How long does welding school take in Georgia?

Georgia Technical College programs take 12–18 months and cost $2,800–$5,800 in tuition — among the most affordable options in the Southeast.

Do I need a license to weld in Georgia?

Georgia has no state welding license requirement. Most employers require AWS Certified Welder (CW) credentials. Automotive and aerospace suppliers require process-specific qualifications.

How much do welders make in Georgia?

Georgia welders earned a median annual wage of $48,430 in May 2025 (BLS). Atlanta and Savannah welders working in aerospace and automotive manufacturing earn $50,000–$70,000.

What is the best welding school in Georgia?

Georgia Piedmont Technical College in the Atlanta metro offers the best combination of affordability, curriculum depth, and employer connections for most students.

Best Welding Schools in Georgia (2026): Top 4 Programs Reviewed

Georgia's manufacturing boom — led by automotive, aerospace, and construction — has driven strong demand for certified welders across the state. We reviewed 10 programs to find the best welding schools in Georgia.

Georgia fast facts:

Median salary in Georgia: $48,430/year
Job growth (10yr): +14% (2024–34)
License required: No (AWS certification required by most employers)
Programs reviewed: 10

Top Welding Schools in Georgia

Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Best Overall in Georgia

Clarkston, GA (Atlanta metro)

Program

12–18 months

Tuition

$3,000–$5,500

Accred.

SACSCOC

GPTC's welding program is one of the top options in metro Atlanta. Covers SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and plasma cutting. Strong industry connections with Atlanta-area manufacturing, automotive, and construction employers.

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Chattahoochee Technical College

Best for North Georgia

Marietta, GA

Program

12–18 months

Tuition

$3,200–$5,800

Accred.

SACSCOC

CTC's welding technology program serves the North Georgia and metro Atlanta market. Graduates work in automotive manufacturing (Kia, Rivian), aerospace, and construction.

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Southern Crescent Technical College

Best for South Atlanta

Griffin, GA

Program

12 months

Tuition

$2,800–$5,000

Accred.

SACSCOC

Located south of Atlanta, SCTC's welding program is a strong affordable option for students in the Griffin–Newnan–Henry County corridor. Good pipeline to local manufacturing employers.

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Savannah Technical College

Best for Coastal Georgia

Savannah, GA

Program

12 months

Tuition

$2,800–$5,200

Accred.

SACSCOC

Savannah Tech's welding program is well-positioned for the port city's ship repair, marine fabrication, and construction industries. Good proximity to Gulfstream Aerospace.

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License Requirements in Georgia

Georgia does not require a state welding license for employees. AWS Certified Welder (CW) credentials are required by most manufacturers and contractors. Automotive OEM suppliers (Kia, Rivian, etc.) typically require process-specific certifications. Structural work follows AWS D1.1.

Welding Salary in Georgia

Georgia welders earn a median of $48,430 per year (BLS May 2025). Atlanta-area aerospace and automotive manufacturing welders earn $50,000–$70,000. Savannah's growing port and aerospace sector is driving above-average wages in coastal Georgia.

Top-paying cities in Georgia:

City	Annual Mean Wage
Savannah	$54,340
Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Roswell	$53,310
Augusta–Richmond County (GA–SC)	$52,940
Columbus (GA–AL)	$42,370

See the full Welding salary breakdown by state →

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