Welding schools in Illinois
Looking for welding schools in Illinois? There are 44, including 39 public colleges and 5 private career schools. Welders in Illinois earn a median $51,320 a year, according to the BLS.
- Schools
- 44
- Public colleges
- 39
- Median pay in IL
- $51,320
- Cities with schools
- 15
24 welding schools
School results
City Colleges of Chicago - Kennedy-King College
Chicago, IL · Public
- Welding
- Electrician
- HVAC technician
- +9
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One short form. Up to 3 schools send you costs, schedules and financial aid options.
City Colleges of Chicago - Richard J. Daley College
Chicago, IL · Public
- Welding
- Electrician
- CNC machining
- +4
Highland Community College - Illinois
Freeport, IL · Public
- Welding
- Automotive technician
- Diesel & heavy equipment mechanic
- +11
Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park
Melrose Park, IL · Private
- Welding
- Electrician
- Automotive technician
- +2
Moraine Valley Community College
Palos Hills, IL · Public
- Welding
- HVAC technician
- Automotive technician
- +15
Welding schools by city
- Chicago (13 within 30 mi)
- Aurora (13 within 30 mi)
- Joliet (10 within 30 mi)
- Rockford (4 within 30 mi)
- Elgin (12 within 30 mi)
- Waukegan (5 within 30 mi)
- Arlington Heights (14 within 30 mi)
- Orland Park (12 within 30 mi)
- Downers Grove (16 within 30 mi)
- DeKalb (6 within 30 mi)
- O'Fallon (3 within 30 mi)
- McHenry (6 within 30 mi)
- Wilmette (12 within 30 mi)
- East Peoria (3 within 30 mi)
- Godfrey (3 within 30 mi)
What welders earn in Illinois
Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.
- Median pay
- $51,320
- $24.67 an hour
- Typical range
- $38,890–$76,730
- 10th to 90th percentile
- Jobs in IL
- 16,260
- 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 Illinois
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
Frequently asked questions
How many welding schools are in Illinois?
We list 44 schools in Illinois with welding programs: 39 public colleges and 5 private career schools. Campuses are in Chicago, Springfield, Rockford, Moline, and Glen Ellyn.
Are there community college welding programs in Illinois?
Yes. 39 public colleges in Illinois 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 Illinois?
Among the 44 schools here that report it to the U.S. Department of Education, the average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) ranges from $1,672 to $27,793. 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 Illinois?
The median pay for welders in Illinois is $51,320 a year, and most earn between $38,890 and $76,730, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How do I choose a welding school in Illinois?
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.
Other programs in Illinois
- Cosmetology schools (64)
- IT schools (44)
- Criminal justice programs (44)
- CNA classes (42)
- Medical assistant schools (39)
- Auto mechanic schools (38)
- LPN programs (36)
- EMT and paramedic schools (36)
- Industrial maintenance schools (36)
- Medical billing and coding schools (34)
- Esthetician schools (32)
- HVAC schools (31)
- Drafting schools (30)
- Radiology tech schools (25)
- Phlebotomy classes (24)
- Fire science programs (23)
Welding schools in other states
- Texas (75)
- California (69)
- North Carolina (59)
- Ohio (55)
- Florida (50)
- Pennsylvania (37)
- Michigan (30)
- Oklahoma (29)
- Tennessee (29)
- Arkansas (26)
- Kansas (25)
- Georgia (24)
- Alabama (21)
- Minnesota (21)
- Virginia (20)
- Washington (20)