Welding classes in Chicago, Illinois

53 welding programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

24 schools offer these welding programs with classes in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area, and every one is approved for workforce funding: 49 by Illinois and 4 by Indiana. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

Welders join and cut metal parts with hand-held or remotely controlled equipment. Most have a high school diploma plus technical training, and some employers ask for a certification for particular jobs.¹

In Chicago, 13 of the 53 programs take students without a high school diploma, 13 ask for a diploma or equivalent and 27 ask for earlier courses first.

By kind, the 53 programs here are general welding (30 programs), single welding process (10 programs), structural welding (6 programs), welding (associate degree, 3 programs), and 4 more of 2 other kinds.

See the 53 programs

All 136 welding programs in Illinois, including online programs

How much do welding classes cost in Chicago?

$2,621 to $6,756

is what the 4 programs with a price cost if you pay yourself

In the typical program

Finished the program: Not enough data; 2 programs report it; a typical figure needs 5
Working 6 months later: Not enough data; Only 11 of 53 programs report it
Earned a year, estimated: Not enough data; Only 11 of 53 programs report it
Length: 17 to 48 weeks

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in Chicago may also offer welding classes. How these figures are made

Are there free welding classes in Chicago?

Yes, if you qualify. WIOA (public workforce funding) can pay for any program on this page, in full or in part, depending on local limits.²³⁴In program year 2024 it paid toward the training of at least 46 people at 5 of the 53 programs here.
Ask an American Job Center whether you qualify, or call 1-877-872-5627.⁵ Before funding training, the center goes through an assessment and a career plan with you.⁴
Or pay yourself. These programs cost $2,621 to $6,756.

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

All 53 welding programs in Chicago approved for WIOA funding

53 programs

General weldingIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Welding Certificate
College Of DuPage
Glen Ellyn
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
College Of DuPage, Glen EllynGeneral welding · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$31,100
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
6 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Welding Certificate at College Of DuPage
More details about Welding Certificate at College Of DuPage
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
84%
Earned in a quarter
$7,784
Length
48 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
183
Earned a year, estimated
$31,100
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
students trained with WIOA funding
6
Program website, Welding Certificate at College Of DuPage
General weldingIn personNo diploma needed
Welding BVS
Elgin Comm. College District #509
Elgin
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Elgin Comm. College District #509, ElginGeneral welding · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$41,300
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Welding BVS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
More details about Welding BVS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
82%
Earned in a quarter
$10,318
Length
17 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
144
Earned a year, estimated
$41,300
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Welding BVS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
General weldingIn personNo diploma needed
Welding VS
Elgin Comm. College District #509
Elgin
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Elgin Comm. College District #509, ElginGeneral welding · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$41,300
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Welding VS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
More details about Welding VS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
82%
Earned in a quarter
$10,318
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
144
Earned a year, estimated
$41,300
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Welding VS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
Structural weldingIn personNo diploma needed
Four Process-Structural Plate Welding
Calumet Welding Center
Griffith
No diploma needed
Calumet Welding Center, GriffithStructural weldingIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$31,000
Price if you pay yourself$6,756
11 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Four Process-Structural Plate Welding at Calumet Welding Center
More details about Four Process-Structural Plate Welding at Calumet Welding Center
Finished
71%
Working at 6 months
57%
Earned in a quarter
$7,739
Length
15 weeks, 6 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$872
Students counted
103
Earned a year, estimated
$31,000
Price if you pay yourself
$6,756
students trained with WIOA funding
11
Program website, Four Process-Structural Plate Welding at Calumet Welding Center
Single welding processIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Welding 1-D1.1 GMAW Certification
Waubonsee Community College
Aurora
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Waubonsee Community College, AuroraSingle welding process · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$37,100
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
School website, Welding 1-D1.1 GMAW Certification at Waubonsee Community College
More details about Welding 1-D1.1 GMAW Certification at Waubonsee Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
72%
Earned in a quarter
$9,285
Length
8 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
94
Earned a year, estimated
$37,100
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
School website, Welding 1-D1.1 GMAW Certification at Waubonsee Community College
Welding (associate degree)In personEducation and courses
Welding Technology AAS
Waubonsee Community College
Sugar Grove
Accredited school
Education and courses
Waubonsee Community College, Sugar GroveWelding (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimated$37,100
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Welding Technology AAS at Waubonsee Community College
More details about Welding Technology AAS at Waubonsee Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
72%
Earned in a quarter
$9,285
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
94
Earned a year, estimated
$37,100
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Welding Technology AAS at Waubonsee Community College
General weldingIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Welding Technology Certificate
Waubonsee Community College
Sugar Grove
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Waubonsee Community College, Sugar GroveGeneral welding · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$37,100
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
4 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Welding Technology Certificate at Waubonsee Community College
More details about Welding Technology Certificate at Waubonsee Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
72%
Earned in a quarter
$9,285
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
94
Earned a year, estimated
$37,100
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
students trained with WIOA funding
4
Program website, Welding Technology Certificate at Waubonsee Community College
Welding (associate degree)In personPrerequisite courses
Welding Technology (AAS) - TE976
Joliet Junior College
Joliet
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Joliet Junior College, JolietWelding (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimated$31,800
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
3 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Welding Technology (AAS) - TE976 at Joliet Junior College
More details about Welding Technology (AAS) - TE976 at Joliet Junior College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
88%
Earned in a quarter
$7,948
Length
104 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
88
Earned a year, estimated
$31,800
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
students trained with WIOA funding
3
Program website, Welding Technology (AAS) - TE976 at Joliet Junior College
General weldingIn personNo diploma needed
Basic Welding Technician Certificate
McHenry County College
Woodstock
Accredited school
No diploma needed
McHenry County College, WoodstockGeneral welding · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$36,600
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Basic Welding Technician Certificate at McHenry County College
More details about Basic Welding Technician Certificate at McHenry County College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
65%
Earned in a quarter
$9,140
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
81
Earned a year, estimated
$36,600
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Basic Welding Technician Certificate at McHenry County College
Structural weldingIn personNo diploma needed
Smaw Gmaw Structural Welding
Calumet Welding Center
Griffith
No diploma needed
Calumet Welding Center, GriffithStructural weldingIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$29,400
Price if you pay yourself$4,362
22 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Smaw Gmaw Structural Welding at Calumet Welding Center
More details about Smaw Gmaw Structural Welding at Calumet Welding Center
Finished
76%
Working at 6 months
52%
Earned in a quarter
$7,340
Length
10 weeks, 7 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$766
Students counted
44
Earned a year, estimated
$29,400
Price if you pay yourself
$4,362
students trained with WIOA funding
22
Program website, Smaw Gmaw Structural Welding at Calumet Welding Center
General weldingIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Advanced Welding Technology
Kishwaukee College
Malta
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Kishwaukee College, MaltaGeneral welding · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$43,400
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Advanced Welding Technology at Kishwaukee College
More details about Advanced Welding Technology at Kishwaukee College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
58%
Earned in a quarter
$10,838
Length
40 weeks, 32 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
39
Earned a year, estimated
$43,400
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Advanced Welding Technology at Kishwaukee College
Structural weldingIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Fcaw Gmaw Structural Welding
Calumet Welding Center
Griffith
High school diploma or equivalent
Calumet Welding Center, GriffithStructural weldingIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$2,621
Program website, Fcaw Gmaw Structural Welding at Calumet Welding Center
More details about Fcaw Gmaw Structural Welding at Calumet Welding Center
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
10 weeks, 8 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$872
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$2,621
Program website, Fcaw Gmaw Structural Welding at Calumet Welding Center
Structural weldingIn personNo diploma needed
Smaw Plate Welding
Calumet Welding Center
Griffith
No diploma needed
Calumet Welding Center, GriffithStructural weldingIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,203
Program website, Smaw Plate Welding at Calumet Welding Center
More details about Smaw Plate Welding at Calumet Welding Center
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
8 weeks, 8 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$725
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$3,203
Program website, Smaw Plate Welding at Calumet Welding Center
Welding (associate degree)HybridEducation and courses
A.A.S. Welding Fabrication Degree
Harper College
Palatine
Accredited school
Education and courses
Harper College, PalatineWelding (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, A.A.S. Welding Fabrication Degree at Harper College
More details about A.A.S. Welding Fabrication Degree at Harper College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, A.A.S. Welding Fabrication Degree at Harper College
General weldingHybridEducation and courses
Advanced Welding (AWLD)
Morton College
Cicero
Accredited school
Education and courses
Morton College, CiceroGeneral welding · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Advanced Welding (AWLD) at Morton College
More details about Advanced Welding (AWLD) at Morton College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Advanced Welding (AWLD) at Morton College
General weldingIn personEducation and courses
Advanced Welding Certificate
Harper College
Palatine
Accredited school
Education and courses
Harper College, PalatineGeneral welding · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Advanced Welding Certificate at Harper College
More details about Advanced Welding Certificate at Harper College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
56 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Advanced Welding Certificate at Harper College
General weldingIn personNo diploma needed
Advanced Welding Technician
McHenry County College
Woodstock
Accredited school
No diploma needed
McHenry County College, WoodstockGeneral welding · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Advanced Welding Technician at McHenry County College
More details about Advanced Welding Technician at McHenry County College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Advanced Welding Technician at McHenry County College
General weldingIn personNo diploma needed
Advanced Welding Technology Certificate
Waubonsee Community College
Plano
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Waubonsee Community College, PlanoGeneral welding · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Advanced Welding Technology Certificate at Waubonsee Community College
More details about Advanced Welding Technology Certificate at Waubonsee Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
47 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Advanced Welding Technology Certificate at Waubonsee Community College
General weldingIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
American Welding Society (AWS) SENSE 1 Certificate
College Of DuPage
Glen Ellyn
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
College Of DuPage, Glen EllynGeneral welding · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, American Welding Society (AWS) SENSE 1 Certificate at College Of DuPage
More details about American Welding Society (AWS) SENSE 1 Certificate at College Of DuPage
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, American Welding Society (AWS) SENSE 1 Certificate at College Of DuPage
Single welding processIn personNo diploma needed
Arc Welding BVS
Elgin Comm. College District #509
Elgin
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Elgin Comm. College District #509, ElginSingle welding process · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Arc Welding BVS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
More details about Arc Welding BVS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Arc Welding BVS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
General weldingIn personPrerequisite courses
Basic Welding (CCO) - TE078
Joliet Junior College
Joliet
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Joliet Junior College, JolietGeneral welding · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Basic Welding (CCO) - TE078 at Joliet Junior College
More details about Basic Welding (CCO) - TE078 at Joliet Junior College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
26 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Basic Welding (CCO) - TE078 at Joliet Junior College
General weldingIn personPrerequisite courses
Basic Welding Certificate
Harper College
Palatine
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Harper College, PalatineGeneral welding · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Basic Welding Certificate at Harper College
More details about Basic Welding Certificate at Harper College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Basic Welding Certificate at Harper College
General weldingIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Basic Welding Technology Certificate
Kishwaukee College
Malta
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Kishwaukee College, MaltaGeneral welding · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Basic Welding Technology Certificate at Kishwaukee College
More details about Basic Welding Technology Certificate at Kishwaukee College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
34 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Basic Welding Technology Certificate at Kishwaukee College
Pipe weldingIn personEducation and courses
Combination Structural/Pipe Welding Specialist
Illinois Welding School Inc.
Romeoville
Education and courses
Illinois Welding School Inc., RomeovillePipe weldingIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Combination Structural/Pipe Welding Specialist at Illinois Welding School Inc.
More details about Combination Structural/Pipe Welding Specialist at Illinois Welding School Inc.
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
30 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Combination Structural/Pipe Welding Specialist at Illinois Welding School Inc.
General weldingIn personEducation and courses
Combination Welder
Dawson Technical Institute
Chicago
Accredited school
Education and courses
Dawson Technical Institute, ChicagoGeneral welding · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Combination Welder at Dawson Technical Institute
More details about Combination Welder at Dawson Technical Institute
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
16 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Combination Welder at Dawson Technical Institute
General weldingIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Course No. 202 Basic Welding
Illinois Welding School Inc.
Romeoville
High school diploma or equivalent
Illinois Welding School Inc., RomeovilleGeneral weldingIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Course No. 202 Basic Welding at Illinois Welding School Inc.
More details about Course No. 202 Basic Welding at Illinois Welding School Inc.
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
2 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Course No. 202 Basic Welding at Illinois Welding School Inc.
General weldingIn personEducation and courses
Engineering Technology/Welding
Triton College
River Grove
Accredited school
Education and courses
Triton College, River GroveGeneral welding · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Engineering Technology/Welding at Triton College
More details about Engineering Technology/Welding at Triton College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
16 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Engineering Technology/Welding at Triton College
Single welding processIn personNo diploma needed
FCAW-Flux Core Arc Welding (CCO)-TE077
Joliet Junior College
Joliet
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Joliet Junior College, JolietSingle welding process · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, FCAW-Flux Core Arc Welding (CCO)-TE077 at Joliet Junior College
More details about FCAW-Flux Core Arc Welding (CCO)-TE077 at Joliet Junior College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, FCAW-Flux Core Arc Welding (CCO)-TE077 at Joliet Junior College
Single welding processIn personPrerequisite courses
GMAW- Gas Metal Arc Welding (CCO)- TE079
Joliet Junior College
Joliet
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Joliet Junior College, JolietSingle welding process · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
School website, GMAW- Gas Metal Arc Welding (CCO)- TE079 at Joliet Junior College
More details about GMAW- Gas Metal Arc Welding (CCO)- TE079 at Joliet Junior College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
School website, GMAW- Gas Metal Arc Welding (CCO)- TE079 at Joliet Junior College
Single welding processIn personPrerequisite courses
GTAW- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (CCO)- TE082
Joliet Junior College
Joliet
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Joliet Junior College, JolietSingle welding process · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, GTAW- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (CCO)- TE082 at Joliet Junior College
More details about GTAW- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (CCO)- TE082 at Joliet Junior College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, GTAW- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (CCO)- TE082 at Joliet Junior College
Single welding processHybridPrerequisite courses
Gas Metal Arc Welding 24WN
College of Lake County
Grayslake
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
College of Lake County, GrayslakeSingle welding process · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Gas Metal Arc Welding 24WN at College of Lake County
More details about Gas Metal Arc Welding 24WN at College of Lake County
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Gas Metal Arc Welding 24WN at College of Lake County
Single welding processHybridPrerequisite courses
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Cert 24WM
College of Lake County
Grayslake
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
College of Lake County, GrayslakeSingle welding process · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Cert 24WM at College of Lake County
More details about Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Cert 24WM at College of Lake County
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Cert 24WM at College of Lake County
Single welding processIn personNo diploma needed
MIG Welding BVS
Elgin Comm. College District #509
Elgin
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Elgin Comm. College District #509, ElginSingle welding process · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, MIG Welding BVS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
More details about MIG Welding BVS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, MIG Welding BVS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
General weldingHybridEducation and courses
Multi-Process Welding
Morton College
Cicero
Accredited school
Education and courses
Morton College, CiceroGeneral welding · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Multi-Process Welding at Morton College
More details about Multi-Process Welding at Morton College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Multi-Process Welding at Morton College
General weldingIn personEducation and courses
Multi-Process Welding Certificate
South Suburban College
South Holland
Accredited school
Education and courses
South Suburban College, South HollandGeneral welding · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Multi-Process Welding Certificate at South Suburban College
More details about Multi-Process Welding Certificate at South Suburban College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Multi-Process Welding Certificate at South Suburban College
Pipe weldingHybridEducation and courses
Pipe Welding
Morton College
Cicero
Accredited school
Education and courses
Morton College, CiceroPipe welding · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Pipe Welding at Morton College
More details about Pipe Welding at Morton College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Pipe Welding at Morton College
Pipe weldingIn personEducation and courses
Pipe Welding Specialist
Illinois Welding School Inc.
Romeoville
Education and courses
Illinois Welding School Inc., RomeovillePipe weldingIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Pipe Welding Specialist at Illinois Welding School Inc.
More details about Pipe Welding Specialist at Illinois Welding School Inc.
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
20 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Pipe Welding Specialist at Illinois Welding School Inc.
General weldingIn personEducation and courses
Refresher Welding - Course No. 201
Illinois Welding School Inc.
Romeoville
Education and courses
Illinois Welding School Inc., RomeovilleGeneral weldingIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Refresher Welding - Course No. 201 at Illinois Welding School Inc.
More details about Refresher Welding - Course No. 201 at Illinois Welding School Inc.
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
1 week, 35 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Refresher Welding - Course No. 201 at Illinois Welding School Inc.
Single welding processHybridEducation and courses
Shielded Metal ARC Welding
Morton College
Cicero
Accredited school
Education and courses
Morton College, CiceroSingle welding process · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Shielded Metal ARC Welding at Morton College
More details about Shielded Metal ARC Welding at Morton College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Shielded Metal ARC Welding at Morton College
Single welding processHybridPrerequisite courses
Shielded Metal Arc Welding Cert 24WO
College of Lake County
Grayslake
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
College of Lake County, GrayslakeSingle welding process · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Shielded Metal Arc Welding Cert 24WO at College of Lake County
More details about Shielded Metal Arc Welding Cert 24WO at College of Lake County
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Shielded Metal Arc Welding Cert 24WO at College of Lake County
General weldingIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Skilled Welder
ETI-School of Skilled Trades
Willowbrook
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
ETI-School of Skilled Trades, WillowbrookGeneral welding · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Skilled Welder at ETI-School of Skilled Trades
More details about Skilled Welder at ETI-School of Skilled Trades
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
30 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Skilled Welder at ETI-School of Skilled Trades
Structural weldingHybridPrerequisite courses
Structural Welding
America Business College Inc
Chicago
Prerequisite courses
America Business College Inc, ChicagoStructural weldingHybrid · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Structural Welding at America Business College Inc
More details about Structural Welding at America Business College Inc
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
16 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Structural Welding at America Business College Inc
Structural weldingIn personEducation and courses
Structural Welding Specialist
Illinois Welding School Inc.
Romeoville
Education and courses
Illinois Welding School Inc., RomeovilleStructural weldingIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Structural Welding Specialist at Illinois Welding School Inc.
More details about Structural Welding Specialist at Illinois Welding School Inc.
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
15 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Structural Welding Specialist at Illinois Welding School Inc.
General weldingHybridNo diploma needed
Welder
Education Design Development & Research Corporation - RAP Chicago
Chicago
No diploma needed
Education Design Development & Research Corporation - RAP Chicago, ChicagoGeneral weldingHybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
More details about Welder at Education Design Development & Research Corporation - RAP Chicago
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
49 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
General weldingIn personNo diploma needed
Welder Combination
Mi-Jack Products Rap
Markham
No diploma needed
Mi-Jack Products Rap, MarkhamGeneral weldingIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
More details about Welder Combination at Mi-Jack Products Rap
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
144 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
General weldingHybridPrerequisite courses
Welder Technician
Prairie State College
Chicago Heights
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Prairie State College, Chicago HeightsGeneral welding · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Welder Technician at Prairie State College
More details about Welder Technician at Prairie State College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Welder Technician at Prairie State College
General weldingIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Welding Combination
Moraine Valley Community College
Palos Hills
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Moraine Valley Community College, Palos HillsGeneral welding · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Welding Combination at Moraine Valley Community College
More details about Welding Combination at Moraine Valley Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Welding Combination at Moraine Valley Community College
General weldingIn personPrerequisite courses
Welding Fast Track
Jane Addams Resource Corp - Bridge
Chicago
Prerequisite courses
Jane Addams Resource Corp - Bridge, ChicagoGeneral weldingIn person · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Welding Fast Track at Jane Addams Resource Corp - Bridge
More details about Welding Fast Track at Jane Addams Resource Corp - Bridge
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
14 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Welding Fast Track at Jane Addams Resource Corp - Bridge
General weldingHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Welding Specialist Certificate
Prairie State College
Chicago Heights
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Prairie State College, Chicago HeightsGeneral welding · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Welding Specialist Certificate at Prairie State College
More details about Welding Specialist Certificate at Prairie State College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Welding Specialist Certificate at Prairie State College
General weldingHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Welding Technology
Lincoln College of Technology
Melrose Park
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Lincoln College of Technology, Melrose ParkGeneral welding · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Welding Technology at Lincoln College of Technology
More details about Welding Technology at Lincoln College of Technology
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
44 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Welding Technology at Lincoln College of Technology
General weldingHybridEducation and courses
Welding Technology #560
Universal Technical Institute
Lisle
Accredited school
Education and courses
Universal Technical Institute, LisleGeneral welding · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Welding Technology #560 at Universal Technical Institute
More details about Welding Technology #560 at Universal Technical Institute
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
36 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Welding Technology #560 at Universal Technical Institute
General weldingIn personPrerequisite courses
Welding Technology Program
First Institute Training & Management
Crystal Lake
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
First Institute Training & Management, Crystal LakeGeneral welding · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
School website, Welding Technology Program at First Institute Training & Management
More details about Welding Technology Program at First Institute Training & Management
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
5 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
School website, Welding Technology Program at First Institute Training & Management
Welding and fabricationHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Welding and Metal Fabrication Technology
Lincoln College of Technology
Melrose Park
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Lincoln College of Technology, Melrose ParkWelding and fabrication · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Welding and Metal Fabrication Technology at Lincoln College of Technology
More details about Welding and Metal Fabrication Technology at Lincoln College of Technology
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
34 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Welding and Metal Fabrication Technology at Lincoln College of Technology

How to pay for welding classes in Chicago

WIOA funding can pay for welding classes in Chicago

Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?

Financial aid and grants for welding classes

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.⁶⁷

GI Bill for welding classes

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.⁸

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Other training in Chicago

How welding classes compare with the rest of skilled trades across Illinois: Trade school programs in Illinois

Where the Chicago welding program numbers come from

Which Chicago welding programs are on this list?

These are the welding programs with classes in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area that are approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).⁹ The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Online programs are left out here; they are on the Illinois page. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what the area offers.

How the prices and results of Chicago welding programs are measured

Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.

How reliable are the Illinois figures?

The US Department of Labor's own results site lists Illinois among the states with "known data quality concerns".¹⁰ We leave out the share who finished for Illinois: only a few programs report it, and those at a typical 11%. We leave out prices for Illinois: the state files a code in place of each price, so no price can be shown.

Sources for the facts about welding classes in Chicago

Show the 10 sourcesHide the sources

Nursing and patient care

Medical office and lab

General healthcare

Skilled trades

Transportation and logistics

Computers and IT

Business and office

Beauty and personal care

Public safety

Food and hospitality

Education and social services

Welding classes in Chicago, Illinois

How much do welding classes cost in Chicago?

Are there free welding classes in Chicago?

All 53 welding programs in Chicago approved for WIOA funding

Welding Certificate

Welding BVS

Welding VS

Four Process-Structural Plate Welding

Welding 1-D1.1 GMAW Certification

Welding Technology AAS

Welding Technology Certificate

Welding Technology (AAS) - TE976

Basic Welding Technician Certificate

Smaw Gmaw Structural Welding

Advanced Welding Technology

Fcaw Gmaw Structural Welding

Smaw Plate Welding

A.A.S. Welding Fabrication Degree

Advanced Welding (AWLD)

Advanced Welding Certificate

Advanced Welding Technician

Advanced Welding Technology Certificate

American Welding Society (AWS) SENSE 1 Certificate

Arc Welding BVS

Basic Welding (CCO) - TE078

Basic Welding Certificate

Basic Welding Technology Certificate

Combination Structural/Pipe Welding Specialist

Combination Welder

Course No. 202 Basic Welding

Engineering Technology/Welding

FCAW-Flux Core Arc Welding (CCO)-TE077

GMAW- Gas Metal Arc Welding (CCO)- TE079

GTAW- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (CCO)- TE082

Gas Metal Arc Welding 24WN

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Cert 24WM

MIG Welding BVS

Multi-Process Welding

Multi-Process Welding Certificate

Pipe Welding

Pipe Welding Specialist

Refresher Welding - Course No. 201

Shielded Metal ARC Welding

Shielded Metal Arc Welding Cert 24WO

Skilled Welder

Structural Welding

Structural Welding Specialist

Welder

Welder Combination

Welder Technician

Welding Combination

Welding Fast Track

Welding Specialist Certificate

Welding Technology

Welding Technology #560

Welding Technology Program

Welding and Metal Fabrication Technology