Welding Technology
Associate of Occupational Technology
Forge Your Future
What Will I Learn?
The Welding Technology program offers students training opportunities ranging from Short Term Certificates focusing on basic welding techniques that take less than a year to a 2-Year associate degree that equips students with the skills needed for Flux-core, Stick (SMAW), GMAW structural welding, and GTAW pipe welding to AWS Certification standards.
Hands-on training prepares graduates for in-demand careers throughout Alabama and beyond including:
- Manufacturing Fabrication
- Shipbuilding
- Aerospace and Automotive Manufacturing
What Can I Earn?
The Alabama Department of Workforce data shows that average wages continue to rise as experienced welders become harder to find.
The median salary for Structural Iron and Steel Workers is currently $58,011 per year in Alabama (LightCast 2026). For entry level positions in Alabama, the average starting salary is around $42,990 with highly experienced workers earning up to $71,852 per year in Alabama.
Pipefitters, plumbers and steamfitters can expect to start around $53,880. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $79,238 per year (LightCast 2026).
Career Opportunities & Job Outlook
Welding is considered an in-demand career, especially in Alabama since a significant portion of the current workforce is reaching retirement age and because Alabama continues to have a strong manufacturing and industrial economy.
The highest-paying welding jobs generally involve:
- Pipe Welding
- Structural Steel
- Shipbuilding
- Aerospace
- Nuclear and Power Generation
- Industrial Shutdowns
- Traveling Construction Crews
Program Summary
Type: Associate of Occupational Technology
Length: 6 Semesters of Full-time attendance
Type: Certificate
Length: 4 Semesters of Full-time attendance
Type: Short-term Certificate
Length: 2 Semesters of Full-time attendance