Did you know that California is the #2 state in the nation for welder employment?
Education & Training
To become a welder in California, you’ll need to complete an accredited education program and obtain an official license.
Trade Schools with Welding Programs
- Bakersfield, Merced, Fresno, Visalia
- Fremont
- San Diego, San Jose
- Canyon Country
- Clovis, Modesto, Redding
- Susanville
- Long Beach
- San Bernardino
- San Diego, San Diego,
- Stockton
- San Jose
- Colton, San Diego, Anaheim
- Long Beach, Rancho Cucamonga, Sacramento
Advanced Career Institute (Rating: 4.4 out 5)
Advanced Career Institute’s Advanced Welding Technology program is a 760-hour (38-week) hands-on course offered at the Visalia, Fresno, and Bakersfield campuses, with flexible class times to accommodate diverse schedules. The program prepares students for American Welding Society (AWS) welder performance qualifications in multiple positions (horizontal, vertical, overhead, and 6G) and includes training in techniques such as MIG, TIG, Arc, and Flux Core welding. Graduates earn a Certificate of Completion and may also qualify for certifications like NCCER, NOCTI, and AWS SENSE, opening doors to entry-level welding roles across various industries.
Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Rating: 3.6 out 5)
The Combination Welding Diploma Program at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance offers hands-on training in welding and flame cutting, with classroom instruction on welding theory over 8 months (24 credit hours). Graduates are prepared to sit for the American Welding Society (AWS) 3G-4G certification exam. The program provides career opportunities in various welding fields, including welder-fitter, maintenance welder, and fabrication welder.
Center for Employment Training (Rating: 4 out 5)
This hands-on welding training program equips students with the skills needed for entry-level welding jobs in just 8–9 months. The curriculum covers shop safety, blueprint reading, and multiple welding processes (SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, FCAW, and Oxy-Fuel), along with job preparation skills like resume building and interviewing. Graduates receive job placement assistance and access to support services, with training supplies, basic toolkits, books, and uniforms included at no extra cost.
Charter College (Rating: 3.2 out 5)
Charter College offers an accelerated Certificate in Welding program designed to be completed in as little as 10 months (40 weeks). The curriculum utilizes a blended learning format that combines online coursework with intensive, hands-on lab training in various processes, including SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW. While the program focuses on preparing students for entry-level roles in manufacturing and construction, it specifically equips graduates with the technical foundation to pursue industry-recognized certifications through the American Welding Society (AWS).
Institute of Technology (Rating: 4.6 out 5)
The Institute of Technology (IOT) offers an accelerated Welding Technician diploma program that can be completed in as little as 9 months through a Monday-through-Thursday schedule. The curriculum focuses on immersion in real-world scenarios, covering essential techniques like SMAW, GMAW, and TIG welding alongside safety, metallurgy, and professional development. While the program grants a diploma upon graduation, it is specifically designed to prepare students for industry-recognized certifications, such as the American Welding Society (AWS) credentials, which are highly valued in construction and manufacturing sectors.
Lassen Community College (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
Lassen Community College's Welding Technology program offers multiple credentials, ranging from a Certificate of Accomplishment to a two-year Associate of Science (AS) Degree and a two-year Certificate of Achievement. The curriculum provides training in all major welding processes (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, etc.) and gives students the opportunity to earn American Welding Society (AWS) qualifications in both plate and pipe welding. Students can complete the Associate Degree or two-year Certificate within two years, with shorter-term course options also available.
Long Beach City College (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
Long Beach City College’s Welding Technology program equips students with technical skills and hands-on training for entry-level and advanced roles in welding and metal fabrication. Students can pursue an Associate in Science degree, Certificates of Achievement in areas like Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), or short-term Certificates of Completion in basic welding processes. The program emphasizes industry-relevant techniques and offers pathways that prepare graduates for professional certification and employment in a range of welding careers.
San Bernardino Valley College (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
The Welding Technology program offers various Certificates of Accomplishment (COA) and an Associate of Science (AS) Degree, providing students with the entry-level skills required for welding occupations. Upon completion, students can demonstrate industry-accepted skills across multiple processes (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, etc.) and are given opportunities to test for and achieve welding certifications within the courses at no additional cost. The program also includes specific classes to prepare students for advanced certifications like Certified Welding Inspector and L.A. City Certified Welder.
San Diego College of Continuing Education (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
San Diego College of Continuing Education’s Welding program offers hands-on training in various welding techniques, preparing students for entry-level positions in the metalworking industry. The program covers essential skills like blueprint reading, fabrication, and safety procedures, with flexible scheduling to accommodate different learning paces. Graduates earn industry-recognized certifications, enhancing their employability in construction, manufacturing, and related fields.
San Joaquin Delta College (Rating: 4.1 out 5)
San Joaquin Delta College’s Welding Technology program trains students in Oxy/Fuel, SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and cutting techniques for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Students can earn Certificates of Achievement in specialized areas such as GMAW/FCAW, GTAW, SMAW/Oxy-Fuel, or general Welding Technology, with advanced courses preparing graduates for AWS/ASME Welder Qualification/Certification testing. The program equips learners for careers in fabrication, industrial maintenance, motorsports design, and skilled trade apprenticeships like pipefitting and ironworking.
Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (Rating: 4.4 out 5)
Silicon Valley Career Technical Education’s Welding program provides hands-on training in welding processes such as SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW, preparing students for entry-level positions in the industry. The program emphasizes safety, blueprint reading, and fabrication skills, with opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications. Students can complete the program in one academic year, gaining practical experience and job-ready skills.
Summit College (Rating: 3.6 out 5)
Summit College offers an accelerated Welding certificate program at its San Bernardino, El Cajon, and Santa Ana campuses, designed to be completed in as little as 9 months. The curriculum provides hands-on training in essential techniques such as SMAW, MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), and flux-cored arc welding, with flexible day and evening class options to suit working students. Graduates are specifically prepared for the 2026 workforce as entry-level welders and are academically equipped to pursue industry-recognized certifications through the American Welding Society (AWS) and the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS).
Universal Technical Institute (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
UTI’s Welding Technology program offers hands-on training in four major welding processes—GMAW, SMAW, FCAW, and GTAW—developed in partnership with Lincoln Electric. This 36-week program, available at 12 campuses, prepares students for careers in industries like automotive fabrication and aerospace. With a combination of traditional and virtual welding instruction, graduates complete the program in less than nine months, gaining the skills needed for entry-level combination welder positions.
What Do You Study in Welding School?
Welding courses typically have classroom instruction and hands-on training components.
Classes at welding schools in CA usually include:
- Shop and Site Safety
- Welding Equipment Identification
- Blueprint Reading and Interpretation
- Construction Math
- Business Fundamentals
- Communication and Customer Service
During the practical application portion of their programs, students receive training on how to work with ferrous and non-ferrous metals:
- Oxy-Acetylene cutting and brazing
- Arc welding
- MIG welding
- Flux Core welding
- Gas tungsten arc welding
How Long is Welder School in California?
Most people complete their welder certificate or apprenticeship program in as little as 6 months.
However, there are also 18-month-long courses and externships available for students who want a more in-depth understanding of the industry.
Those who hope to obtain associate’s degrees must complete 2 years of coursework and hands-on training.
What is the Cost?
At most welding trade school programs in California, tuition, fees, study materials, and equipment costs are usually about $3,500.
Students who choose to take community college courses might pay anywhere from $6,000 to $20,000. Tuition for an associate’s degree welding program may be as much as $55,000.
Salary Range
Here is a survey of average salaries in the state from major employment websites:
- ZipRecruiter: $41,024
- Salary.com: $51,829
- Indeed: $53,005
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: $59,170
Below is some local data from BLS.gov.
| Area | Per Hour | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield | $28.77 | $59,840 |
| Chico | $26.60 | $55,320 |
| Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California | $27.37 | $56,940 |
| El Centro | $25.29 | $52,590 |
| Fresno | $24.52 | $51,010 |
| Hanford-Corcoran | $23.51 | $48,900 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $28.33 | $58,930 |
| Madera | $24.79 | $51,570 |
| Merced | $24.62 | $51,200 |
| Modesto | $27.27 | $56,710 |
| Napa | $28.93 | $60,170 |
| North Coast Region of California | $33.84 | $70,380 |
| North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California | $25.93 | $53,930 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $25.72 | $53,490 |
| Redding | $26.47 | $55,060 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $26.12 | $54,330 |
| Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade | $30.18 | $62,770 |
| Salinas | $28.49 | $59,260 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad | $28.48 | $59,240 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward | $32.54 | $67,690 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $33.44 | $69,560 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande | $29.17 | $60,680 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $30.68 | $63,810 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $27.03 | $56,220 |
| Santa Rosa | $28.83 | $59,960 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $25.88 | $53,830 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield | $33.31 | $69,280 |
| Visalia-Porterville | $23.87 | $49,650 |
| Yuba City | $24.10 | $50,120 |
Occupation:Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers(SOC Code514121)
source: data.bls.gov
As you gain experience, you’ll likely be able to negotiate higher wages or earn performance-based raises and bonuses.
You can make more money if you obtain extra certifications, as well. For example, California welders with commercial diving credentials may earn as much as $166,572, depending on the type of underwater welding jobs they get.
Apprenticeships
Some aspiring welders in CA are tactile learners who prefer exclusive hands-on training over traditional in-class instruction. Apprenticeships allow these individuals to work under the supervision of a licensed welder, learning the necessary skills for the job.
Benefits of an Apprenticeship
Apprentices typically enjoy the following benefits:
- Gaining real-world experience by working for paying clients and construction teams at actual job sites
- Practicing and perfecting their dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and judgment skills while performing welds
- Building connections with clients and coworkers that could benefit them in their future careers
- Observing and performing various business practices for their employers
- Earning money while learning
Dive Welding Certification
Welders in CA might also consider completing specialized diving classes to earn their commercial diving certifications. Once they have these credentials, underwater welders can qualify for well-paying jobs working on:
- Ships and submarines
- Off-shore oil rigs
- Dams
- Underwater pipelines
- Nuclear reactors
- Bridges
California Welder Requirements
In order to qualify for welder jobs in California, you’ll need to obtain an official welding certification once you complete your apprenticeship or educational program.
Some schools include a licensing exam in their course curriculum, though you can get your credentials through the American Welding Society (AWS) or another certifying agency.
The standard requirements for getting your certification and becoming a welder in California are as follows:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a valid driver’s license or state-issued ID
- Possess a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- Not currently be on parole or probation
- Pass a certification exam through an official licensing agency
Certification Exams
Certification exams for welders in CA vary, depending on where you live. However, most organizations proctor a two-part exam with a written portion and a welder performance qualification test.
If you test through the AWS, you’ll need to pass these tests with at least 70 percent, submit an application, and pay the required fees to receive your Certified Welder Wallet Card in the mail.
Welding Contractor License
Experienced welders in CA might consider becoming private contractors and going into business for themselves.
According to California state law, those planning to bid for welding services that cost over $500 in labor, time and materials must obtain a C-60 welding license from the Contractors State License Board.
What’s Needed for a Contractor License?
Aspiring welding contractors in CA must:
- Pass a licensing exam to determine your knowledge of welding and safety protocols, including working with asbestos and hazardous substances
- Pay an initial licensing fee of $200 for Sole Owner welding contractors or $350 for Non-Sole Owners
- Undergo fingerprinting for criminal background checks
- File a contractor bond of $25,000
- Show a Certificate of Workers’ Compensation Insurance or a Certificate of Self-Insurance of Workers’ Compensation from the Department of Industrial Relations
Job Description
What Do Welders Do?
Welders in CA use heavy, high-heat-emitting machinery to melt and shape metal while assembling and repairing metal items and structures.
To create durable, lasting welds, these skilled trades professionals perform duties like:
- Accurately reading, interpreting, and following blueprints
- Taking precise measurements and cutting metal parts
- Filling and shaping metal components and products
- Using gas flames, lasers, and electric arcs to melt and join metal pieces together
What Employers in California Look for in Welders
California’s diverse industries—from construction and manufacturing to aerospace and entertainment—demand highly skilled welders with a broad range of expertise. Employers across the state seek professionals proficient in various welding techniques, capable of working with different materials, and adaptable to specialized job requirements.
Key Skills and Competencies
- Proficiency in Welding Techniques
Employers expect welders to be skilled in multiple techniques, including:- MIG (Gas Metal Arc Welding – GMAW)TIG (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding – GTAW)Stick Welding (Shielded Metal Arc Welding – SMAW)Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)Oxy-Fuel Welding and Cutting
Companies like US Tower in Woodlake, CA, require candidates to pass specific welding tests (such as 1-G Limited steel weld test) to demonstrate their expertise before employment. - Ability to Work with Various Metals
California’s welding industry extends beyond basic steelwork. Many jobs require knowledge of materials such as:- Stainless steelCarbon steelAluminumSuperalloys (especially in aerospace and high-performance industries)Structural steel (for construction and heavy equipment)
Companies like RECON Engineering & Construction in San Bernardino, CA, seek welders skilled in specialty welding with stainless steel and superalloys, requiring compliance with strict ASME codes. - Blueprint Reading & Fabrication Skills
- Understanding and interpreting welding symbolsReading and fabricating from blueprints and technical drawingsLayout and fabrication of custom metalworkExperience using metalworking equipment such as shears, punch presses, notchers, benders, and drill presses
The City of Los Angeles’ Department of Water and Power (LADWP) looks for welders who can fabricate components from schematics, often working in challenging environments such as fuel tanks, confined spaces, and elevated structures. - Welding Certification and Compliance
Many employers require or strongly prefer industry-recognized certifications, such as:- AWS (American Welding Society) CertificationsASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Certifications6G Pipe Welding Certification (preferred for advanced work)NCCER Welding Certification (often needed for industrial and construction projects)
At California’s Great America in Santa Clara, CA, welders with a 6G certification earn top wages ($39/hour+). - Workplace Safety and Hazard Awareness
Safety is paramount in welding jobs, especially when working with hazardous materials, high heat, and confined spaces. Welders must understand and follow:- OSHA safety regulationsLockout/Tagout (LOTO) proceduresProper use of respirators and personal protective equipment (PPE)Fall protection and ladder safetyNon-destructive testing (NDT) for structural integrity
Employers like Proworks in Corona, CA, expect welding leads to enforce strict safety procedures while overseeing teams of welders. - Industry-Specific Experience
While general welding skills are crucial, experience in specialized industries can make a candidate more desirable.
- Manufacturing & Production: Fabricating machinery, tools, and infrastructure (e.g., Allied Systems Company in Brawley, CA looks for welders with 2–5 years of fabrication experience in a fast-paced production environment.)
- Aerospace & Defense: High-precision welding for aircraft components, requiring compliance with stringent quality standards
- Construction & Structural Welding: Work on bridges, commercial buildings, and industrial plants
- Entertainment & Theme Parks: Maintenance and fabrication for amusement park rides (California’s Great America seeks welders for roller coaster inspections and repairs.)
- Marine & Offshore Welding: Working on boats, barges, and shipyards, requiring underwater welding certifications
Industry Crossover and Career Growth
California’s welders can transition into related fields, including:
- Robotic Welding & Automation: Many companies are integrating robotic welding systems, increasing the need for welders skilled in programming and operating these machines.
- Rigging & Heavy Equipment Operation: Some welding jobs, like those at RECON Engineering, involve advanced rigging duties, including crane operation.
- Quality Control & Inspection: Certified welding inspectors (CWIs) are in demand for ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Metal Fabrication & Machining: Skilled welders can move into custom metalwork, creating intricate parts for various industries.
- Pipeline & Oil Refinery Work: Certified welders can work in refineries and gas plants, maintaining and repairing essential infrastructure.
Conclusion
Employers in California seek welders who combine technical expertise with industry-specific experience, safety awareness, and a willingness to adapt to new technologies. Certifications and specialization can open doors to higher-paying positions in industries like aerospace, construction, and theme park maintenance. Whether working in large municipalities like Los Angeles, industrial hubs like San Bernardino, or specialized entertainment venues like California’s Great America, welders in California have numerous opportunities for career advancement and cross-industry mobility.