Updated on February 28, 2026
Welding training at Wake Technical Community College offers affordable pathways into skilled fabrication and manufacturing across the Research Triangle. Students can choose between an evening-based certificate or a comprehensive daytime Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. This guide details 2026 tuition rates, required safety gear expenses, campus locations, and financial aid rules.
Wake Tech welding tuition costs approximately $1,064 in-state for the 14-credit Certificate (C50420B) and $4,864 in-state for the 64-credit AAS Degree (A50420) based on North Carolina’s standard $76 per credit hour tuition rate. Out-of-state tuition runs $268 per credit hour. Students should budget an additional $350 to $700 for personal protective equipment (PPE), specialty tools, and course lab fees.
Key Takeaways
- In-State Tuition: Estimated at ~$1,064 for the Certificate (14 credits) and ~$4,864 for the AAS Degree (64 credits) at $76/credit hour.
- Program Scheduling: The Certificate runs during evening hours; the AAS degree runs primarily during daytime blocks.
- Financial Aid Limits: The AAS degree qualifies for Federal Pell Grants and the Next NC Scholarship; the 14-credit Certificate is below the 16-credit Title IV federal threshold and is not Pell-eligible.
- Dual Campus Access: Dedicated welding lab facilities are available at both Southern Wake Campus and Scott Northern Wake Campus.
Overview of Welding Programs at Wake Tech
Wake Tech’s Welding Technology curriculum provides comprehensive instruction in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW/Stick), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG), Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG). Students also master blueprint reading, industrial metallurgy, cutting processes (oxy-fuel and plasma), and non-destructive weld testing methods. Specialized training in orbital welding fundamentals is integrated directly into advanced GTAW modules.
Wake Tech Welding Programs at a Glance
| Feature | Welding Certificate (C50420B) | Welding AAS Degree (A50420) |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credits | ~14 Credit Hours | ~64 Credit Hours |
| Estimated In-State Tuition | ~$1,064 ($76/credit) | ~$4,864 ($76/credit) |
| Estimated Out-of-State Tuition | ~$3,752 ($268/credit) | ~$17,152 ($268/credit) |
| Class Schedule | Evening Only | Day Only |
| Federal Aid Eligible (Pell) | No (<16 credits) | Yes |
| Primary Campus | Southern Wake & Scott Northern Wake | Southern Wake & Scott Northern Wake |
Estimated Tuition and Fees Breakdown
Wake Technical Community College bills tuition under standard North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) rates: $76.00 per credit hour for NC residents and $268.00 per credit hour for non-residents.
Mandatory institutional fees are assessed per semester alongside base tuition rates:
- Student Activity Fee: ~$35.00 per semester (scaled by credit load).
- Computer & Technology Fee: ~$48.00 per term for campus infrastructure.
- Campus Access & Security Fee: ~$40.00 per term.
- Course Lab Fees: Variable consumables fees assessed on hands-on welding sections.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Opportunities
Eligibility for financial assistance depends directly on your credential choice. The AAS Degree (A50420) is fully eligible for Title IV federal aid, whereas the Certificate (C50420B) does not qualify for Pell Grants because it falls short of the 16-credit federal threshold.
| Financial Aid Type | Eligibility Criteria | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Pell Grant | FAFSA filed; demonstrated financial need; enrolled in AAS degree | Up to $7,395/year (dependent on EFC/SAI) |
| Next NC Scholarship | NC resident, AGI $80,000 or less; enrolled in eligible degree/diploma | At least $3,000/year for Community College |
| WIOA Workforce Grants | Dislocated or underemployed workers via NCWorks Career Centers | Full or partial tuition + tool assistance |
| AWS Foundation Scholarships | Students pursuing welding credentials; merit/location criteria | $1,000 to $2,500+ awards |
Course Curriculum and Laboratory Structure
The curriculum emphasizes hands-on booth time combined with blueprint interpretation and metallurgy theory. Core classes prepare students for American Welding Society (AWS) standard qualification tests.
Key Course Sequence
- WLD-110 (Cutting Processes): Oxy-fuel, plasma arc, and carbon arc gouging procedures.
- WLD-115 (SMAW / Stick Plate): Basic and advanced structural welding positions.
- WLD-121 (GMAW / MIG Plate): Solid wire, flux-core, and shielding gas setup.
- WLD-131 (GTAW / TIG Plate): High-precision welding on mild steel, stainless, and aluminum.
- WLD-141 (Symbols & Specifications): Reading architectural and structural weld callouts.
- WLD-215 / WLD-231 (Pipe Welding Modules): Advanced 2G, 5G, and 6G pipe qualification practice.
Hands-On Training Focus
Extensive lab hours provide hood-down experience on plate and pipe joints. Students practice weld inspection using visual inspection (VT), dye penetrant testing (PT), and destructive bend-testing equipment to meet AWS D1.1 structural standards.
Campus Locations & Shift Scheduling
Wake Tech operates dedicated welding facilities across two major campuses in Wake County:
- Southern Wake Campus (401 South): Full lab facilities supporting day degree blocks and evening certificate cohorts.
- Scott Northern Wake Campus (Louisburg Road): Modern fabrication labs offering day and night instruction.
Class Shift Options
- Welding Technology Certificate (C50420B): Evening schedule designed for individuals working day shifts.
- Welding Technology AAS (A50420): Day schedule featuring intensive morning and afternoon shop blocks.
Career Outlook and Salary in the Triangle Area
According to regional wage data and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, skilled welders experience steady demand in commercial construction, infrastructure, and custom fabrication across the Raleigh-Durham metropolitan area.
- Entry-Level Welder: ~$46,000 – $52,000/year.
- Structural Iron & Steel Worker: ~$50,000 – $56,000/year.
- Certified Pipe / Industrial TIG Welder: ~$58,000 – $75,000+/year with advanced certifications.
Additional Equipment and Tool Costs
Tuition covers instruction, but students must furnish their own personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand tools prior to the first shop session:
- Welding Helmet ($70–$250): Auto-darkening (variable shade 9–13) or standard passive shade helmet.
- Protective Apparel ($80–$150): Flame-retardant welding jacket/sleeves, split-cowhide welding gloves, and TIG goat-skin gloves.
- Safety Footwear ($120–$200): 6-inch or 8-inch steel-toe leather work boots meeting ASTM safety standards.
- Basic Tool Kit ($80–$150): Chipping hammer, wire brush, welding pliers (Welpers), fillet weld gauge, and tip cleaners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there age requirements to enroll?
Applicants must generally be high school graduates or hold a high school equivalency credential (GED/HiSET). Some specialized lab sections require students to be at least 18 years of age due to occupational safety standards.
Can I take welding classes part-time while working?
Yes. Wake Tech structures the Welding Technology Certificate (C50420B) specifically in the evening to accommodate working adults, and courses can be completed on a part-time basis.
Why is the welding certificate not eligible for federal financial aid?
Federal Title IV financial aid (like Pell Grants) requires programs to encompass at least 16 credit hours. The standard Certificate (C50420B) requires approximately 14 credit hours, placing it below the threshold. However, students may qualify for state-level workforce grants or employer assistance.
What certifications can I prepare for?
Wake Tech coursework prepares students for American Welding Society (AWS) qualification tests in SMAW (Stick), GMAW (MIG), and GTAW (TIG) on plate and pipe, as well as destructive and non-destructive testing fundamentals.
Do I need prior welding experience?
No prior experience is required. Introductory coursework starts with shop safety, cutting processes, and base metal preparation before advancing to complex multi-position joint welding.
