What Are the Best Welding Schools in Houston?
Lee College is the top pick among welding schools in Houston: it ranks first in Texas on our federal-data ranking, with a 53% completion rate and a welding inspection certificate. San Jacinto College conferred 511 welding certificates in 2024–25, more than any other Texas college. Houston City College (HCC) has the lowest in-district tuition of the four at $2,040 a year, and Lone Star College teaches welding at five campuses north of the city.
Houston Welding Programs Compared
All four are public colleges; they differ in specialty, location, and price.
Lee College, Baytown
An Industrial Welding Technology AAS plus Structural Welder, Combination Welder, and Welding Inspection certificates. The inspection certificate adds nondestructive testing and Certified Welding Inspector exam preparation.
San Jacinto College, Pasadena
A 60-credit AAS, a 42-credit Industrial Welder certificate, six-month Combination Welder and Gas Shielded Welding certificates, and a three-month TIG award, at the Central and North campuses.
HCC
A 60-credit AAS built on AWS SENSE, a 36-credit Combination Pipe Welding certificate, and 24-credit Structural Welding and Welding Automation certificates. Structural Welding runs at six campuses.
Lone Star
A Welding Technology Specialization AAS plus GMAW and SMAW Level I and Welding Level II certificates, at the Cypress, Houston North, East Aldine, Houston North Victory, and Conroe centers.
Welding Schools in Houston by the Numbers
| College | Tuition | Certificates | Associate | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lee College | $2,520 | 155 | 27 | 53% |
| San Jacinto College | $2,490 | 511 | 23 | 30% |
| Houston City College | $2,040 | 220 | 19 | 17% |
| Lone Star College | $3,330 | 284 | 55 | 21% |
Tuition and fees for a full-time year and welding credentials conferred, both 2024–25; completion is the college-wide federal graduation rate. Source: NCES College Navigator, retrieved September 24, 2026. Blank cells mean the college reports no figure for that field.
Welding Programs in Houston
Tuition on each card is the lowest 2024–25 full-time resident rate at these welding schools in Houston, TX.
Lee College, Baytown, Texas
Offers an associate degree and 4 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $2,520 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 182 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Pipe · Fabrication
San Jacinto Community College, Pasadena, Texas
Offers an associate degree, 4 certificates and one other award in welding
- Tuition / year
- $2,490 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 534 conferred 2024–25
Teaches TIG · Pipe · Fabrication
Houston Community College, Houston, Texas
Offers an associate degree and 3 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $2,040 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 239 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Pipe · Robotic
Lone Star College System, Cypress, Texas
Offers an associate degree and 3 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $3,330 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 339 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Pipe · Fabrication
Welding Classes in Houston: How to Choose
Choose Lee College if you want pipe work or a path into inspection. Choose San Jacinto if you want the fastest start, with a three-month TIG award or six-month certificates. HCC suits students on a tight budget or anyone who wants robotic welding automation. Lone Star is the practical option north of the city. All four welding programs in Houston prepare you for employer and AWS weld tests.
Welder Salary in Texas
Annual wages for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers across Texas (52,000 jobs; U.S. median $53,750). Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Houston Welding Schools FAQ
How Much Does Welding School Cost in Houston?
2024–25 in-district tuition and fees for a full-time year were $2,040 at HCC, $2,490 at San Jacinto, $2,520 at Lee College, and $3,330 at Lone Star.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Welder in Houston?
San Jacinto College's TIG skills award takes about three months and its Combination Welder certificate about six. Houston City College's Structural Welding certificate takes two semesters, and an AAS takes about two years full time.
Is It Worth Going to Welding School?
For many students, yes. Resident tuition at Houston's public welding schools was $2,040 to $3,330 a year in 2024–25, and Texas welders earn a median $53,340 (BLS, May 2025).
How Much Do Welders Make in Texas?
The Texas median welder wage is $53,340, and the middle half earn between $45,750 and $64,770 (BLS, May 2025).
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Sources
Reviewed September 24, 2026.