Welding schools in Illinois provide a variety of welding certificates, diplomas, degrees, and associate’s programs. There are numerous welding schools, colleges, universities, career centers, and tech hubs in Illinois.
Thousands of students and internet users search for welding schools every day. While some are browsing for personal reasons, others are doing so for business. Knowing about welding schools is beneficial in a variety of ways.
Residents of Illinois who enjoy manual labor outside may want to consider a career as a welder.
Before you begin, you should enroll in a reputable welding school program.
Our list of schools in this state, as well as some additional information, is the result of some research, and we hope you find it useful.
Table of contents
- What Does a Welder Do?
- 15 Best Welding Schools In Illinois | 2024 Requirements
- #1 Rock Valley College Welding Program
- #2 Environmental Technical Institute Welder Program
- #3 The Illinois Welding School
- #4 College of DuPage Welding Program
- #5 Danville Area Community College
- #6 Carl Sandburg College
- 7 A Safe Haven
- #8 Jane Addams Resources Corporation (JARC)
- #9 Midwestern Technical Institute (M.T.I.)
- #10 Southwestern Illinois College
- #11 Southeastern Illinois College
- #12 Kennedy-King College
- #13 Richard J. Daley College
- #14 Triton College
- #15 Moraine Valley Community College
- How to become a Welder in Illinois?
- What Is The Salary Of Welders In Illinois?
- Where Can I Find Certified Welder Jobs in Illinois?
- How Long Do Welding Schools in Illinois Last?
- How Much Do Welding Schools in Illinois Cost?
- Top Employers of Welders in Illinois
- Best Welding Schools in Illinois 2024 Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- References
What Does a Welder Do?
Welders are metalworkers. They make machinery for a variety of industries by cutting and joining different sizes and weights of metal sheets.
Manufacturing and construction are the top two industries in Illinois that employ welders. You could work in a factory making pipes or large machinery.
A job as a structural welder building vehicle frames is also available at a car manufacturer. Other job opportunities in Illinois for welders include working as an engineer for an aerospace company or at an oil refinery.
15 Best Welding Schools In Illinois | 2024 Requirements
- 1 Rock Valley College Welding Program
- 2 Environmental Technical Institute Welder Program
- 3 The Illinois Welding School
- 4 College of DuPage Welding Program
- 5 Danville Area Community College
- 6 Carl Sandburg College
- 7 A Safe Haven
- 8 Jane Addams Resources Corporation (JARC)
- 9 Midwestern Technical Institute (M.T.I.)
- 10 Southwestern Illinois College
- 11 Southeastern Illinois College
- 12 Kennedy-King College
- 13 Richard J. Daley College
- 14 Triton College
- 15 Moraine Valley Community College
#1 Rock Valley College Welding Program
Address: 3301 North Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61114
The phone number is (815) 921-7821.
This is one of the best welding schools in Illinois.
Graduates can perform flux core, tungsten inert gas (TIG), metal inert gas (MIG), shielded metal arc (STICK), and gas welding. You can train in one or more welding processes.
See also: 15 Best Welding Schools in Arizona | 2024 Requirements
#2 Environmental Technical Institute Welder Program
Prepare to earn your welding certification at ETI!
Enroll in the hands-on Advanced Welding Technology certificate program to hone the skills you’ll need to start a great new career.
Certified welders are in high demand in shipyards, construction sites, and private businesses across the country.
Contact: (888) 572-9937
#3 The Illinois Welding School
This is one of the best welding schools in Illinois located at 1315 Enterprise Drive, Romeoville, IL 60446.
Students at the Illinois Welding School spend more than 80% of their time working hands-on in our well-equipped welding facility.
They provide students with intensive, individualized welding training that will help them stand out in a competitive job market.
Contact: (888) 632-9353
#4 College of DuPage Welding Program
This best welding schools in Illinois offer a welding program.
The welding program at the College of DuPage is designed for people who want to learn or improve their skills in various welding processes.
The customized competency-based program offered can benefit both beginning and advanced students.
This program provides a variety of skill levels in oxyacetylene, arc, MIG, TIG, and plasma welding/cutting processes through manual and semi-automatic applications. There are also classes in blueprint reading and welding theory.
Contact: (630) 942-2969 is the phone number.
#5 Danville Area Community College
Dual enrollment and flexible class schedules are available at this college to help students advance quickly in their welding careers.
Danville is the location.
Please contact us at 217-443-3222.
CCL in Welding and CCL in Advanced Welding are among the courses available.
The program lasts one to two years.
The average annual salary is $5,399 (in-state with financial aid)
#6 Carl Sandburg College
This college provides a comprehensive welding program with flexible class times, small class sizes, and job placement assistance after graduation.
Galesburg is the location.
Phone: (309) 345-3501
Programs available: two-year AAS in Welding Technology program
Average annual cost: $2,100 (in-state, in-district)
7 A Safe Haven
A Safe Haven Training Academy is one of the best welding schools in Illinois.
It assists homeless and underprivileged job seekers, including veterans and ex-offenders, in preparing for gainful employment through an introductory and welding bridge program.
Upon completion of the introductory welding program, which teaches basic welding techniques, an American Welding Society certificate is awarded.
Fundamental welding techniques, math, layout and fabrication, reading blueprints, job safety, and ethics will all be covered.
The OSHA 10-certification test and the 10-hour general industry safety course are both included in the course.
#8 Jane Addams Resources Corporation (JARC)
This free 14-week welding program in Chicago for unemployed and low-income adults teaches basic welding skills to help applicants prepare for a career.
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), one of the most popular welding techniques, is covered in JARC’s training.
Graduates of the JARC program will receive credentials from the American Welding Society (A.W.S.). Participants also receive free tutoring and job placement assistance.
#9 Midwestern Technical Institute (M.T.I.)
This college has a Journeyman Welding Program that lasts 30 weeks (or 7 months) and results in a diploma.
Welding classes are available in the day and evening in Moline, Springfield, and East Peoria.
Welders receive certification in welding terminology, safety procedures, and metal properties upon graduation.
The Journeyman Welder II program, requires ten weeks of practical training.
#10 Southwestern Illinois College
The American Welding Society has named Southwestern Illinois College’s Welding Technology program one of the best welding schools in Illinois and the country.
The welding technology program adheres to the American Welding Society’s National Standards Level I and II.
The student can transfer to Ferris State University and earn a Bachelor’s degree in addition to their A.A.S. from Southwestern.
Through the program, new welders can receive expert instruction, and seasoned welders can improve their skills.
As part of their preparation for the job market, students gain valuable hands-on experience and learn about employer relations.
Shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding (including short circuits, globular, and spray transfers), flux cored and plasma arc welding, acetylene welding and cutting, gas tungsten arc welding, blueprint reading, layout fit up, and weld inspection are among the skills taught to students.
See also: 8 Best Welding Schools in Wyoming | 2024 Requirements
#11 Southeastern Illinois College
SIC will teach valuable skills needed in the welding industry.
Get excited about working with metals and develop technical skills through hands-on training to begin a promising career as a welding professional.
You’ll learn about metallurgy, oxygen/fuel welding, gas welding, arc welding, flux core welding, M.I.G. welding, plasma cutting, pipe welding, and blueprint reading.
#12 Kennedy-King College
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy were civil and human rights activists whose names are on the college.
The Higher Learning Commission has granted Kennedy-King College accreditation.
Advanced manufacturing, business and professional services, construction technology, culinary arts and hospitality, education, and other fields are all available at the university.
Get your Basic Certificate and train to be a Combination Welder; after graduation, you can apply for entry-level jobs in the industry.
#13 Richard J. Daley College
Richard J. Daley College is one of Chicago’s City Colleges. It is one of the country’s largest community college districts, educating approximately 80.000 students per year.
Chicago’s seven city colleges are all individually accredited. The Higher Learning Commission, a North Central Association Commission, has accredited Richard J. Daley College.
Online courses, adult and continuing education programs, and other courses are available at the college.
Apply to the Welding Technology program to obtain a basic welding certificate.
#14 Triton College
Triton College was established in 1964. Every year, over 10,000 students enroll in college.
The 110-acre campus is home to vibrant arts and athletic programs, cutting-edge facilities, and a welcoming environment. The trip to downtown Chicago takes only 14 miles.
Adult and continuing education, the arts and sciences, business and technology, health careers, and public services are among the academic divisions.
The welding certificate program allows you to obtain a certificate in as little as two semesters. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level positions.
It is one of the best welding schools in Illinois.
#15 Moraine Valley Community College
Moraine Valley Community College opened its doors to students in 1967. It is a 300-acre campus in Palos Hills and additional locations in Blue Island and Tinley Park.
The school is committed to providing low-cost, high-quality education. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Moraine Valley Community College.
The college offers over 130 programs in a variety of fields. Welding-Advance, Welding-Combination, Individualized Welding, Multi-process Welding, Pipe Welding, and Shielded Metal Arc Welding are some of the programs that place a strong emphasis on welding.
How to become a Welder in Illinois?
The state of Illinois does not require general welders to be certified, but the majority of employers require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED.
While welders can learn their trade on the job, many employers prefer formal training through American Welding Society (AWS)-approved programs so that new welders are prepared to enter the workforce.
Each school on the list above has been approved by the American Welding Society’s SENSE Accreditation Program.
The majority of common welding techniques are taught in most schools.
Shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and gas metal arc welding are examples of these techniques (stick).
A high school diploma or GED is usually required to enroll in these schools.
Some schools will accept students who have only finished the tenth grade.
What Is The Salary Of Welders In Illinois?
Welders in Illinois can expect to earn approximately $19,13 per hour, or $39,790 per year.
At the same time, the national median annual wage is $39 390, or $18.94 per hour.
The top 10% of welders in Illinois earn an average of $58 080.
The top 10% of welders in the country earn $62,100 per year on average.
See also: 15 Best Welding Schools in Florida | 2024 Requirements
Where Can I Find Certified Welder Jobs in Illinois?
Certified welders in Illinois have numerous career options.
Manufacturing, aerospace applications, gas and oil field power plants and refineries, shipbuilding, building and repairing automobiles and motorcycles, and building and repairing buildings and bridges are all available.
How Long Do Welding Schools in Illinois Last?
There is no definitive answer.
Every school has its own curriculum, which can vary in length.
You can be certain, however, that your education will not last more than two years.
How Much Do Welding Schools in Illinois Cost?
The school you attend will have a significant impact on the cost of your studies to become a certified welder. Tuition costs can vary depending on the type of training, the length of the program.
Some courses can be completed in as little as seven months and provide certification, while others can take up to four years.
Tuition at welding schools typically starts at $5,000 for three to seven-month courses. College welding programs can cost up to $15,000 for courses that last up to 15 months.
Depending on your goals, a college program may be more beneficial than less expensive and shorter-term welding training.
You should consider expenses other than tuition. You may also incur additional costs such as associated fees and hidden costs.
Top Employers of Welders in Illinois
Welders in Illinois have numerous job opportunities. Among the major welder employers are:
- Bechtel Corporation: This company has a high rate of employee satisfaction and is one of the best employers of welders in Illinois. The hourly wage of a welder can reach $43.83.
- Fluor Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, has job openings all over the world. Welders earn an average hourly wage of $31.
- Toyota: As a structural welder for this well-known automaker, you could earn up to $40.63 per hour.
- Autokiniton: In Illinois, this automated manufacturer pays the highest hourly rate for welders. Experienced workers can earn up to $48 per hour.
- McDermott: This engineering firm compensates its welders well. Welders with experience can expect to earn an average salary of $86,509 when working for a company that values its employees.
Best Welding Schools in Illinois 2024 Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes to become a welder in Illinois varies depending on the training program you choose. Some courses can be completed in as little as seven months, while others can take up to two years.
Welding licenses are not issued in Illinois. With an AWS certification, you can work as a welder anywhere in the country, which opens up more job opportunities for you.
To work as a welder in Illinois, you do not need to have insurance. However, if you run a welding business with employees, you will need workers’ compensation. Additionally, getting commercial liability insurance is a good idea when working as an independent contractor and finishing jobs for others.
Conclusion
Welding is a fantastic career choice for tradespeople living in Illinois. While the state does not require you to have a license to work as a welder, having certain certifications improves your reputation in the industry and opens up more job opportunities with higher pay.
This article discusses the education required to work as a successful welder in Illinois.
References
References
