What Are the Best Welding Schools in St. Louis?
St. Louis Community College (STLCC) and Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) are the main welding schools in St. Louis. STLCC teaches its welding certificates at Florissant Valley for $3,660 a year in-district. SWIC, across the river, conferred 150 welding certificates in 2024–25 and runs day and evening welding classes at Belleville, Granite City, East St. Louis, and Red Bud.
St. Louis Welding Programs Compared
The metro crosses a state line, so tuition depends on where you live.
STLCC, Florissant Valley
A Certificate of Specialization and a Certificate of Proficiency; the proficiency plan covers oxy-acetylene, SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, cutting, and large-diameter welding.
SWIC, Metro East
A Welding Technology AAS plus Basic, Advanced Skills, and Advanced Manufacturing certificates, with day and evening classes at four campuses.
Tuition
STLCC's 2024–25 in-district rate was $3,660; SWIC's was $3,960 for its own district.
Evening Classes
SWIC lists evening welding classes, useful if you work days.
Welding Schools in St. Louis by the Numbers
| College | Tuition | Certificates | Associate | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Community College | $3,660 | 21% | ||
| Southwestern Illinois College | $3,960 | 150 | 5 | 36% |
Tuition and fees for a full-time year and welding credentials conferred, both 2024–25; completion is the college-wide federal graduation rate. Source: NCES College Navigator, retrieved September 24, 2026. Blank cells mean the college reports no figure for that field.
Welding Programs in St. Louis
Tuition on each card is the lowest 2024–25 full-time resident rate at these welding schools in St. Louis.
St. Louis Community College, St. Louis, Missouri
Offers 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $3,660 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards offered
- 2 certificates and degrees
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Cutting
Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville, Illinois
Offers an associate degree and 3 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $3,960 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 155 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Pipe · Cutting
Welding Classes in St. Louis: Which Side of the River
Missouri residents usually start at STLCC because of in-district tuition. Illinois residents in the Metro East will find SWIC less expensive and more flexible, with four campuses and evening sections. Both St. Louis welding programs prepare students for employer and AWS weld tests.
Welder Salary in Missouri
Annual wages for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers across Missouri (10,600 jobs; U.S. median $53,750). Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
St. Louis Welding FAQ
How Much Does Welding School Cost in St. Louis?
2024–25 in-district tuition and fees were $3,660 at STLCC and $3,960 at SWIC.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Welder in St. Louis?
SWIC's 150 welding certificates in 2024–25 were all in the federal '12 weeks to under one year' category; STLCC offers a shorter Certificate of Specialization and a longer Certificate of Proficiency.
Can I Take Evening Welding Classes in St. Louis?
Yes. SWIC lists day and evening welding classes at its Belleville, Granite City, East St. Louis, and Red Bud campuses on the Illinois side of the metro.
How Much Do Welders Make in Missouri?
The Missouri median is $51,950 a year (BLS, May 2025).
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Sources
Reviewed September 24, 2026.