Best Welding Schools in California (2025): Top 5 Programs Reviewed
By Bikash Roy · Founder & Lead Researcher
Published January 15, 2025
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California's aerospace, shipbuilding, construction, and manufacturing sectors create strong demand for certified welders year-round. We reviewed 18 programs to find the top welding schools in California — ranked by accreditation, curriculum depth, and employer connections.
California fast facts:
- Avg. salary in California: $57,230/year
- Job growth (10yr): +4%
- License required: No (AWS certification required by most employers)
- Programs reviewed: 18
Top Welding Schools in California
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
Best Value in CaliforniaLos Angeles, CA
Program
12–18 months
Tuition
$1,400–$3,200
Accred.
ACCJC
LATTC's welding program is one of the most affordable in the state, with strong ties to LA aerospace, construction, and entertainment industry fabrication employers. Covers SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW.
Request Info from Los Angeles Trade-Technical College →Tulsa Welding School — Jacksonville Campus
Fastest Path to CertificationJacksonville, FL (recruits CA grads)
Program
7 months
Tuition
$15,847
Accred.
ACCSC
For California students who want the fastest path to AWS certification and structured career placement, Tulsa's accelerated program is well-regarded by CA employers.
Request Info from Tulsa Welding School — Jacksonville Campus →Cerritos College
Best for LA South BayNorwalk, CA (LA County)
Program
12–24 months
Tuition
$1,200–$2,800
Accred.
ACCJC
Cerritos College offers one of the most comprehensive community college welding programs in Southern California. Strong industry connections with local aerospace and manufacturing firms.
Request Info from Cerritos College →Sacramento City College
Best for Northern CaliforniaSacramento, CA
Program
12–18 months
Tuition
$1,100–$2,400
Accred.
ACCJC
SCC's Welding Technology program prepares students for AWS certification. Graduates find work in Sacramento's construction, agricultural equipment, and state infrastructure sectors.
Request Info from Sacramento City College →Mt. San Antonio College
Best for Inland EmpireWalnut, CA (Inland Empire)
Program
12 months
Tuition
$1,200–$2,600
Accred.
ACCJC
Mt. SAC's welding program is a top choice for students in the Inland Empire region. Strong hands-on curriculum with modern equipment and direct pipeline to manufacturing employers.
Request Info from Mt. San Antonio College →License Requirements in California
California does not require a state welding license for employment. Most employers require AWS Certified Welder (CW) credentials. For structural steel work on state projects, AWS D1.1 compliance is mandatory. Aerospace welding employers typically require D1.2 (aluminum) or AWS D17.1 certifications.
Welding Salary in California
California welders earn a median of $57,230 per year — significantly above the national median of $49,920 (BLS May 2023). Los Angeles aerospace and defense welders and Bay Area industrial welders are among the highest paid in the country.
Top-paying cities in California:
| City | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|
| San Francisco Bay Area | $68,400 |
| Los Angeles–Long Beach | $61,200 |
| San Diego | $58,900 |
| Sacramento | $54,100 |
| Fresno | $47,800 |
See the full Welding salary breakdown by state →
Other States
Browse Welding schools in other states:
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