Welding Engineering Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Welding Engineering Technology equips students with the technical expertise and applied engineering knowledge needed to design, develop, and optimize welding and joining systems across industrial applications. This program emphasizes precision, safety, and innovation in manufacturing processes, preparing graduates for dynamic roles in advanced fabrication and production environments.
- Materials Science: Explores the physical and chemical properties of metals and alloys, focusing on how material behavior influences weldability and structural integrity.
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Teaches the use of digital modeling tools to create detailed technical drawings and simulate welding assemblies with high accuracy.
- Welding Design: Focuses on structural considerations, joint configurations, and design standards essential for creating durable, efficient welds in real-world applications.
- Welding Processes: Provides hands-on and theoretical instruction in a range of techniques, including arc welding, gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and laser welding.
- Welding Metallurgy: Investigates microstructural changes during welding, heat-affected zones, and strategies to prevent defects like cracking and distortion.
- Automation and Robotics: Covers the integration of automated systems and robotic welders in production lines, emphasizing programming, control systems, and workflow efficiency.
- Codes, Inspections, Testing, and Quality Assurance: Ensures compliance with national and international standards through systematic evaluation, non-destructive testing methods, and certification protocols.
Welding Engineering Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Welding Engineering Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Welding Engineering Technology degrees, including Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other and Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 488,450 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other 17-3029 | $77,390 | $47,010 - $114,630 | 64,410 | $37.21 |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers 51-4121 | $51,000 | $38,130 - $75,850 | 424,040 | $24.52 |
Welding Engineering Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,340 in South Dakota to $83,910 in District of Columbia—a 74% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Hawaii, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 488,450 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Welding Engineering Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 30 institutions offering Welding Engineering Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Welding Engineering Technology is found at Stark State College (339 graduates), Goodwin University (44 graduates), Pennsylvania College of Technology (40 graduates), Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) (19 graduates), and Cuyahoga Community College District (Tri-C) (17 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 609 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stark State College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Residency
Other Award
|
339 | North Canton, Ohio | Public | starkstate.edu |
| Goodwin University |
Other Award
|
44 | East Hartford, Connecticut | Private | goodwin.edu |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology |
Bachelor's
|
40 | Williamsport, Pennsylvania | Public | pct.edu |
| Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) |
Associate's
Residency
|
19 | The Dalles, Oregon | Public | cgcc.edu |
| Cuyahoga Community College District (Tri-C) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
17 | Cleveland, Ohio | Public | tri-c.edu |
| Mitchell Technical College (Mitchell Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
16 | Mitchell, South Dakota | Public | mitchelltech.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU–I) |
Bachelor's
|
15 | Rexburg, Idaho | Private | byui.edu |
| Central Oregon Community College (COCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | Bend, Oregon | Public | cocc.edu |
| New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) |
Associate's
|
11 | East Greenwich, Rhode Island | Private | neit.edu |
| Pellissippi State Community College (PSTCC) |
Associate's
|
10 | Knoxville, Tennessee | Public | pstcc.edu |
| Sitting Bull College |
Other Award
|
9 | Fort Yates, North Dakota | Public | sittingbull.edu |
| Pierpont Community and Technical College (PCTC) |
Associate's
|
8 | Fairmont, West Virginia | Public | pierpont.edu |
| Anoka Technical College |
Other Award
|
7 | Anoka, Minnesota | Public | anokatech.edu |
| Howard College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
7 | Big Spring, Texas | Public | howardcollege.edu |
| Sussex County Community College (SCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
7 | Newton, New Jersey | Public | sussex.edu |
| Great Basin College (GBC) |
Associate's
|
6 | Elko, Nevada | Public | gbcnv.edu |
| City Colleges of Chicago |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
5 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | ccc.edu |
| Wayne State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Detroit, Michigan | Public | wayne.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
5 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| Oakton College |
Other Award
|
3 | Des Plaines, Illinois | Public | oakton.edu |
| University of Rio Grande |
Associate's
|
3 | Rio Grande, Ohio | Private | rio.edu |
| Chattanooga State Community College |
Other Award
|
3 | Chattanooga, Tennessee | Public | chattanoogastate.edu |
| Northcentral Technical College (NTC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Wausau, Wisconsin | Public | ntc.edu |
| Southwest College for the Deaf (SWCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
3 | Big Spring, Texas | Public | howardcollege.edu |
| Connecticut State Community College (CT State) |
Associate's
|
2 | Hartford, Connecticut | Public | ctstate.edu |
| Glen Oaks Community College (GOCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Centreville, Michigan | Public | glenoaks.edu |
| Lorain County Community College (LCCC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Elyria, Ohio | Public | lorainccc.edu |
| LeTourneau University (LETU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Longview, Texas | Private | letu.edu |
| Arizona Western College (AWC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Yuma, Arizona | Public | azwestern.edu |
| Edison State Community College |
Associate's
|
1 | Piqua, Ohio | Public | edisonohio.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Welding Engineering Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Welding Engineering Technology degree?
Salaries for Welding Engineering Technology graduates vary by role and location. Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other earn a median of $77,390 annually, while Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers earn around $51,000. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $83,910 compared to $48,340 in South Dakota. Approximately 488,450 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Welding Engineering Technology programs?
Currently 30 accredited institutions offer Welding Engineering Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Stark State College (339 graduates), Goodwin University (44 graduates), and Pennsylvania College of Technology (40 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Welding Engineering Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 14 in 2010 to 609 in 2023-24. This represents a 4,250% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Welding Engineering Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, . Related occupations employ approximately 488,450 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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