The Welding Program at Great Falls College is designed to provide students with comprehensive training in welding techniques and technologies. This program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the welding industry.
Students have the opportunity to pursue either a Certificate of Applied Science (CAS), a 1-year program, or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS), a 2-year program, depending on their career goals and the time they wish to dedicate to their studies. Please see additional information at the bottom of this page for more information.
| Certificate of Applied Science (CAS) Graduates: | Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Graduates: |
| The CAS typically focuses on foundational welding skills and prepares students for entry-level positions. Graduates should be able to: 1. Perform Core Welding Processes 2. Read and Interpret Blueprints 3. Operate Welding Equipment Safely 4. Apply Welding Techniques 5. Ensure Weld Quality 6. Understand Welding Codes and Standards 7. Prepare for Certification Exams |
The AAS expands on the CAS curriculum, offering advanced skills, theory, and career readiness. Graduates should be able to: 1. Perform Advanced Welding Techniques 2. Use Specialized Welding Processes 3. Apply Metallurgical Knowledge 4. Troubleshoot and Solve Problems 5. Conduct Nondestructive Testing (NDT) 6. Manage Welding Projects 7. Understand Industry Standards in Depth 8. Supervise or Lead Teams 9. Pursue Advanced Certifications 10. Explore Career Advancement |
| WLDG 100 | Intro to Welding Fundamentals |
| WLDG 117 | Blueprint Reading and Welding Symbols |
| WLDG 205 | Applied Metallurgy |
| WLDG 212 | Pipe Welding and Layout (integrated lab) |
| Starting Salary | Median Salary | Highest Possible Salary |
| Entry-Level Welders: The starting salary for welders with basic certifications and no prior experience typically ranges from $30,000 to $40,000 annually.
Hourly Rate: $15 to $20 per hour. Factors influencing starting pay include location, employer size, and type of welding (e.g., structural vs. industrial). |
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was approximately $48,000 as of 2022.
Hourly Rate: About $23 per hour. |
Experienced and specialized welders can earn significantly more: • Pipe Welders: $70,000–$120,000 • Underwater Welders: $80,000–$200,000 • Welding Inspectors: $60,000–$100,000 • Aerospace Welders: $60,000–$100,000 • Nuclear Welders: $70,000–$140,000 • Structural Welders: $45,000-$100,000 |
I like the atmosphere. It’s a really, really nice campus. There’s a lot of one-on-one time with my instructors. I really appreciate that. There’s a lot of classes that they have us take like blueprint reading, the CAD classes. It helps us not only understand welding but other things around the field too.
