000
- Website: https://www.wvup.edu
#5West Virginia Northern Community College
About the School
West Virginia Northern Community College offers a variety of career pathways and programs in business, construction, manufacturing, transportation, education, and many other fields.
Courses Offered
The following welding-related programs are available at the college:
- Welding courses: Summer welding institute, SMAW, MIG, TIG, and more
- Welding: Combination Pipe, Advanced Skills Set Program
- Welding: Structural Steel, Advanced Skill Set
- Welding: Oil & Gas Pipe C.A.S.
- Welding Technology A.A.S.
The Welding: Oil & Gas Pipe certificate program can be completed in one year and is designed to prepare individuals with the advanced skills needed for the ever-changing job market.
Graduates are prepared with the skills to work as construction pipe welders, pipeline welders, or facility maintenance welders in a variety of settings.
Students weld pipe using Shielded Metal Arc Welding in all positions to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and American Petroleum Institute standards.
This program has been designed as an integrated program of study with secondary programs in the College’s service area in West Virginia.
Contact Information
- Address: 1704 Market Street, Wheeling, WV 26003
- Phone: 304.232.0153
- Website: https://www.wvncc.edu
#6The Academy of Careers and Technology
About the School
The Academy of Careers and Technology offers an evening welding program with classes that meet Tuesday-Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The following welding courses are available:
- Fundamentals of Welding- a program that teaches students welding safety, oxyacetylene safety, and OSHA 10.
- SMAW basic course- a course that covers SMAW equipment, different polarities, electrode selection, and welding in all positions
- GMAW- FCAW- a program that covers skills such as equipment, different polarities, layout, and proper shielding gas selection
- Welding GTAW- a course that teaches students about mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum
Students can choose one of the following certification tracks:
- SMAW Plate Certification
- GMAW-FCAW Basic Certification
- SMAW Advanced Certification
- GMAW-FCAW Advanced Certification
Classes start in August each year.
Contact Information
- Address: 390 Stanaford Rd. Beckley, WV
- Phone: (304) 256-4615
- Website: https://www.wvact.net
#7Pierpont Community & Technical College
Pierpont Community & Technical College offers over 70 degree, certificate, and skill set programs.
Courses Offered
The Advanced Welding program is designed to prepare students to enter employment or upgrade skills for advancement in various areas of the welding field.
The curriculum focuses on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for a successful career as welders.
The program covers a broad spectrum of welding technology, including:
- Basic and Intermediate Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Basic Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Basic Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
- Welding Theory
- Fabrication and Weld Inspection
- And more
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at the college:
- Technical Mathematics
- Industrial Safety
- Rig Safety
- Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Thermal Cutting Process
- Welding Blueprint Reading
- Welding Theory
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 500 Galliher Dr., Fairmont, WV 26554
- Phone: 304-367-4907
- Website: https://catalog.pierpont.edu
#8Mercer County Technical Education Center
About the School
Mercer County Technical Education Center offers a Welding program of study that focuses on careers that build a knowledge base and technical skills in all aspects of the welding industry.
Students have the opportunity to earn both NOCTI certification and WV Welding Certifications for each skill set mastered.
They develop skills and a positive work ethic in the Simulated Workplace environment.
The program is open to students in grades 10-12 and takes one year to complete.
Students may enroll in college-level classes to receive both high school credit and college credit.
The following certifications and credentials are available:
- NOCTI
- American Welding Society Structural
Contact Information
- Address: 1397 Stafford Drive, Princeton, WV 24740
- Phone: 304-425-9551
- Website: https://www.boe.merc.k12.wv.us/o/mctec
#9New River Community and Technical College
About the School
New River Community and Technical College offers a 60-hour Welding Technology Associate in Applied Science degree.
The program is designed to prepare students for careers in welding and metal fabrication through comprehensive hands-on training and technical instruction.
Courses Offered
The program has the following learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate proficiency in multiple welding processes by performing high-quality welds
- Interpret and apply welding blueprints, symbols, and fabrication drawings
- Ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations and industry standards
- Analyze material properties and select appropriate welding techniques
- Identify and troubleshoot welding defects
The program is available at the Advanced Technology Center and the Greenbrier Valley Campus.
Contact Information
- Address: 280 University Drive, Beaver, WV 25813-8987
- Phone: 866.349.3739
- Website: https://www.newriver.edu
#10Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College
About the School
Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College provides accessible and affordable educational opportunities for academic, technical, workforce training, and life-long learning for the Potomac Highlands regional community.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Courses Offered
Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College offers a short-term welding training program.
The in-person program costs approximately $2,195, while the online program costs $2,599.
The program takes sixteen weeks to complete.
The courses include Introduction to Building Trades & Technology and Welding Technician.
Classes take place in Keysar, at Mineral County Technical Center.
Contact Information
- Address: 316 Eastern Drive, Moorefield, West Virginia 26836
- Phone: 877-982-2322
- Website: https://easternwv.edu
Schools Summary Table
Welding Average Salary in West Virginia
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$35K
|
|
|
$52K
|
|
|
$91K
|
Welding Salary by Metro Area in West Virginia
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beckley, WV | 160 | $52,290 | $25.14 | $76,410 | $31,870 |
| Charleston, WV | 260 | $52,690 | $25.33 | $73,460 | $33,600 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | 590 | $48,660 | $23.39 | $68,890 | $35,480 |
| Morgantown, WV | 150 | $50,920 | $24.48 | $91,720 | $35,620 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | 100 | $48,630 | $23.38 | $64,480 | $35,580 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | 170 | $60,360 | $29.02 | $99,230 | $37,470 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | 140 | $52,580 | $25.28 | $73,420 | $34,690 |
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.
Final Thoughts
If you want to start a rewarding career in trades through a combination of hands-on and classroom training, our selection was designed to provide you with useful information about the welding schools available in your state.
Now that you have read our list, it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your learning style and career aspirations.
