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Welder · California

Welder programs in California

In California, a first-year welder is either paid — or paying.

Tuition on the school path is real money. First-year pay on the apprenticeship path is a paycheck. Seats are not guaranteed on either side.

Welder in the United States

Updated Apr 2026

UA California pipe welder / fitter JATC — $19–$26/hr

First-year fitter/welder percentage of a high CA scale · Apr 2026

Year one in California

One paid path and one school path. The full list is below.

Paid training · listed first

California pipe welder / fitter JATC (UA)

UA California locals · LA / Bay Area / Central Valley industrial

Tuition
$0
First-year wage
$19–$26/hr

You pay · no paycheck in class

California community college welding

CCC campuses with welding programs · Statewide

Tuition
$1,800–$8,000
First-year wage
$0 during school

All programs on this page

01

California pipe welder / fitter JATC (UA)

ApprenticeshipSeats: Unknown

Tuition / net cost

$0

Paid OJT. Booth time in related instruction.

First-year wage

$19–$26/hr

First-year fitter/welder percentage of a high CA scale.

Term

4–5 years

CA industrial pipe wages among the highest nationally with overtime

UA California locals·LA / Bay Area / Central Valley industrial

Source: UA California local public program notes (2026-04)

02

Ironworkers / boilermaker welding apprenticeship — California

ApprenticeshipSeats: Unknown

Tuition / net cost

$0

Paid OJT. Travel common.

First-year wage

$20–$27/hr

Plus possible per diem on travel jobs.

Term

3–4 years

Journey structural / industrial packages vary sharply by local

Ironworkers and Boilermakers JATCs·California locals

Source: Ironworkers / Boilermakers California public notes (2026-03)

03

California community college welding

Trade schoolSeats: Open

Tuition / net cost

$1,800–$8,000

In-state community-college range. Consumables extra.

First-year wage

$0 during school

Unpaid booth time. CA structural entry often $20–$26/hr after.

Term

1–2 years

California welder wages well above the U.S. median in industrial markets

CCC campuses with welding programs·Statewide

Source: CCCCO catalogs (2026-02)

Other welder states

Get welder numbers for another state

We only write when new year-one numbers go up.