What Are the Best Welding Schools in Michigan?
- Washtenaw Community College (Ann Arbor) offers Welding Technology, AAS and Welding and Fabrication Principles, Certificate.
- Delta College (University Center) offers Welding Technology, Associate in Applied Science and Welding Technology, Advanced Certificate.
- Grand Rapids Community College (Grand Rapids) offers Welding Technology, A.A.A.S. and Welding Certificate.
- Resident tuition and fees run from $2,736 to $17,943 a year (2024–25).
- Welding classes in Michigan: 1 of the verified welding programs in Michigan list evening or weekend sections.
- Michigan welders earn a median $49,990 a year (BLS, May 2025).
Washtenaw Community College Leads the Michigan Welding School Rankings
| # | College | Tuition and fees | Welding awards | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washtenaw Community CollegeAnn Arbor | $2,736 | 76 certificates, 27 associate | 33% |
| 2 | Delta CollegeUniversity Center | $4,820 | 76 certificates, 12 associate | 27% |
| 3 | Grand Rapids Community CollegeGrand Rapids | $4,179 | 44 certificates, 13 associate | 21% |
| 4 | Lansing Community CollegeLansing | $4,100 | 27 certificates, 14 associate | 25% |
| 5 | Southwestern Michigan CollegeNiles | $6,417 | 28 certificates, 5 associate | 38% |
| 6 | Kirtland Community CollegeGrayling | $5,190 | 20 certificates, 6 associate | 34% |
| 7 | Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids | $14,778 | 44 associate | 47% |
| 8 | Monroe County Community CollegeMonroe | $4,759 | 5 certificates, 4 associate | 34% |
| 9 | MIAT College of TechnologyCanton | $17,943 | 65 certificates | |
| 10 | Macomb Community CollegeWarren | $3,660 | 41 certificates | 18% |
| 11 | Schoolcraft Community College DistrictLivonia | $4,736 | 6 certificates, 6 associate | 18% |
| 12 | Mott Community CollegeFlint | $6,845 | 2 certificates, 8 associate | 32% |
| 13 | Oakland Community CollegeAuburn Hills | $3,020 | 12 certificates | 21% |
| 14 | Mid Michigan CollegeHarrison | $6,132 | 30 certificates | 28% |
| 15 | St Clair County Community CollegePort Huron | $5,212 | 3 associate | 34% |
| 16 | Wayne County Community College DistrictDetroit | $3,112 | 1 associate | 22% |
Welding programs in Michigan, 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 Michigan Welding Schools
Each Michigan 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 Michigan by Goal: Top Ranked, Lowest Tuition and Highest Completion
Welding Schools in Michigan, College by College
1Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Offers an associate degree and 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $2,736 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 103 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Cutting · Fabrication
2Delta College, University Center, Michigan
Offers an associate degree and 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $4,820 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 88 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Fabrication
3Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Offers an associate degree and 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $4,179 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 57 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Pipe · Cutting · Fabrication
4Lansing Community College, Lansing, Michigan
Offers an associate degree and 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $4,100 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 41 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Pipe · Cutting · Fabrication
5Southwestern Michigan College, Niles, Michigan
Offers an associate degree and a certificate in welding
- Tuition / year
- $6,417 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 33 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Cutting · Fabrication
6Kirtland Community College, Grayling, Michigan
Offers an associate degree and a certificate in welding
- Tuition / year
- $5,190 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 26 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Fabrication
7Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan
Offers an associate degree and one other award in welding
- Tuition / year
- $14,778 all students, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 44 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Fabrication · Robotic · Inspection
8Monroe County Community College, Monroe, Michigan
Offers an associate degree and 3 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $4,759 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 9 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Cutting · Fabrication
9MIAT College of Technology, Canton, Michigan
Offers one other award in welding
- Tuition / year
- $17,943 all students, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 65 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG
10Macomb Community College, Warren, Michigan
Offers 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $3,660 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 41 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Pipe · Fabrication
11Schoolcraft Community College District, Livonia, Michigan
Offers an associate degree and 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $4,736 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 12 conferred 2024–25
12Mott Community College, Flint, Michigan
Offers an associate degree in welding
- Tuition / year
- $6,845 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 10 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Pipe
13Oakland Community College, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Offers 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $3,020 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 12 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Cutting · Fabrication
14Mid Michigan College, Harrison, Michigan
Offers 2 certificates and one other award in welding
- Tuition / year
- $6,132 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 30 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Fabrication · Inspection
15St Clair County Community College, Port Huron, Michigan
Offers an associate degree in welding
- Tuition / year
- $5,212 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 3 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · TIG · Cutting
16Wayne County Community College District, Detroit, Michigan
Offers an associate degree and 3 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $3,112 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 1 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 Michigan: One Program Teaches Nights or Weekends
Schedules as each college publishes them. Ask about evening sections and start dates before you apply.
- Washtenaw Community CollegeWeekend Welders option: welding lab classes on Sundays only; the full AAS takes 11 part-time semesters.
- Delta CollegeAAS: 5 semesters (Main Campus/Blended); Advanced Certificate: 3 semesters; Certificate of Achievement: 1 semester.
- MIAT College of Technology10-month program.
- Grand Rapids Community CollegeWelding Certificate described as a one-year program; flexible class scheduling.
- Lansing Community CollegeNext start January 11, 2027; format listed as Online, In person and Hybrid.
- Oakland Community CollegeLevel I can be completed by full-time students in one fall semester; Level II in three semesters (one academic year plus a summer).
- Mid Michigan CollegeCertificate can be earned in 1-1.5 years full-time.
- Southwestern Michigan CollegeCertificate is one year; degree is two years.
More Welding Programs in Michigan: Colleges That Award Welding Credentials
Welding credentials each college conferred in 2022–23 (IPEDS). Confirm current program details with each college.
- Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kalamazoo20
- Northern Michigan University, Marquette18
- Bay de Noc Community College, Escanaba16
- Jackson College, Jackson15
- Gogebic Community College, Ironwood13
- Alpena Community College, Alpena13
- Kellogg Community College, Battle Creek13
- West Shore Community College, Scottville10
- Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse City8
- Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor6
- Montcalm Community College, Sidney5
- Muskegon Community College, Muskegon5
What Welding School Costs in Michigan: $2,736 to $17,943 a Year
Among the 16 Michigan welding schools with federal figures, 2024–25 tuition and fees for a full-time year range from $2,736 at Washtenaw Community College to $17,943 at MIAT College of Technology. Community colleges publish their in-district rate; students from outside the district or state pay more.
| School | City | Tuition and fees, 2024–25 |
|---|---|---|
| Washtenaw Community College | Ann Arbor | $2,736 (in-district) |
| Oakland Community College | Auburn Hills | $3,020 (in-district) |
| Wayne County Community College District | Detroit | $3,112 (in-district) |
| Macomb Community College | Warren | $3,660 (in-district) |
| Lansing Community College | Lansing | $4,100 (in-district) |
| Grand Rapids Community College | Grand Rapids | $4,179 (in-district) |
The six lowest rates. Source: NCES College Navigator.
Welder Salary in Michigan: The Bay City Area Pays the Most
| Metro area | Median pay | Top 10% earn more than | Welding jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bay City | $57,760 | $85,430 | 130 |
| Ann Arbor | $54,180 | $77,310 | 220 |
| Battle Creek | $52,970 | $60,730 | 210 |
| Detroit–Warren–Dearborn | $51,810 | $75,760 | 4,580 |
| Lansing–East Lansing | $50,370 | $74,080 | 370 |
| Jackson | $49,790 | $93,140 | 130 |
| Monroe | $49,570 | $70,460 | 240 |
| Traverse City | $49,420 | $67,160 | 130 |
| Niles | $49,040 | $70,710 | 230 |
| Grand Rapids–Wyoming–Kentwood | $48,920 | $63,030 | 2,520 |
Welder salary: annual wages for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in Michigan (13,330 jobs); U.S. median $53,750. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Welding Schools by City in Michigan
Welding Schools in Michigan: FAQ
How Much Do Welding Schools in Michigan Cost?
Full-time tuition and fees for 2024–25 at the Michigan colleges on this page run from $2,736 to $17,943 for residents, before books, tools and protective gear.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Welder in Michigan?
Michigan programs publish awards from short certificates to associate degrees. For example, Washtenaw Community College lists Welding Technology, AAS (66 credit hours) and Welding and Fabrication Principles, Certificate (24 credit hours); Delta College lists Welding Technology, Associate in Applied Science (74 credit hours) and Welding Technology, Advanced Certificate (42 credit hours); Grand Rapids Community College lists Welding Technology, A.A.A.S. (60 credit hours (minimum)).
How Much Do Welders Make in Michigan?
BLS estimates a median of $49,990 a year for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in Michigan (May 2025), across 13,330 jobs. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $39,090 and the top 10% earn more than $70,200.
What Is the Best Welding School in Michigan?
On federal data for program size, cost and completion, Washtenaw Community College ranks first among Michigan colleges with verified welding programs, followed by Delta College. The best fit depends on the credential you want and the campus you can reach.
Are There Evening Welding Classes in Michigan?
Yes. 1 welding schools in Michigan publish evening or weekend sections, including Washtenaw Community College.
How Many Welding Schools Are in Michigan?
16 schools have a current welding program in Michigan, each checked against the school's own program page, and 12 offer an associate degree.
What Is the Most Affordable Welding School in Michigan?
Washtenaw Community College had the lowest 2024–25 tuition and fees among Michigan welding schools with federal figures: $2,736 for a full-time year (in-district). Oakland Community College ($3,020) and Wayne County Community College District ($3,112) follow.
Which Michigan Welding Schools Offer an Associate Degree?
Delta College, Ferris State University and Grand Rapids Community College and 9 more offer a welding associate degree, usually alongside shorter certificates.
Where Can You Test for AWS Certification in Michigan?
Delta College, Kirtland Community College and Mid Michigan College and 3 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.
Latest Posts From the Blog
All posts
National · Cost
What Welding Books, Tools and Supplies Cost
Welding schools estimate $270 to $7,400 a year for books and supplies. See the lowest and highest, why they differ, and when gear costs more than tuition.
Illinois · Cost
How Much Does Welding School Cost in Illinois?
2024–25 tuition at Illinois welding schools, from $3,252 at Elgin Community College to $6,090 at Spoon River College, plus books and full program costs.
Illinois · Salary
How Much Do Welders Make in Illinois?
Illinois welders earned a median $51,320 in May 2025. See pay in Peoria, Decatur, Chicago and Rockford, the full pay range, and jobs that pay more.
More on Welding in Michigan
Sources
- Official welding program pages of the 16 Michigan 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.