What Are the Best Welding Schools in New Mexico?
- San Juan College (Farmington) offers Welding, A.A.S. and Welding Certificate - General.
- Clovis Community College (Clovis) offers Associate of Applied Science in Welding and Certificate of Completion in Welding: Entry-Level Welder.
- Central New Mexico Community College (Albuquerque) offers Welding Technology, Associate of Applied Science and Welding, Certificate of Completion.
- Resident tuition and fees run from $1,440 to $7,856 a year (2024–25).
- New Mexico welders earn a median $59,840 a year (BLS, May 2025).
San Juan College Leads the New Mexico Welding School Rankings
| # | College | Tuition and fees | Welding awards | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Juan CollegeFarmington | $1,928 | 36 certificates, 8 associate | 37% |
| 2 | Clovis Community CollegeClovis | $1,592 | 35 certificates, 5 associate | 34% |
| 3 | Central New Mexico Community CollegeAlbuquerque | $2,060 | 55 certificates, 46 associate | 31% |
| 4 | Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell CampusRoswell | $2,256 | 83 certificates, 9 associate | 32% |
| 5 | Western New Mexico UniversitySilver City | $7,856 | 45 certificates, 9 associate | 32% |
| 6 | New Mexico Junior CollegeHobbs | $1,440 | 3 certificates, 1 associate | 58% |
| 7 | New Mexico State University-Dona AnaLas Cruces | $2,322 | 9 certificates, 21 associate | 19% |
| 8 | Santa Fe Community CollegeSanta Fe | $1,851 | 12 certificates, 2 associate | 23% |
| 9 | University of New Mexico-Gallup CampusGallup | $2,906 | 12 certificates, 7 associate | 20% |
| 10 | Navajo Technical UniversityCrownpoint | $4,346 | 23 certificates | 12% |
| 11 | New Mexico State University-AlamogordoAlamogordo | $2,616 | 4 certificates | 14% |
Welding programs in New Mexico, 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 New Mexico Welding Schools
Each New Mexico 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 New Mexico by Goal: Top Ranked, Lowest Tuition and Most Welding Awards
Welding Schools in New Mexico, College by College
1San Juan College, Farmington, New Mexico
Offers an associate degree and 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $1,928 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 44 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Pipe · Cutting
2Clovis Community College, Clovis, New Mexico
Offers an associate degree and 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $1,592 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 40 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Pipe · Cutting
3Central New Mexico Community College, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Offers an associate degree and a certificate in welding
- Tuition / year
- $2,060 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 101 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Pipe · Fabrication
4Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Campus, Roswell, New Mexico
Offers an associate degree and 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $2,256 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 92 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Pipe · Cutting · Fabrication
5Western New Mexico University, Silver City, New Mexico
Offers an associate degree and 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $7,856 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 54 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Pipe · Fabrication
6New Mexico Junior College, Hobbs, New Mexico
Offers an associate degree and a certificate in welding
- Tuition / year
- $1,440 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 4 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Pipe · Fabrication
7New Mexico State University-Dona Ana, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Offers an associate degree and a certificate in welding
- Tuition / year
- $2,322 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 30 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Pipe · Cutting
8Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Offers an associate degree and a certificate in welding
- Tuition / year
- $1,851 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 14 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Pipe · Cutting
9University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus, Gallup, New Mexico
Offers an associate degree and a certificate in welding
- Tuition / year
- $2,906 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 19 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Fabrication
10Navajo Technical University, Crownpoint, New Mexico
Offers a certificate in welding
- Tuition / year
- $4,346 all students, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 23 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Pipe · Fabrication · Inspection
11New Mexico State University-Alamogordo, Alamogordo, New Mexico
Offers a certificate in welding
- Tuition / year
- $2,616 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 4 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 New Mexico: When Programs Meet
Schedules as each college publishes them. Ask about evening sections and start dates before you apply.
- Central New Mexico Community CollegeCan be started any term; first, second and third term classes offered every term; certificate completed full-time.
- Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell CampusBasic certificate generally two full-time semesters; Advanced certificate about two years full-time; AAS about two and a half years full-time.
- Western New Mexico UniversityHybrid: online coursework combined with hands-on practice in the welding lab.
- Clovis Community CollegeFull-time; Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.; certificates in 3 semesters, AAS in 2 additional semesters; fall or spring start.
- San Juan CollegeAAS is a two-year program; General certificate can be finished in one year; Advanced certificate is two years.
- Navajo Technical UniversityTwo-semester sequence on the 2026-2027 degree checklist.
- University of New Mexico-Gallup CampusThree short terms.
- New Mexico State University-AlamogordoTwo semesters (fall 12 credits, spring 9 credits) per suggested plan of study.
More Welding Programs in New Mexico: Colleges That Award Welding Credentials
Welding credentials each college conferred in 2022–23 (IPEDS). Confirm current program details with each college.
- New Mexico State University-Grants, Grants4
- Luna Community College, Las Vegas2
What Welding School Costs in New Mexico: $1,440 to $7,856 a Year
Among the 11 New Mexico welding schools with federal figures, 2024–25 tuition and fees for a full-time year range from $1,440 at New Mexico Junior College to $7,856 at Western New Mexico University. Community colleges publish their in-district rate; students from outside the district or state pay more.
| School | City | Tuition and fees, 2024–25 |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Junior College | Hobbs | $1,440 (in-district) |
| Clovis Community College | Clovis | $1,592 (in-district) |
| Santa Fe Community College | Santa Fe | $1,851 (in-district) |
| San Juan College | Farmington | $1,928 (in-state) |
| Central New Mexico Community College | Albuquerque | $2,060 (in-state) |
| Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Campus | Roswell | $2,256 (in-district) |
The six lowest rates. Source: NCES College Navigator.
Welder Salary in New Mexico: The Farmington Area Pays the Most
| Metro area | Median pay | Top 10% earn more than | Welding jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farmington | $57,440 | $92,880 | 500 |
| Santa Fe | $52,820 | $78,710 | 30 |
| Albuquerque | $49,980 | $79,060 | 510 |
| Las Cruces | $47,520 | $73,540 | 80 |
Welder salary: annual wages for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in New Mexico (2,390 jobs); U.S. median $53,750. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Welding Schools by City in New Mexico
Welding Schools in New Mexico: FAQ
How Much Do Welding Schools in New Mexico Cost?
Full-time tuition and fees for 2024–25 at the New Mexico colleges on this page run from $1,440 to $7,856 for residents, before books, tools and protective gear.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Welder in New Mexico?
New Mexico programs publish awards from short certificates to associate degrees. For example, Central New Mexico Community College lists Welding Technology, Associate of Applied Science (62 credit hours) and Welding, Certificate of Completion (40 credit hours); Clovis Community College lists Associate of Applied Science in Welding (63 credit hours) and Certificate of Completion in Welding: Entry-Level Welder (17 credit hours); San Juan College lists Welding, A.A.S. (67-71 credit hours) and Welding Certificate - General (27-30 credit hours).
How Much Do Welders Make in New Mexico?
BLS estimates a median of $59,840 a year for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in New Mexico (May 2025), across 2,390 jobs. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $36,860 and the top 10% earn more than $92,760.
What Is the Best Welding School in New Mexico?
On federal data for program size, cost and completion, San Juan College ranks first among New Mexico colleges with verified welding programs, followed by Clovis Community College. The best fit depends on the credential you want and the campus you can reach.
How Many Welding Schools Are in New Mexico?
12 schools have a current welding program in New Mexico, each checked against the school's own program page, and 10 offer an associate degree.
What Is the Most Affordable Welding School in New Mexico?
New Mexico Junior College had the lowest 2024–25 tuition and fees among New Mexico welding schools with federal figures: $1,440 for a full-time year (in-district). Clovis Community College ($1,592) and Santa Fe Community College ($1,851) follow.
Which New Mexico Welding Schools Offer an Associate Degree?
Central New Mexico Community College, Clovis Community College and Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Campus and 7 more offer a welding associate degree, usually alongside shorter certificates.
Where Can You Test for AWS Certification in New Mexico?
Clovis Community College, Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Campus and Navajo Technical University 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.
Georgia · Salary
How Much Do Welders Make in Georgia?
Georgia welders earned a median $48,430 in May 2025. See pay in Savannah, Augusta, Atlanta and 11 other metros, plus what supervisors and millwrights make.
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 New Mexico
Sources
- Official welding program pages of the 12 New Mexico 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.