Train for an In-Demand Career in Welding

Westmoreland offers a degree and diploma in Welding Engineering Technology.

Why Choose a Career in Welding Engineering Technology?

Those interested in the field of welding should have excellent manual dexterity, good hand-eye coordination and overall excellent eyesight. Welders join seams and fill holes and indentations in metal pieces. They can explore options such as welding, soldering and brazing.

Welders are physically adept at bending because this field can require awkward positions for completion of a job. Those selecting a career in welding should possess a strong work ethic, good problem-solving skills and solid math skills.

What Will I Learn?

Westmoreland’s Welding Engineering Technology program has state-of the-art technology and machines to learn the necessary skills needed in the welding field. Students will learn how to make decisions in the design and manufacturing of welded fabrications based on joint design, welding equipment, metallurgy and material application.

Classes are smaller and instructors are available for further academic explanation when needed. Employers regularly reach out to Westmoreland’s welding students for post-graduation employment. Welding courses include practice for certifications offered in-house by our AWS-Accredited Testing Facility.

What Will I Earn?

If you plan to stay in the region, there are many occupations related to this program degree and diploma. In the 10-county region* surrounding Westmoreland County Community College, the earnings for occupations in this field range from $18.00 - $33.86 per hour, with an average hourly wage of $25.84.

It is important to remember that wages vary based on level of education, experience, job location and other factors.

Source: Data provided by Lightcast™ (https://lightcast.io/) 2026.1

* 10-county region includes Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland.

Career Opportunities

This in-demand career offers students an opportunity to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. Graduates have obtained jobs in the following titles: welder, welding supervisor, nuclear service technician, quality assurance/quality control inspector, quality assurance supervisor, technical sales representative and entrepreneur.

Program Fees

First Year

Tuition

$143 per credit (Westmoreland County Residents) - $4,576 for 32 credits
$280 per credit (Out-of-County Residents) - $8,960 for 32 credits
$420 per credit (Out-of-State Residents) - $13,440 for 32 credits

Fees

General Fee $72 per credit (Westmoreland County Resident) - $2,304 for 32 credits
General Fee $70 per credit (Out-of-County and Out-of-State Residents) - $2,240 for 32 credits
- Welding Engineering Technology Courses First Semester - 16 credits
- General Education Courses First Semester - 1 credit
- Welding Engineering Technology Courses Second Semester - 15 credits
- General Education Courses Second Semester - 0 credits
Capital Fee $6 per credit (Out-of-County/Out-of-State Residents) - $192 for 32 credits
Lab Fee Welding Engineering Technology Courses $70-$80 per course
- First Semester 4 courses @ $70 = $280
- Second Semester 3 courses @ $70 = $210
Lab Fee Non-Welding Engineering Technology Courses $70-$80 per course
- First Semester 0 courses
- Second Semester 0 courses
*Software Fees - None

Textbooks

*Estimated textbooks - $300
*Estimated textbooks, general education - $1,000

Materials (Estimated)

Welding Hood - $200
Gloves - $50
Safety Glasses - $16
4 1/2 inch grinder - $60
Tape measure - $15
Welding pliers - $22
Chipping hammer - $12
Wire brush - $5
Vice grips - $8
10" adjustable wrench - $15

*Fees, excluding college established Tuition Fees, are estimates and subject to change without notice.

Second Year