What Does Western Dakota Technical College Offer for Welding Students?
Western Dakota Technical College in Rapid City, South Dakota offers an associate degree and a diploma in welding through its Welding and Fabrication program. Tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $8,294 for a full-time year (all students). The school awarded 22 welding credentials in 2024–25. Best for earning a welding degree, not just a certificate.
Welding Degree and Certificates at Western Dakota Technical College
| Award | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Welding and Fabrication, Associate of Applied Science | Associate | 63 credit hours |
| Welding and Fabrication, Diploma | Diploma | 36 credit hours |
As listed on Western Dakota Technical College's welding program page, reviewed September 25, 2026.
Western Dakota Technical College Welding Tuition: $8,294 a Year
- Tuition and fees
- $8,294 all students, 2024–25
- Books and supplies
- $800 2024–25 estimate
- Welding certificates awarded
- 10 2024–25
- Welding associate degrees
- 12 2024–25
- Graduation rate
- 54% school-wide, Fall 2021 cohort
- Students enrolled
- 1,164 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.
What you'll Learn in Western Dakota Technical College's Welding Program
The AAS runs four levels of GMAW and SMAW plus three fabrication courses and a welding capstone, and the college is an AWS Accredited Testing Facility where full-time students take welder qualification tests.
- Stick (SMAW)
- MIG (GMAW)
- TIG (GTAW)
- Oxy-fuel and plasma cuttingthermal cutting
- Fabrication and blueprint reading
Class Schedule and Certification Testing at Western Dakota Technical College
Schedule. AAS: 18-month program; diploma: 9-month program.
Testing. All full time students enrolled in the WDTC Welding and Fabrication program take welder qualification tests, and can earn AWS Welder Certifications as a part of the curriculum.
Where you'll Train: Western Dakota Technical College
- Western Dakota Technical College
Check start dates, admission steps and the current course list on Western Dakota Technical College's own site.
Visit wdt.eduWhat Welders Earn Around Rapid City
Welders in the Rapid City, SD metro area earn a median $51,690 a year. Across South Dakota, the median welder wage is $49,440 a year, from $38,100 at the 10th percentile to $63,380 at the 90th, with 3,250 welders employed. The national median is $53,750. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
Western Dakota Technical College Welding FAQ
Does Western Dakota Technical College Have a Welding Program?
Yes. Western Dakota Technical College offers an associate degree and a diploma in welding at Western Dakota Technical College. Training covers stick (SMAW), MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), oxy-fuel and plasma cutting, fabrication and blueprint reading.
How Much Does Welding School Cost at Western Dakota Technical College?
Western Dakota Technical College's 2024–25 tuition and fees were $8,294 for a full-time year (all students), with books and supplies estimated at $800. Welding students also pay for tools, gear and lab fees.
How Long Is the Welding Program at Western Dakota Technical College?
Welding and Fabrication, Associate of Applied Science: 63 credit hours. Welding and Fabrication, Diploma: 36 credit hours.
Does Western Dakota Technical College Offer Night or Weekend Welding Classes?
AAS: 18-month program; diploma: 9-month program.
Can You Get Welding Certified at Western Dakota Technical College?
All full time students enrolled in the WDTC Welding and Fabrication program take welder qualification tests, and can earn AWS Welder Certifications as a part of the curriculum.
How Much Do Welders Make in South Dakota?
The median welder wage in South Dakota is $49,440 a year, and the middle half earn between $45,710 and $59,360 (BLS, May 2025).
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