Wake Tech welding classes cost about $1,064 in tuition for North Carolina residents in the 14-credit evening certificate and about $4,864 for the 64-credit AAS degree, based on the 2026-27 rate of $76 per credit hour. Out-of-state students pay $268 per credit hour, or about $3,752 and $17,152 for the same programs. Fees, protective gear, tools and books are extra.
Key Takeaways
- The Welding Technology certificate (C50420B) is 14 credits, offered in the evening, and Wake Tech lists it as not financial-aid eligible.
- The Welding Technology AAS (A50420) is 64 credits, offered during the day, and can qualify for aid such as the Pell Grant.
- Both programs are listed at the Southern Wake and Scott Northern Wake campuses.
- Tuition is set by the state, so rates can change each year. Always confirm with Wake Tech before you register.
Wake Tech Welding Technology Tuition at a Glance
| Certificate (C50420B) | AAS degree (A50420) | |
|---|---|---|
| Credit hours | 14 | 64 |
| In-state tuition ($76/credit) | About $1,064 | About $4,864 |
| Out-of-state tuition ($268/credit) | About $3,752 | About $17,152 |
| Class schedule | Evening only | Day only |
| Financial aid eligible | No (per Wake Tech) | Yes, if you meet requirements |
| Campuses | Southern Wake, Scott Northern Wake | Southern Wake, Scott Northern Wake |
Wake Tech’s program pages for the certificate and AAS degree list estimates of about $1,064 and $4,864 for in-state students. Those figures equal credit hours multiplied by $76, so expect fees and supplies on top.
Tuition, Fees and Other Costs
North Carolina community colleges charge $76 per credit hour for residents and $268 for non-residents in 2026-27, with tuition capped at 16 credit hours per semester ($1,216 for residents and $4,288 for non-residents), according to the NC Community College System.
- Institutional fees: Wake Tech charges additional per-semester fees, such as student activity, technology and campus access fees. Amounts change, so check Wake Tech’s current tuition and fees page.
- Program-specific costs: Wake Tech notes that additional program-specific costs may apply to welding.
- Books and supplies: Ask the department for the required list before the first class.
- Protective gear and tools: Plan to buy your own. See our guides to welding helmet costs and welding glove costs for typical prices.
Pro Tip: Ask the welding department which helmet, boots, clothing and tools are required before you buy anything. Programs often specify safety standards, and the wrong gear is money wasted.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
| Option | Who it helps | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Pell Grant | AAS students with financial need who file the FAFSA | The maximum for 2026-27 is $7,395, but the amount depends on your eligibility and enrollment |
| Next NC Scholarship | NC residents in an eligible curriculum program with household AGI of $80,000 or less | Community college students receive at least $3,000 a year, which includes any Pell Grant; FAFSA by June 1 for the maximum award |
| WIOA workforce funding | Eligible dislocated or low-income workers | Contact a local NCWorks Career Center to ask about approved training |
| AWS Foundation scholarships | Students pursuing welding credentials | Award amounts, deadlines and rules change each cycle |
Wake Tech lists the 14-credit certificate as not financial-aid eligible, so budget to pay for it yourself or ask about employer or workforce support. File the FAFSA early if you plan to enrol in the AAS.
What You Learn
Certificate: four courses (WLD 110, 115, 121 and 141) across a fall and a spring semester. Wake Tech describes it as an introduction to consumable and non-consumable electrode welding and cutting, with blueprint reading, metallurgy and destructive testing.
AAS degree: 46 credits of welding and related core courses plus 18 credits of electives, for 64 total. The planning guide includes MIG, stick and TIG on plate and pipe, plus cutting processes, symbols and specifications, metallurgy, inspection and testing, certification practices and safety.
Campuses and Schedules
- Welding certificate: evening classes, on campus, at Southern Wake or Scott Northern Wake.
- Welding AAS: day classes at both campuses.
Confirm which campus offers your section each term, because course availability can change.
Career Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median pay of $53,750 per year (May 2025) for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers, with the lowest 10 percent earning under $39,240. It projects 2 percent employment growth from 2025 to 2035. Pay in the Raleigh area depends on employer, shift, experience and certifications, so check local job listings.
How to Lower Your Wake Tech Welding Cost
- Start with the certificate if you want a low-cost, evening introduction and plan to pay out of pocket.
- Choose the AAS if you want a degree and need Pell Grant or Next NC support.
- Ask your employer about tuition assistance.
- Buy only the gear on the department’s required list.
- Compare with other schools in our guides to welding school costs, trade school welding costs and Ivy Tech welding costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Wake Tech welding certificate cost?
Wake Tech estimates about $1,064 in tuition for NC residents for the 14-credit certificate (14 credits at $76). Out-of-state tuition is about $3,752. Fees, gear and supplies are extra.
How much does the Wake Tech welding AAS degree cost?
About $4,864 in tuition for NC residents (64 credits at $76) and about $17,152 out-of-state at $268 per credit, before fees, gear and books.
Is the welding certificate eligible for financial aid?
Wake Tech lists the Welding Technology certificate as not financial-aid eligible. The AAS degree can qualify for aid such as the Pell Grant if you meet the requirements.
Can I take welding classes in the evening?
Yes. Wake Tech lists the Welding Technology certificate as evening only. The AAS degree is listed as day only.
Do I need prior welding experience?
Wake Tech’s program pages describe the certificate as an introduction to welding and cutting processes, so beginners can generally start. Confirm any course prerequisites with an advisor.
Which Wake Tech campuses offer welding?
The Southern Wake Campus and the Scott Northern Wake Campus are listed for both the certificate and the AAS degree.
Conclusion
Wake Tech welding classes are among the lower-cost routes into the trade: about $1,064 in tuition for the evening certificate and about $4,864 for the AAS degree for NC residents. Add fees, gear and books, confirm current rates with Wake Tech, and choose the program that matches your schedule and aid eligibility.
