Best Welding Schools in Atwater, California (2025)

Updated October 29, 2025 | Brad Fishbein Table of Contents

Welder Training in Atwater, California

Welders in California enjoy steady demand, competitive salaries, and excellent job stability.

While there are many ways to become a welder, one of the most effective is enrolling in a top-rated training program. Below we've outlined how to get started, plus a few of the best welding schools near Atwater.

Affordable Online Welding Programs Now Accepting Students in Atwater, California:

California Welder Salary Snapshot

California
California Median Pay $57,940 $27.86 per hour
U.S. Median Pay $51,000 $24.52 per hour
Data Year: 2024 Source: BLS OEWS

Welding Training Near Atwater

#1

Merced College

Merced, CA 7 miles away

Located in Merced, CA Merced College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

Modesto Junior College

Modesto, CA 30.5 miles away

Located in Modesto, CA Modesto Junior College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

Madera Community College

Madera, CA 44.5 miles away

Located in Madera, CA Madera Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Machining Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

Columbia College

Sonora, CA 48.1 miles away

Located in Sonora, CA Columbia College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Accounting Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

San Joaquin Delta College

Stockton, CA 59.3 miles away

Located in Stockton, CA San Joaquin Delta College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

Enrollment & Certification Pathway in California

Most students in California follow this process:

  1. Apply to an accredited welding school or trade program in Atwater.
  2. Complete hands-on labs, pass bend and visual tests, and earn AWS certifications that match your goals.
  3. Gain experience through shop work, construction, or fabrication roles β€” then pursue NCCER or advanced AWS credentials.

California Welder Salary & Job Outlook

Based on BLS occupation: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)
Data Year: 2024 • California

Median Pay (2024) $57,940 $27.86 per hour

Mean Pay (2024)

$61,980 per year $29.80 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $44,200

$21.25 per hour

25th Percentile $47,990

$23.07 per hour

75th Percentile $69,950

$33.63 per hour

90th Percentile $84,690

$40.72 per hour

California vs U.S.

Median Wage +13.6%
$57,940

$27.86 per hour

Mean Wage +12.5%
$61,980

$29.80 per hour

Percent difference vs U.S.

Employment Outlook

2024 26,100

Employment: 26,100 jobs

Additional Details

Employment per 1,000 Jobs
1.45
Employment RSE
3.1%
Total Employment (BLS sample)
26,100 jobs

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. www.bls.gov/oes

Next Steps

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.

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