Charlotte, North CarolinaPublic, 2-Year

Central Piedmont Community College Welding Program

An associate degree, a diploma and 5 certificates, $2,792 a year in tuition and fees, with training in stick (SMAW), MIG (GMAW), pipe welding.

What Does Central Piedmont Community College Offer for Welding Students?

Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina offers an associate degree, a diploma and 5 certificates in welding through its Welding Technology program. Tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $2,792 for a full-time year (in-state). The school awarded 95 welding credentials in 2024–25. It runs evening classes. Best for working adults who need evening classes.

Class Schedule and Certification Testing at Central Piedmont Community College

Schedule. A.A.S. is two years, on campus at Harper Campus; some evening sections may be available depending on the semester.

Testing. Yes, Central Piedmont is an American Welding Society accredited welding certification test facility that provides testing for both individuals and companies.

Central Piedmont Community College Welding Tuition: $2,792 a Year

Tuition and fees
$2,792
in-state, 2024–25
Out of state
$8,936
2024–25
Books and supplies
$1,926
2024–25 estimate
Welding certificates awarded
77
2024–25
Welding associate degrees
18
2024–25
Graduation rate
31%
school-wide, Fall 2021 cohort
Students enrolled
20,375
school-wide, Fall 2024

Tuition and fees are for a full-time year. Awards count welding credentials conferred. Graduation rate and enrollment cover the whole school. Source: NCES College Navigator.

Welding Degree and Certificates at Central Piedmont Community College

AwardTypeLength
Welding Technology Degree (A.A.S.)Associate
Welding Technology DiplomaDiploma
Entry Level Pipefitting CertificateCertificate
Entry Level Welding CertificateCertificate
Gas Metal Arc Welding CertificateCertificate
Robotic Welding & Cutting CertificateCertificate
SMAW of Pipe Welding CertificateCertificate

As listed on Central Piedmont Community College's welding program page, reviewed September 25, 2026.

From Stick Welding to Robotics: What Central Piedmont Community College Teaches

An AWS accredited test facility at Harper Campus offering an unusual Entry Level Pipefitting certificate alongside robotic welding & cutting and SMAW pipe certificates.

  • Stick (SMAW)
  • MIG (GMAW)
  • Pipe welding
  • Oxy-fuel and plasma cuttingrobotic welding and cutting
  • Fabrication and blueprint readingpipefitting
  • Robotic and automated weldingrobotic welding and cutting

Where you'll Train: Harper Campus

  • Harper Campus

Check start dates, admission steps and the current course list on Central Piedmont Community College's own site.

Visit cpcc.edu

What Welders Earn Around Charlotte

Welders in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metro area earn a median $56,070 a year. Across North Carolina, the median welder wage is $50,590 a year, from $38,540 at the 10th percentile to $71,240 at the 90th, with 11,750 welders employed. The national median is $53,750. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.

5 More Welding Schools Within 35 Miles of Charlotte

Straight-line distance between campuses. All welding schools in North Carolina · Welding schools in Charlotte

Central Piedmont Community College Welding FAQ

Does Central Piedmont Community College Have a Welding Program?

Yes. Central Piedmont Community College offers an associate degree, a diploma and 5 certificates in welding at Harper Campus. Training covers stick (SMAW), MIG (GMAW), pipe welding, oxy-fuel and plasma cutting, fabrication and blueprint reading.

How Much Does Welding School Cost at Central Piedmont Community College?

Central Piedmont Community College's 2024–25 tuition and fees were $2,792 for a full-time year (in-state) and $8,936 out of state, with books and supplies estimated at $1,926. Welding students also pay for tools, gear and lab fees.

Does Central Piedmont Community College Offer Night or Weekend Welding Classes?

A.A.S. is two years, on campus at Harper Campus; some evening sections may be available depending on the semester.

Can You Get Welding Certified at Central Piedmont Community College?

Yes, Central Piedmont is an American Welding Society accredited welding certification test facility that provides testing for both individuals and companies.

How Much Do Welders Make in North Carolina?

The median welder wage in North Carolina is $50,590 a year, and the middle half earn between $45,400 and $60,870 (BLS, May 2025).

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How Much Do Welders Make in North Carolina?

North Carolina welders earned a median $50,590 in May 2025. Compare pay in Raleigh, Charlotte, Greenville and Hickory, and the schools near each market.

More on Welding in North Carolina

Sources

  1. cpcc.edu: Welding Technology program page, reviewed September 25, 2026
  2. NCES College Navigator, IPEDS unit 198260
  3. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025