What Are the Best Welding Schools in Iowa?
- Eastern Iowa Community College District (Davenport) offers Welder, Diploma and Advanced Welding, Certificate.
- Indian Hills Community College (Ottumwa) offers Welding Technology, Associate of Applied Science and Welding Technician, Diploma.
- Western Iowa Tech Community College (Sioux City) offers Industrial Welding, Diploma and Production Welding, Certificate.
- Resident tuition and fees run from $4,848 to $8,064 a year (2024–25).
- Welding classes in Iowa: 3 of the verified welding programs in Iowa list evening or weekend sections.
- Iowa welders earn a median $55,090 a year (BLS, May 2025).
Eastern Iowa Community College District Leads the Iowa Welding School Rankings
| # | College | Tuition and fees | Welding awards | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eastern Iowa Community College DistrictDavenport | $4,848 | 104 certificates | 45% |
| 2 | Indian Hills Community CollegeOttumwa | $5,040 | 53 certificates, 6 associate | |
| 3 | Western Iowa Tech Community CollegeSioux City | $5,186 | 30 certificates, 6 associate | 50% |
| 4 | Southeastern Community CollegeWest Burlington | $6,420 | 48 certificates, 5 associate | 43% |
| 5 | Kirkwood Community CollegeCedar Rapids | $6,176 | 29 certificates, 23 associate | 43% |
| 6 | Marshalltown Community CollegeMarshalltown | $5,496 | 88 certificates | 42% |
| 7 | Des Moines Area Community CollegeAnkeny | $5,790 | 494 certificates | 39% |
| 8 | North Iowa Area Community CollegeMason City | $6,653 | 54 certificates | 61% |
| 9 | Iowa Central Community CollegeFort Dodge | $5,496 | 48 certificates | 42% |
| 10 | Southwestern Community CollegeCreston | $8,064 | 31 certificates, 2 associate | 59% |
| 11 | Iowa Western Community CollegeCouncil Bluffs | $6,930 | 77 certificates | 40% |
| 12 | Hawkeye Community CollegeWaterloo | $6,525 | 47 certificates | 43% |
Welding programs in Iowa, ranked by the method below. Tuition is the 2024–25 full-time resident rate and graduation rate is college-wide (NCES College Navigator). Welding awards are credentials conferred in welding (IPEDS). Blank cells mean no federal figure for that college.
How We Ranked Iowa Welding Schools
Each Iowa college with a verified, current welding program page gets a percentile score among its in-state peers: program size (35%, welding awards conferred), cost (25%, lowest resident tuition and fees for 2024–25), completion (25%, college-wide graduation rate) and credential ladder (15%, both certificates and associate degrees awarded). Federal data can't measure instructors or equipment, so visit the shop before you enroll.
Best Welding Schools in Iowa by Goal: Top Ranked, Lowest Tuition, Most Welding Awards, Working Adults and Highest Completion
Welding Schools in Iowa, College by College
1Eastern Iowa Community College District, Davenport, Iowa
Offers a diploma and 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $4,848 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 104 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Cutting · Fabrication
2Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa, Iowa
Offers an associate degree and a diploma in welding
- Tuition / year
- $5,040 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 59 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Pipe · Fabrication
3Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City, Iowa
Offers a diploma and 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $5,186 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 36 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Cutting · Fabrication
4Southeastern Community College, West Burlington, Iowa
Offers an associate degree, a diploma and 3 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $6,420 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 53 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Pipe · Cutting
5Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Offers an associate degree and a diploma in welding
- Tuition / year
- $6,176 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 52 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Pipe · Cutting
6Marshalltown Community College, Marshalltown, Iowa
Offers a diploma and 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $5,496 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 88 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Cutting · Fabrication
7Des Moines Area Community College, Ankeny, Iowa
Offers a diploma and 6 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $5,790 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 494 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Cutting · Fabrication
8North Iowa Area Community College, Mason City, Iowa
Offers a diploma and 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $6,653 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 54 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Cutting · Fabrication
9Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge, Iowa
Offers a diploma in welding
- Tuition / year
- $5,496 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 48 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Fabrication
10Southwestern Community College, Creston, Iowa
Offers an associate degree, a diploma and a certificate in welding
- Tuition / year
- $8,064 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 33 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Cutting · Fabrication
11Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Offers a diploma and one other award in welding
- Tuition / year
- $6,930 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 77 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Pipe · Cutting · Fabrication
12Hawkeye Community College, Waterloo, Iowa
Offers 3 diplomas and 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $6,525 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 47 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Cutting · Fabrication
Tuition and welding awards: NCES College Navigator, 2024–25. Programs and processes: each school's own welding page, reviewed September 2026.
Welding Classes in Iowa: 3 Programs Teach Nights or Weekends
Schedules as each college publishes them. Ask about evening sections and start dates before you apply.
- Des Moines Area Community CollegeThe Welding program offers open-entry and open-exit courses. Students may start any semester.
- Indian Hills Community CollegeEntry terms Fall and Spring; AAS 6 terms (18 months), diploma 4 terms (12 months).
- Iowa Western Community CollegeDiploma: two-semester recommended sequence. Weld to Work (CE): Monday-Thursday, 8:00am-12:00pm, e.g. Oct 5-Dec 17, 2026 and Jan 25-Apr 8, 2027.
- Eastern Iowa Community College DistrictDay and night classes; summer welding certificate in 8 weeks.
- Southeastern Community CollegeClasses run in the morning, afternoon and evening.
- Marshalltown Community CollegeTraining starts in the fall or spring.
- Kirkwood Community CollegeProgram entry semester: Fall (2026-27).
- Iowa Central Community CollegeTwo semesters: first semester basic welding techniques, second semester advanced techniques.
- North Iowa Area Community CollegeDiploma is two semesters (Fall and Spring).
- Hawkeye Community CollegeDaytime hybrid: coursework online, labs in person; competency-based and self-paced. Advanced diploma and certificate start Fall or Spring; Production Welding Workplace Certificate meets evenings face-to-face (2 months).
More Welding Programs in Iowa: Colleges That Award Welding Credentials
Welding credentials each college conferred in 2022–23 (IPEDS). Confirm current program details with each college.
- Northeast Iowa Community College, Calmar10
- Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon10
- Iowa Lakes Community College, Estherville7
What Welding School Costs in Iowa: $4,848 to $8,064 a Year
Among the 12 Iowa welding schools with federal figures, 2024–25 tuition and fees for a full-time year range from $4,848 at Eastern Iowa Community College District to $8,064 at Southwestern Community College. Community colleges publish their in-district rate; students from outside the district or state pay more.
| School | City | Tuition and fees, 2024–25 |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Iowa Community College District | Davenport | $4,848 (in-state) |
| Indian Hills Community College | Ottumwa | $5,040 (in-state) |
| Western Iowa Tech Community College | Sioux City | $5,186 (in-state) |
| Iowa Central Community College | Fort Dodge | $5,496 (in-state) |
| Marshalltown Community College | Marshalltown | $5,496 (in-state) |
| Des Moines Area Community College | Ankeny | $5,790 (in-state) |
The six lowest rates. Source: NCES College Navigator.
Welder Salary in Iowa: The Des Moines Area Pays the Most
| Metro area | Median pay | Top 10% earn more than | Welding jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines–West Des Moines | $59,980 | $74,850 | 1,170 |
| Ames | $58,560 | $67,110 | 170 |
| Sioux City | $58,230 | $72,800 | 440 |
| Iowa City | $57,780 | $75,420 | 130 |
| Cedar Rapids | $56,750 | $66,190 | 560 |
| Dubuque | $56,100 | $64,960 | 330 |
| Omaha | $53,110 | $70,150 | 1,060 |
| Waterloo–Cedar Falls | $51,080 | $63,950 | 540 |
| Davenport–Moline–Rock Island | $48,630 | $71,950 | 1,240 |
Welder salary: annual wages for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in Iowa (9,270 jobs); U.S. median $53,750. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Welding Schools by City in Iowa
Welding Schools in Iowa: FAQ
How Much Do Welding Schools in Iowa Cost?
Full-time tuition and fees for 2024–25 at the Iowa colleges on this page run from $4,848 to $8,064 for residents, before books, tools and protective gear.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Welder in Iowa?
Iowa programs publish awards from short certificates to associate degrees. For example, Des Moines Area Community College lists Welding, Diploma (36 credit hours); Indian Hills Community College lists Welding Technician, Diploma (37 credit hours); Iowa Western Community College lists Welding Technology Diploma (28.5 credit hours).
How Much Do Welders Make in Iowa?
BLS estimates a median of $55,090 a year for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in Iowa (May 2025), across 9,270 jobs. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $45,590 and the top 10% earn more than $65,250.
What Is the Best Welding School in Iowa?
On federal data for program size, cost and completion, Eastern Iowa Community College District ranks first among Iowa colleges with verified welding programs, followed by Indian Hills Community College. The best fit depends on the credential you want and the campus you can reach.
Are There Evening Welding Classes in Iowa?
Yes. 3 welding schools in Iowa publish evening or weekend sections, including Eastern Iowa Community College District, Southeastern Community College and Hawkeye Community College.
How Many Welding Schools Are in Iowa?
12 schools have a current welding program in Iowa, each checked against the school's own program page, and 4 offer an associate degree.
What Is the Most Affordable Welding School in Iowa?
Eastern Iowa Community College District had the lowest 2024–25 tuition and fees among Iowa welding schools with federal figures: $4,848 for a full-time year (in-state). Indian Hills Community College ($5,040) and Western Iowa Tech Community College ($5,186) follow.
Which Iowa Welding Schools Offer an Associate Degree?
Indian Hills Community College, Kirkwood Community College and Southeastern Community College and 1 more offer a welding associate degree, usually alongside shorter certificates.
Where Can You Test for AWS Certification in Iowa?
Des Moines Area Community College, Indian Hills Community College and Iowa Western Community College and 4 other schools describe American Welding Society (AWS) testing or certification on their program pages. Each profile shows what the school offers.
Do I Need a Certification to Work as a Welder?
Many employers test welders on their own procedure before hiring. The American Welding Society's Certified Welder program is a performance test with no education or experience prerequisites, taken at an AWS Accredited Test Facility.
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More on Welding in Iowa
Sources
- Official welding program pages of the 12 Iowa colleges above (each college name links to its page), reviewed September 2026.
- U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS completions 2022–23 and College Navigator.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
- American Welding Society, Certified Welder program.