Welding is a demanding but rewarding career. A typical day can find you performing a wide array of tasks requiring specialized skills, so it is essential to find the right training program. Researching welding schools in Texas is a great way to do this.
While many people practice welding in their private life, working as a welder requires formal training and recognition. Welders working for the state of Texas must train and certify through the American Welding Society.
What Does a Welder Do?
Welders use high heat to join two or more pieces of metal together for purposes of fabrication or repair. In Texas, which has the largest petroleum industry presence in the country, there is a high demand for refinery welders. Professionals in the field find work as pipefitters or Department of Transportation workers. They may also perform repairs on the many rail lines and ports that service the petroleum industry. Specialized skills, such as underwater welding, open more opportunities along the Gulf Coast.
Welding Schools Near Me in Texas
Because Texas recognizes AWS certifications, there are several in-state options for training.
Southern Careers Institute
Southern Careers Institute operates multiple campuses within the state of Texas. This is a for-profit institution.
- Locations: Austin, Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Pharr, San Antonio, Waco
- Phone number: 833-724-8392
- Programs available: National Center for Construction Education and Research certifications
- Program duration: 7 months or more, depending on the program
- Average cost: $26,400
Arclabs Welding School
Arclabs is a dedicated welding school with a campus in Houston, Texas, offering practical certification courses. This is a satellite campus; its sister location is in South Carolina. Arclabs is a for-profit trade school.
- Location: Houston
- Phone number: 281-501-8594
- Programs available: AWS certification, upskill training
- Program duration: Average of 6 months
- Average cost: $22,028 (financial aid available)
Tulsa Welding School and Technology Center
Tulsa Welding School is another Houston option with other locations in Florida and Oklahoma. TWS is a for-profit welding school offering vocational training for multiple industries.
- Location: Houston
- Phone number: 281-503-4517
- Programs available: Welding, refrigeration tech, pipefitting
- Program duration: 7-9 months
- Average cost: $15,400-$21,700
Lee College
A public junior college established in 1934, Lee College offers associate degrees and training in a variety of programs.
- Location: Baytown
- Phone number: 281-427-5611
- Programs available: Associate of applied science in industrial welding technology
- Program duration: 2 years
- Average cost: $16,500 before aid
Elite Welding Academy
Elite Welding Academy is a for-profit school offering a more specialized program focused on pipefitting in industrial or commercial settings. EWA offers night classes for students who need them.
- Location: Houston
- Phone number: 713-640-1794
- Programs available: Structural and pipe welding
- Program duration: 6-11 months
- Average cost: $10,000-$13,000
Odessa College
Odessa College is a public junior college that offers a number of degree options, including an associate of applied science degree in welding.
- Location: Odessa
- Phone number: 432-335-6400
- Programs available: Associate of applied science in welding
- Program duration: 8 terms, approximately 16 months
- Average cost: $25,000 before aid
The Ocean Corporation
The Ocean Corporation is the only underwater welding school in Texas. Underwater welding is a dangerous, in-demand professional skill.
- Location: Houston
- Phone number: 800-321-0298
- Programs available: Nondestructive testing training, ultimate diver training
- Program duration: 8 months
- Average cost: $23,500
Welding Career Opportunities in Texas
Welders in Texas find work with refineries, industrial repair services, and offshore oil platforms. In-demand welding positions include structural welders, pipefitters, industrial maintenance/repair services, and vessel welders at one of Texas’ many active ports or fabrication shops.
How Much Do Welders Make in Texas?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders in Texas make an average of $24.31 per hour or $50,560 per year.
Major Employers of Welders in Texas
Union Pacific Railroad, a railroad line that operates industrial routes through the South, routinely hires welder helpers, track laborers, and regional welders.
Parker Hannifin, an engineering and manufacturing company, hires vessel welders and fabricators.
ExxonMobil is a major petroleum corporation that regularly hires welders and pipefitters, both directly and through subcontractors, to work in their many plants.
How To Become a Certified Welder in Texas
There are no state certifications required to become a welder in Texas. However, the state does require welders working directly for the Texas Department of Transportation to certify through the American Welding Society. AWS-certified welders are the industry standard; while welders operating without this certification may get other certificates or on-the-job training, the variety of work they can safely accept will be restricted.
Typically, welders in Texas will need to complete high school or their GED, although work-completion programs are available at some welding schools. The aspiring welder will then need to complete a training program, spend additional time gaining job experience, and ideally certify with AWS.
Do You Need a License To Be a Welder in Texas?
You do not need a license to be a privately employed welder in Texas. You will need an AWS certification to work for the Department of Transportation or on boilers and safety equipment.
Texas Welding FAQs
1. How Long Does It Take To Become a Welder?
In Texas, a student can become a welder in as little as six months. Expect to spend one and a half to two years from starting school to completing on-the-job training and finding work.
2. Does a Welder Need Insurance in Texas?
Welders do not need insurance to work in Texas. However, welders operating as independent contractors or starting their own contracting business in Texas may need insurance.
You can easily request a free commercial insurance quote from our partners using the tool below.
3. Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
Aspiring welders can contact AWS, the Texas Association of Community Colleges, or any of the previously listed educational facilities for more information.
Welding is a viable career, and the best first step is to choose a welding school in Texas. There are many opportunities for a new welder to thrive.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become a Welder in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in Texas, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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