What is Welding Technology?
Welding occupations are primarily concerned with joining, surfacing, or repairing structures or parts made of metal or other weldable materials. Course work and practical experience provide students with skills and knowledge to determine and perform appropriate welding techniques.
What are my career choices?
A majority of welders work in manufacturing industries. Others are employed by construction firms and businesses performing various repair services. A skilled welder may qualify as a technician, supervisor, inspector, or as an owner of a welding business. Certified welders are among the highest paid of all the skilled trades.
| Welding Technology Career | Median Annual
SalaryⓘBased on research conducted by the Kentucky Center for Education and Workforce Statistics
(KCEWS) in 2016 for the state of Kentucky.
|
|---|---|
| Gas Welder | $37,088 |
| Welder Helper | $37,088 |
| Tack Welder | $37,088 |
| Gas Metal Arc Welder | $37,088 |
| Shielded Metal Arc Welder | $37,088 |
| Gas Tungsten Arc Welder | $37,088 |
| Production Line Welder | $37,088 |
| Arc Welder | $37,088 |
| AWS National Skills Standards Level I | $37,088 |
| Combination Welder | $37,088 |
| Welding Technology | $37,088 |
Available Credentials
Associate in Applied Science
- General Occupational/Technical Studies with students plan of study in Welding Technology.
Diploma
- Combination Welder: 41-48 credit hours
Certificates
- Welder Helper: 2-5 credit hours
- Gas Welder: 4 credit hours
- Arc Cutter: 5 credit hours
- Tack Welder: 7-10 credit hours
- Production Line Welder: 19-20 credit hours
- Pipeline Welder: 29-40 credit hours
- AWS National Skills Standard Level I: 33-34 credit hours
- Shielded Metal Arc Welder: 17-18 credit hours
- Gas Metal ARC Welding: 15-18 credit hours
- Gas Tungsten ARC Welding: 17-18 credit hours
- ARC Welder: 24-25 credit hours
For program course requirements, consult the Welding Technology Check Sheet.
Program Length
You can complete the Associate in Applied Science/General Occupational Technical Studies in two years as a full-time student. Diplomas and certificates can be completed in less time depending on your class load.
