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.
Programs offered:
- Automotive Technology
- Dental Assistant
- Electrician
- Emergency Medical Technician
- HVAC Technician
- Industrial Maintenance
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Network Systems Administration
- Pharmacy Technician
- Plumbing Technology
- Practical Nursing (LPN)
- Surgical Technology
- Welding
#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.
Programs offered:
- Cosmetology
- Medical Assistant
- Welding
#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.
Programs offered:
- Automotive Technology
- Aviation Maintenance
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Practical Nursing (LPN)
- Surgical Technology
- Welding
#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.
Programs offered:
- Automotive Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Electrician
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Graphic Design
- Pharmacy Technician
- Practical Nursing (LPN)
- Radiologic Technology
- Respiratory Therapy
- Web Development
- Welding
#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.
Programs offered:
- Diesel Technology
- Graphic Design
- Practical Nursing (LPN)
- Welding
Popular Online Programs in South Dakota
Enrollment & Certification Pathway in South Dakota
Most students in South Dakota follow this process:
- Apply to an accredited welding school or trade program in Rapid City.
- Complete hands-on labs, pass bend and visual tests, and earn AWS certifications that match your goals.
- Gain experience through shop work, construction, or fabrication roles — then pursue NCCER or advanced AWS credentials.
Next Steps
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