What is Welding Technology?
Welding is the most common way to join metal parts. If you like working with your hands and enjoy building or repairing metal parts, consider a career as a welder. Job prospects for skilled welders are good, because it is difficult to find qualified workers. Advanced technology is finding more uses for welding in the workplace.
What are my career options?
Welding jobs are found in manufacturing. Jobs are concentrated in fabricated metal product manufacturing, transportation equipment manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, architectural and structural metals manufacturing, and construction.
| 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 |
What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?
Associate in Applied Science/General Occupational/Technical Studies: Welding Technology
Combination Welder Diploma
Welding Technology Certificates
- ARC Cutter
- ARC Welder
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
- Gas Welder
- Pipeline Welder
- Production Line Welder
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Tack Welder
- Welder Helper
Additional Information
| Gas Welder: 4 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS | |
| Welder Helper: 5 Total credit hours | |
| Tack Welder: 10 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS | |
| Gas Metal Arc Welder: 15 - 17 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS |
| Shielded Metal Arc Welder: 17 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS | |
| Gas Tungsten Arc Welder: 17 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS | |
| Production Line Welder: 19 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS | |
| Arc Welder: 24 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS | |
| AWS National Skills Standards Level I: 33 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS | |
| Combination Welder: 50 - 54 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS | |
| Welding Technology: 60 - 65 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS |
Length of Program
You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
