by 
Welding is a career path with great potential for high earnings.
In Richmond, VA, for instance, welders make $22.34 per hour on average.
They can take home even more if they have more experience and certifications and work in certain industries.
For example, rig welders earn an annual salary of $89,000 on average.
That is $43 per hour.
Senior welders, meanwhile, get paid an average of $82,000 annually or $40 per hour.
Pipeline and marine pipe welders earn pretty well too, receiving $71,000 to $73,000 annually or about $35 per hour.
If you want to pursue a welding career and get paid handsomely, you should undergo welding schooling and training.
Enroll in any of the welding schools in Richmond, VA listed below, and be on your way to becoming a successful welding professional.
1 Richmond Technical Center
About the School
Richmond Technical Center is an educational and training institution that provides career and technical education programs for high school students and adults.
To uphold their motto, “We Start Careers,” they are committed to equipping their community with competencies in various studies for career opportunities globally.
They serve all types of learners, whether pursuing Standard, Applied Studies, or Advanced Diplomas, and have industry-experienced instructors in their faculty and staff.
From day one to graduation, they offer their full support so that their students earn industry credentials, graduate with a diploma, and be on the right track toward a high-demand, high-wage, and high-skill career.
Courses Offered
The Welding Programs are designed to teach key welding knowledge and skills for entry into the workforce.
Under their High School CTE Programs, they offer the following welding courses:
Welding I
- It teaches the use of manual welding, cutting, and electric arc welding.
- It involves fabricating and joining metal parts, interpreting diagrams and blueprints, and observing safety-related practices.
Welding II
- It teaches advanced welding techniques.
- It involves performing welds in various positions and using multiple welding processes.
And, under their Adult CTE Programs, they have the following welding courses:
Welding ARC (Stick) I and Welding ARC (Stick) II
- Both cover the fundamentals of machine operation, metal identification, electrode selection, joint preparation, and safety.
- Each course requires 45 classroom hour credits.
- Tuition is $650 for each course.
Welding ARC (Stick) Certification
- The course is designed to prepare students to test for certification in welding.
- It requires 45 classroom hour credits.
- Tuition costs $650.
Welding MIG I and Welding MIG II
- Both cover the fundamentals of machine operations, primarily dealing with aluminum and mild steel fit-ups, and joint preparation.
- Each course requires 45 classroom hour credits.
- Tuition is $650 for each.
Welding MIG Certification
- The course is designed to prepare students to test for certification in welding.
- It requires 45 classroom hour credits.
- Tuition costs $650.
Welding TIG I and Welding TIG II
- Both cover the fundamentals of identification of metal, machine settings and operation, fit-ups, joint preparation, mild steel welding, and an introduction to aluminum.
- Each requires 45 classroom hour credits.
- Tuition is $650 for each.
Welding TIG Certification
- The course is designed to prepare students to test for certification in welding.
- It requires 45 classroom hour credits.
- Tuition costs $650.
Address: 2020 Westwood Ave, Richmond, VA 23230, United States
2 Centura College
About the School
Centura College is a career training school that offers programs in computer, electronics, office administration, and skilled trades.
Founded in 1982, they were originally an agency for workforce development and career training.
Today, they continue to provide high-quality academic instruction and hands-on experience to support students’ successful educational achievement and professional endeavors.
Through their in-classroom and online classes, they want to help adult students learn the skills and attitudes needed to start a meaningful entry-level career position.
They have multiple campuses across the state — in Chesapeake, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, and Virginia Beach.
Courses Offered
The Combination Welding Training Program teaches essential knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in the metal fabrication and repair industry.
It involves in-depth study and practice of:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
- Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW)
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
It also covers the following topics:
- Blueprint reading
- Measurement
- Cylinder safety
- Plasma and oxy-fuel cutting
This diploma program takes 12 months to complete.
There are day classes, which are scheduled between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and night classes, which are scheduled between 4:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
Upon completion, graduates can test for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour Safety Certification.
They can then work in building construction, highway construction, manufacturing and industrial production, iron/steel/sheet metal work, and shipyard metal fabrication and repair.
Address: 7914 Midlothian Tpke, North Chesterfield, VA 23235, United States
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 | Richmond Technical Center |
|
#2 | Centura College |
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Welder
Welding Schools by City
Welding Schools by State