Welding schools in California

We found 69 schools offering welding training in California, with campuses in Sacramento, Visalia, Long Beach, and San Bernardino and more. Welders in California earn a median $58,060 a year, according to the BLS.

Schools
69
Public colleges
57
Median pay in CA
$58,060
Cities with schools
45

24 welding schools

School results

  1. Advanced Career Institute

    Visalia, CA · Private

    • Welding
    • CDL & truck driving
  2. Allan Hancock College

    Santa Maria, CA · Public

    • Welding
    • CNC machining
    • Automotive technician
    • +14
  3. American River College

    Sacramento, CA · Public

    • Welding
    • Electrician
    • Plumbing
    • +16
  4. Hear from the best fits

    One short form. Up to 3 schools send you costs, schedules and financial aid options.

  5. Antelope Valley Community College District

    Lancaster, CA · Public

    • Welding
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +13
  6. Bakersfield College

    Bakersfield, CA · Public

    • Welding
    • HVAC technician
    • Carpentry
    • +13
  7. Barstow Community College

    Barstow, CA · Public

    • Welding
    • Automotive technician
    • Diesel & heavy equipment mechanic
    • +5
  8. Butte College

    Oroville, CA · Public

    • Welding
    • HVAC technician
    • Automotive technician
    • +14
  9. Cabrillo College

    Aptos, CA · Public

    • Welding
    • Medical assistant
    • Phlebotomy
    • +7
  10. Cerritos College

    Norwalk, CA · Public

    • Welding
    • Carpentry
    • CNC machining
    • +13
  11. Cerro Coso Community College

    Ridgecrest, CA · Public

    • Welding
    • Medical assistant
    • Practical nursing (LPN/LVN)
    • +4
  12. CET-Colton

    Colton, CA · Private

    • Welding
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +2
  13. CET-El Centro

    El Centro, CA · Private

    • Welding
    • CDL & truck driving
    • Construction technology
  14. CET-San Diego

    San Diego, CA · Private

    • Welding
    • Electrician
    • Medical assistant
    • +1
  15. CET-Watsonville

    Watsonville, CA · Private

    • Welding
    • Medical assistant
    • Construction technology
  16. Chabot College

    Hayward, CA · Public

    • Welding
    • Electrician
    • CNC machining
    • +7
  17. City College of San Francisco

    San Francisco, CA · Public

    • Welding
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +23
  18. Coalinga College

    Coalinga, CA · Public

    • Welding
    • HVAC technician
    • CDL & truck driving
    • +2
  19. College of the Canyons

    Santa Clarita, CA · Public

    • Welding
    • Automotive technician
    • Nursing assistant (CNA)
    • +9
  20. College of the Desert

    Palm Desert, CA · Public

    • Welding
    • HVAC technician
    • Automotive technician
    • +9
  21. College of the Redwoods

    Eureka, CA · Public

    • Welding
    • Electrician
    • Carpentry
    • +11
  22. College of the Sequoias

    Visalia, CA · Public

    • Welding
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +14
  23. College of the Siskiyous

    Weed, CA · Public

    • Welding
    • Practical nursing (LPN/LVN)
    • EMT & paramedic
    • +2
  24. Columbia College

    Sonora, CA · Public

    • Welding
    • Automotive technician
    • EMT & paramedic
    • +2
  25. Compton College

    Compton, CA · Public

    • Welding
    • HVAC technician
    • CNC machining
    • +5

Welding schools by city

What welders earn in California

Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.

Median pay
$58,060
$27.91 an hour
Typical range
$44,520–$81,940
10th to 90th percentile
Jobs in CA
26,060
Job growth, 2025–35
+2.4%
40,300 openings a year (U.S.)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, and Employment Projections.

Hear from the best fits near California

One short form. Up to 3 schools send you costs, schedules and financial aid options. Free, with no obligation.

  • Compare real costs and start dates
  • Ask about financial aid and apprenticeships
  • Your info goes only to the schools you're matched with

Step 1 of 3: Your trade

Compare welding schools

Free · Takes 60 seconds · No obligation

Frequently asked questions

How many welding schools are in California?

We list 69 schools in California with welding programs: 57 public colleges, 4 private nonprofit schools, and 8 private career schools. Campuses are in Sacramento, Visalia, Long Beach, San Bernardino, and Rancho Cucamonga.

Are there community college welding programs in California?

Yes. 57 public colleges in California offer welding. Public programs often cost less and are usually eligible for federal financial aid. Confirm costs and aid with each school.

How much does welding school cost in California?

Among the 66 schools here that report it to the U.S. Department of Education, the average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) ranges from $480 to $37,713. That figure covers the whole school, not just this program, so ask each school for the program's total cost.

How much do welders make in California?

The median pay for welders in California is $58,060 a year, and most earn between $44,520 and $81,940, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How do I choose a welding school in California?

Ask each school about accreditation, total cost after financial aid, hands-on lab hours, certification exam prep, class sizes and job placement. Request info from two or three schools so you can compare their answers side by side.