What Does West Kentucky Community and Technical College Offer for Welding Students?
West Kentucky Community and Technical College in Paducah, Kentucky offers an associate degree, a diploma and 8 certificates in welding through its Welding Technology program. Tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $4,728 for a full-time year (in-state), the lowest of the 16 Kentucky schools we list with federal figures. The school awarded 308 welding credentials in 2024–25. Best for keeping tuition low in Kentucky.
West Kentucky Community and Technical College Welding Tuition: $4,728 a Year
- Tuition and fees
- $4,728 in-state, 2024–25
- Out of state
- $6,432 2024–25
- Books and supplies
- $1,268 2024–25 estimate
- Welding certificates awarded
- 308 2024–25
- Graduation rate
- 50% school-wide, Fall 2021 cohort
- Students enrolled
- 5,274 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 West Kentucky Community and Technical College
| Award | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| General Occupational/Technical Studies AAS | Associate | |
| Combination Welder Diploma | Diploma | 48-55 credit hours |
| ARC Cutter Certificate | Certificate | |
| AWS National Skills Standards Level I Certificate | Certificate | |
| Gas Metal Arc Welder Certificate | Certificate | |
| Gas Tungsten Arc Welder Certificate | Certificate | |
| Gas Welder Certificate | Certificate | |
| Production Line Welder Certificate | Certificate | |
| Shielded Metal Arc Welder Certificate | Certificate | |
| Welder Helper Certificate | Certificate |
As listed on West Kentucky Community and Technical College's welding program page, reviewed September 25, 2026.
What you'll Learn in West Kentucky Community and Technical College's Welding Program
Faculty hold the AWS Certified Welding Educator credential, per the program page.
- Stick (SMAW)
- MIG (GMAW)
- TIG (GTAW)
- Oxy-fuel and plasma cutting
Where you'll Train: West Kentucky Community and Technical College
- West Kentucky Community and Technical College4810 Alben Barkley Drive
Check start dates, admission steps and the current course list on West Kentucky Community and Technical College's own site.
Visit westkentucky.kctcs.eduWhat Welders Earn Around Paducah
Welders in the Paducah, KY-IL metro area earn a median $48,560 a year. Across Kentucky, the median welder wage is $51,470 a year, from $39,300 at the 10th percentile to $69,010 at the 90th, with 6,630 welders employed. The national median is $53,750. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
5 More Welding Schools Within 67 Miles of Paducah
- Shawnee Community College25 mi · $4,650/yr
- Southeastern Illinois College50 mi · $4,560/yr
- John A Logan College53 mi · $4,630/yr
- Hopkinsville Community College66 mi · $4,728/yr
- Madisonville Community College67 mi · $4,728/yr
Straight-line distance between campuses. All welding schools in Kentucky
West Kentucky Community and Technical College Welding FAQ
Does West Kentucky Community and Technical College Have a Welding Program?
Yes. West Kentucky Community and Technical College offers an associate degree, a diploma and 8 certificates in welding at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. Training covers stick (SMAW), MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), oxy-fuel and plasma cutting.
How Much Does Welding School Cost at West Kentucky Community and Technical College?
West Kentucky Community and Technical College's 2024–25 tuition and fees were $4,728 for a full-time year (in-state) and $6,432 out of state, with books and supplies estimated at $1,268. Welding students also pay for tools, gear and lab fees.
How Long Is the Welding Program at West Kentucky Community and Technical College?
Combination Welder Diploma: 48-55 credit hours.
How Much Do Welders Make in Kentucky?
The median welder wage in Kentucky is $51,470 a year, and the middle half earn between $46,380 and $59,900 (BLS, May 2025).
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