Best Welding Schools in Rapid City, South Dakota (2025)

Updated October 22, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Welder Training in Rapid City, South Dakota

Welders in South Dakota 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 Rapid City.

Affordable Online Welding Programs Now Accepting Students in Rapid City, South Dakota:


Welding Training Near Rapid City

#1 Western Dakota Technical College

Rapid City, SD • 2.1 miles away

Western Dakota Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Rapid City, SD. Western Dakota Technical College offers welding training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Dental Assistant, Electrician. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SD.

Tuition

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800 Mickelson Dr Rapid City, SD 57703-4018

#2 Eastern Wyoming College

Torrington, WY • 146 miles away

Eastern Wyoming College is a Public, 2-year in Torrington, WY serving about 489 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Eastern Wyoming College offers welding training alongside programs like Cosmetology, Medical Assistant, Welding. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across WY.

Tuition

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3200 West C St Torrington, WY 82240-1699

#3 Western Nebraska Community College

Scottsbluff, NE • 153.1 miles away

Western Nebraska Community College is a Public, 2-year in Scottsbluff, NE. Western Nebraska Community College offers welding training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Aviation Maintenance, Emergency Medical Technician. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NE.

Tuition

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1601 East 27th Street Scottsbluff, NE 69361-1899

#4 Casper College

Casper, WY • 177.3 miles away

Casper College is a Public, 2-year in Casper, WY serving about 2,239 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Casper College offers welding training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Cybersecurity, Electrician. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across WY.

Tuition

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125 College Drive Casper, WY 82601-4699

#5 Dickinson State University

Dickinson, ND • 195.1 miles away

Dickinson State University is a Public, 4-year in Dickinson, ND serving about 1,108 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Dickinson State University offers welding training alongside programs like Diesel Technology, Graphic Design, Practical Nursing (LPN). Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across ND.

Tuition

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Contact

291 Campus Drive Dickinson, ND 58601-4896


Enrollment & Certification Pathway in South Dakota

Most students in South Dakota follow this process:

  1. Apply to an accredited welding school or trade program in Rapid City.
  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 — then pursue NCCER or advanced AWS credentials.

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.