What Does SOWELA Technical Community College Offer for Welding Students?
SOWELA Technical Community College in Lake Charles, Louisiana offers a diploma and 2 certificates in welding through its Welding (Technical Diploma) program. Tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $4,305 for a full-time year (all students). The school awarded 123 welding credentials in 2024–25. Best for training for pipe welding work.
Plate, Pipe and Process Training at SOWELA Technical Community College
Stackable sequence runs from a welder's helper certificate through SMAW pipe to GTAW pipe within the diploma.
- Stick (SMAW)
- MIG (GMAW)
- TIG (GTAW)
- Flux-cored (FCAW)
- Pipe welding
- Oxy-fuel and plasma cuttingoxyfuel cutting, carbon arc cutting, plasma arc cutting
- Fabrication and blueprint reading
- Inspection and testing
SOWELA Technical Community College Welding Tuition: $4,305 a Year
- Tuition and fees
- $4,305 all students, 2024–25
- Books and supplies
- $1,353 2024–25 estimate
- Welding certificates awarded
- 123 2024–25
- Graduation rate
- 43% school-wide, Fall 2021 cohort
- Students enrolled
- 3,446 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.
2 Welding Certificates at SOWELA Technical Community College
| Award | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| TD - Welding | Diploma | |
| CTS - SMAW Pipe Welder | Certificate | |
| CTC - Welders Helper | Certificate |
As listed on SOWELA Technical Community College's welding program page, reviewed September 25, 2026.
Welding Certification Testing at SOWELA Technical Community College
Testing. After completion of this program, the student will have covered the skills designated by the American Welding Society (AWS) and will be prepared to take the AWS Entry Level Welder Test.
Where you'll Train: Lake Charles
- Lake Charles3820 Senator J. Bennett Johnston Avenue, Lake Charles, LA 70615
Check start dates, admission steps and the current course list on SOWELA Technical Community College's own site.
Visit sowela.eduWhat Welders Earn Around Lake Charles
Welders in the Lake Charles, LA metro area earn a median $72,920 a year. Across Louisiana, the median welder wage is $62,250 a year, from $42,810 at the 10th percentile to $81,750 at the 90th, with 13,690 welders employed. The national median is $53,750. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
4 More Welding Schools Within 118 Miles of Lake Charles
- South Louisiana Community College66 mi · $4,210/yr
- Central Louisiana Technical Community College87 mi · $4,099/yr
- Lee College114 mi · $2,520/yr
- Galveston College118 mi · $2,726/yr
Straight-line distance between campuses. All welding schools in Louisiana
SOWELA Technical Community College Welding FAQ
Does SOWELA Technical Community College Have a Welding Program?
Yes. SOWELA Technical Community College offers a diploma and 2 certificates in welding at Lake Charles. Training covers stick (SMAW), MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), flux-cored (FCAW), pipe welding.
How Much Does Welding School Cost at SOWELA Technical Community College?
SOWELA Technical Community College's 2024–25 tuition and fees were $4,305 for a full-time year (all students), with books and supplies estimated at $1,353. Welding students also pay for tools, gear and lab fees.
Can You Get Welding Certified at SOWELA Technical Community College?
After completion of this program, the student will have covered the skills designated by the American Welding Society (AWS) and will be prepared to take the AWS Entry Level Welder Test.
How Much Do Welders Make in Louisiana?
The median welder wage in Louisiana is $62,250 a year, and the middle half earn between $50,680 and $77,310 (BLS, May 2025).
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