Welding schools in Waukegan, IL

5 schools within 30 miles of Waukegan, IL offer welding programs, and the closest is College of Lake County in Grayslake, 7 miles away. Welders in Illinois earn a median $51,320 a year, according to the BLS.

Within 30 miles
5
Closest
7 mi
Public colleges
5
Median pay in IL
$51,320

5 welding schools within 30 mi of Waukegan, IL

School results

  1. College of Lake County

    Grayslake, IL · 7.3 mi · Public

    • Welding
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +21
  2. Gateway Technical College

    Kenosha, WI · 16 mi · Public

    • Welding
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +30
  3. Oakton College

    Des Plaines, IL · 21 mi · Public

    • Welding
    • HVAC technician
    • Automotive technician
    • +14
  4. Hear from the best fits near Waukegan, IL

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

  5. William Rainey Harper College

    Palatine, IL · 22 mi · Public

    • Welding
    • HVAC technician
    • CNC machining
    • +20
  6. McHenry County College

    Crystal Lake, IL · 27 mi · Public

    • Welding
    • CNC machining
    • Automotive technician
    • +13

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 Waukegan

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

What are the closest welding schools to Waukegan?

The closest are College of Lake County (Grayslake, 7 mi), Gateway Technical College (Kenosha, 16 mi), and Oakton College (Des Plaines, 21 mi). In total, 5 schools within 30 miles teach welding.

How much do welding programs near Waukegan cost?

For the 5 schools nearby that report it, the average yearly net price after aid ranges from $5,183 to $12,928. Ask each school for the full program cost, including tools, books and exam fees.

How much do welders make near Waukegan?

Across Illinois, the median pay is $51,320 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay varies by employer, experience and certifications.

How do I choose a welding school in Waukegan?

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.