26 Best Welding Schools in North Carolina-Tuition & Requirements

There are numerous benefits to enrolling in a welder trade school program in North Carolina if you’re looking to start or change your career path.

Professional welders use numerous techniques they learn in a trade school setting on a daily basis in their work. Below are the best welding schools in North Carolina to consider. 

Also See: 26 Top Welding Schools in Tennessee;Their Program Details

The List of Welding Schools in North Carolina

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

Students gain a solid understanding of the science, technology, and applications necessary for successful employment in the metal and welding industries through the Welding Technology curriculum.

Processes for both consumable and non-consumable electrode welding and cutting are covered in the instructions.

Students can acquire industry-standard skills through coursework in math, blueprint reading, metallurgy, welding inspection, destructive testing, and non-destructive testing. 

Tuition: click here to see the breakdown. 

Click here for more information. 

Blue Ridge Community College

The American Welding Society (AWS) standards are met by BRCC’s Continuing Education Welding Program curriculum, which is created for new welders (including career changers) and those who want to improve their current welding skills. At the BRCC Welding Facility in Mount Crawford, all classes are held. 

Tuition: click here to see the breakdown. 

Click here for more information. 

Also See: 18 Best Welding Schools in Texas & Their Websites 

Beaufort County Community College 

This welding program is divided into three parts.

  1. SMAW (Stick) Plate Welding:

Credential: SMAW, American Welding Society

The goal of this course Is to improve students’ abilities to stick weld using a shielded metal arc. The focus is on developing manipulative abilities using SMAW electrodes on various joint geometries. Students should be able to groove weld carbon steel in the at, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions using the recommended electrodes after completing the course. This class is for intermediate stick welders. 

  1. GMAW (MIG) FCAW/Plate:

Credential: MIG, American Welding Society

Processes for metal arc welding and flux core arc welding are introduced in this course. Topics covered include fillet and groove welds and equipment setup, with an emphasis on using GMAW and FCAW electrodes on carbon steel plate. After completing the course, students ought to be able to use the recommended electrodes to perform fillet welds on carbon steel in the flat, horizontal, and overhead positions. 

  1. GTAW (TIG) Plate:

Credential: GTAW, America Welding Society

The gas tungsten arc (TIG) welding process is covered in this course. Correct tungsten selection, polarity, gas, and proper filler rod selection are among the topics covered, with a focus on safety, equipment setup, and welding techniques. Students should be able to perform GTAW fillet and groove welds with a variety of electrodes and filler materials after completing the course. 

Tuition: click here

Click here for more information. 

Cape Fear Community College 

Students gain a solid understanding of the science, technology, and applications necessary for successful employment in the metal and welding industries through the Welding Technology curriculum.

Processes for both consumable and non-consumable electrode welding and cutting are covered in the instructions. Students can gain industry-standard skills through coursework in math, blueprint reading, metallurgy, welding inspection, destructive testing, and non-destructive testing.

Successful Welding Technology program graduates may find employment as entry-level technicians in the metalworking and welding industries. 

Tuition: click here to see the breakdown 

Click here for more information. 

Also See: 13 Top Welding Schools in Alaska|Cost & Contacts 

Alamance Community College 

A welding technology program at Alamance Community College will prepare you for the workforce.

Students gain a solid understanding of the science, technology, and application required for successful careers in welding and the metal industry through the Welding Technology curriculum. Through classroom instruction and practical experience, they are getting both men and women ready for the industrial workforce.

There are five options for degrees in welding technology. Students may opt to:

  1. A Welding Technology Associate of Applied Science degree ( two years of study)
  2. A Welding Technology diploma ( one year of study)
  3. A basic welding certificate (13 credit hours)
  4. A welding certification for inert gas (12 credit hours)
  5. An oxyfuel welding certificate (13 credit hours) 

Tuition: click here to see the breakdown. 

Click here for more information. 

Central Carolina Community College 

The training required to take advantage of these opportunities is offered by the welding technology programs at Central Carolina Community College.

Featured in the program:

  • In just five semesters, one can obtain an associate’s Degree in Welding Technology.

  • A certificate in welding technology can be obtained in two daytime or three nighttime semesters, and a diploma in welding technology can be obtained in four semesters.

  • Both the daytime and nighttime semesters are available for earning a Robotic Welding Certificate.

  • Students are trained to entry-level industry standards through practical lab experiences.

  • Both the Howard-James Industry Training Center and the Lee Main Campus are used for instruction.

  • In addition to Oxyfuel, Plasma Arc, and Carbon Arc Cutting, students can learn SMAW (Stick), GMAW (MIG), FCAW (Flux), GTAW (TIG), and FCAW (Flux). 

  • Blueprint reading, welding fabrication, weld inspection, GTAW (tig pipe), SMAW (stick pipe), and automated cutting/welding are among the courses offered.

  • From the National Center of Construction Education and Research (NCCER),  students can obtain certification.  

Tuition: click here to see the breakdown. 

Click here for more information. 

Also See: 43 Top Welding Schools in Arizona|Certifications & Cost 

Forsyth Technical Community College 

Students who complete this program will have a solid understanding of the science, technology, and applications needed for successful employment in the metal and welding industries.

The non-academic standards, competencies, and performance standards that students must meet in order to complete this particular curriculum have been outlined in the program’s technical standards.

To perform welding operations, students will need excellent hand-eye coordination, flexibility, strength, dexterity, and balance. Vision adequate to demonstrate precise vision from a distance of 6” to 36”, When surrounded by industrial noise, hearing well enough to follow instructions and interact with others 

Tuition: click here to see the breakdown. 

Click here for more information. 

Isothermal Community College 

This program’s graduates will be qualified to:

  1. Recognize the disciplines necessary for safe and reasonable welding practice.
  1. Exhibit the skills, qualities, and traits the construction industry values, such as the ability to build effective relationships, present oneself well to show that they are employable, and exhibit critical problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
  1. Possess the cognitive skills, use good judgment, and promptly complete all tasks necessary for the certification procedure related to the AWS certification.
  1. Create relationships with other students, faculty, department administrators, business partners, and potential employers that are mature, sensitive, effective, and professional. 

Tuition: click here to see the program cost. 

Click here for more information. 

Also See: 40+ Top welding schools in Canada|Requirements and Employers 

Davidson-Davie Community College 

Students gain a solid understanding of the science, technology, and applications necessary for successful employment in the metal and welding industries through the Welding Technology curriculum.

Professional standards that cover communication, motor skills, sensory and cognitive ability, and professional conduct are necessary for the competent study and practice of this program in addition to Davidson-Davie requirements and course objectives. 

Tuition: click here to see the program cost. 

Click here for more information. 

Central Piedmont Community College – Central Campus 

The James Turner Institute of Welding Technology at Central Piedmont is committed to being a pioneer in the region’s workforce development.

Their knowledgeable faculty collaborate closely with the local and regional business to offer highly adaptable training programs that will improve employees’ skills and build a talent pool for future expansion.

The theoretical and practical foundations of the profession are taught in the welding technology program, along with technical skill development and opportunities to apply both theoretical and practical knowledge.

Successful program graduates may find employment as entry-level technicians in the metalworking and welding industries. 

Tuition: click here to see the breakdown. 

Click here for more information. 

The other schools are listed in the table below with links to their tuition page. 

Schools Link And Tuition
Catawba Valley Community College Website
Tuition: click here
Pitt Community College Website
Tuition: click here
Gaston College Website
Tuition: click here
Guilford Technical Community College Website
Tuition: click here
Johnston Community College Website 
Tuition: click here
Surry Community College Website 
Tuition: click here
Cleveland Community College Website
Tuition: click here
Lenoir Community College Website
Tuition: click here
James Sprunt Community College Website
Tuition: click here
Bladen Community College Website 
Tuition: click here
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute Website
Tuition: click here
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Website
Tuition: click here
Coastal Carolina Community College Website
Tuition: click here 
Nash Community College Website
Tuition: click here
Vance-Granville Community College Website 
Tuition: click here 
Carteret Community College Website 
Tuition: click here

Also See: 26 Top Welding Schools in Tennessee; Their Program Details 

General Requirements To For Admission To Welding Schools In North Carolina

Below are the requirements you need to fulfill to get into welding schools in North Carolina. 

  1. You must first complete the online interview and application for the North Carolina Residency Determination Service (RDS). Your eligibility for numerous benefits, such as in-state tuition rates, is thus guaranteed.

Record your residency certification number accurately (RCN). You’ll require it for the Step 2 Application.

  1. Send the admissions office an application. Your next steps will be explained in an email you receive right away after submitting your application. Before submitting your application, double-check that it is complete with green checkmarks.
  1. Transcripts should be sent to the admissions office. Email transcripts sent from student accounts are regarded as unofficial. A transcript must originate from the issuing institution in order to be considered official.
  1. You probably won’t need to take the placement exam unless you attended a high school abroad.
  1. After the prerequisites listed above have been satisfied, you can register for classes.

Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor as soon as possible to register for classes. To find out when the next registration period is for new students, please get in touch with the administrative assistant of your division. 

Also See: 18 Best Welding Schools in Texas & Their Websites 

How Much Do Welders Make In North Carolina? 

The average annual salary for a welder in North Carolina is $28,228 as of September 12, 2022. That equates to about $13.57 per hour, in case you need a quick salary calculator. This amounts to $542 per week or $2,352 per month.

The wide variation In the average pay for welders (up to $7,418) suggests that there may be numerous opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience.

According to recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, there aren’t many employers hiring right now, making the North Carolina welding job market relatively quiet.

In terms of welding salaries, North Carolina comes in at number 50 out of 50 states. 

How Do I Become a Welder in NC? 

Enroll in welding courses or a welding program. Complete training or coursework. Your education will be centered on developing the knowledge, abilities, and safety practices necessary to pass the requirements of the North Carolina state and the organization in charge of awarding welding certification. 

How Many Colleges in NC Offer a Welding Program? 

There are about 24 welding certification schools in North Carolina, which is important to know if you want to become a welder there. 

How Long Does it Take to Be Trained as a Welder? 

It can take as little as a few weeks or as long as six months to complete a welding program. In order to give students the knowledge they need to begin working after graduating, welding schools will teach students welding theory and the fundamentals of welding. In addition to reading blueprints and completing work orders, they will learn how to use welding equipment safely. 

Is Welding a Good Career? 

Welders are in high demand, and you can think of it as one of the more secure careers out there. Enhancing your skills and working toward safety awards can also be high priorities.

Although welding may not be for everyone, those who are interested in it can have a successful and fulfilling career. 

How Much Does a Welder Make? 

Welders make a median salary of $48,000 per year, or $22.17 per hour, according to PayScale, while welders employed on construction sites make about $54,000 per year or $24.97 per hour. 

How Much Do Underwater Welders Make? 

In the US, underwater welders make between $100,000 and $200,000 annually, but the work is less predictable and structured than in other sectors. 

How Much Does it Cost to Start Welding? 

A good welding machine will probably cost you $200 to $400 to get started. Since most home centers only carry one or two models, check online to see the variety of options.

A 120-volt welder that plugs into a regular outlet can weld metal up to 5/16 inches thick. 

What is a Welding Degree Called? 

Bachelor of Science in Welding Engineering Technology. 

How Do I Get a Welding Job With No Experience? 

The typical requirement for employment as a welder without experience is a high school diploma. A no-experience required welding job is frequently a component of an apprenticeship or trade school program that combines in-class instruction with on-the-job training. 

Is Welding Difficult to Learn? 

Due to the fact that welding is a hands-on skill that calls for more than just reading, it can be moderately to very challenging for most people to learn how to do.

In addition, it takes a lot of practice on top of learning how to weld, making it very challenging for most people to actually do it. 

Was This Article Helpful? Tell Us What You Think.