Welding schools in Kansas City offer college certificates, longer degrees and short adult courses. You can compare training on both sides of the state line, including evening classes and programs that prepare you for AWS testing.
College certificateJCCC: two semesters, full-time days
Short adult courseNorthland: 45 hours, 15 sessions, $600
Certification testAWS Certified Welder: hands-on performance test
Local testingMCC ATSI: AWS Accredited Test Facility
Compare Kansas City welding training
These options include college study, short welding classes and training for eligible young adults. The check line names the institutional accreditation, official directory or published provider statement used to check each school, rather than an individual welder credential.
College statement: "accredited by the Higher Learning Commission." Welding classes cover MIG, TIG, stick and pipe welding; ATSI also offers separate AWS testing.
College statement: "accredited by the Higher Learning Commission." The GMAW, GMAW/GTAW and Welding Construction certificate options are grouped here; AWS testing is separate.
College statement: "accredited by the Higher Learning Commission." AWS SENSE Level I certification is optional and requires coursework, written exams and practical assessments.
Catalog statement: "approved to operate as a proprietary school by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development." Fast Track, TIG and Welding Fundamentals options are grouped here; AWS qualification exam preparation is optional.
College statement: "accredited by The Higher Learning Commission." Day cohort requires department approval; evening courses use open enrollment with possible prerequisites.
College statement: "accredited by The Higher Learning Commission." The degree includes fabrication, machine tool technology, welding courses and general education.
College statement: "accredited by The Higher Learning Commission." Welding Basics & Safety, Stick (SMAW) I Welding, MIG (GMAW) Welding and TIG (GTAW) Welding are grouped here. Stick I requires Stick II for its NC3 certification.
Missouri DHEWD's directory lists the Grain Valley certificate as Master Structural Welding Program and reports no school accreditation. The current school course page includes two certification tests. Hobby welding classes are grouped here.
Generally for eligible low-income students ages 16-24, including adults 18-24. Program entry requires introductory preparation, academic requirements and written and performance tests.
School describes itself as a "public, not-for-profit, career and technical school" within Platte County R-3. Adult class covers welding and cutting safety; brochure leaves the exact September start date to be determined.
Match the training to the work you want to practice. MCC teaches MIG, TIG, stick and pipe welding, while JCCC continuing education offers individual welding process courses.
2
Check entry and class dates
JCCC's day certificate begins in August and needs department approval. Its evening route can begin in fall or spring, with prerequisites applying to some courses.
3
Budget for tools and practice
JCCC lists $300-$700 for tools and protective equipment and tells you to wait for instructor guidance before buying. Ask each provider which materials and lab supplies its price covers.
4
Identify the exact credential
A college completion credential and AWS certification have different requirements. KCKCC makes SENSE Level I certification optional, with exams and hands-on assessments beyond simply attending classes.
5
Arrange your performance test
The AWS Certified Welder program requires a practical test for a specific procedure. MCC ATSI identifies itself as an AWS Accredited Test Facility; ask which tests and charges fit your goal.
Welding jobs and pay in the Kansas City metro
The BLS May 2025 Kansas City, MO-KS metro estimates report 2,710 jobs for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers (SOC 51-4121). Median pay was $27.58 an hour and $57,370 a year. These figures describe the full metro area across Missouri and Kansas.
BLS explains that the median divides workers into two equal groups by wage. The employment figure counts jobs rather than current vacancies. It does not predict an offer after graduation. When you compare training costs, ask employers about starting rates, the welding processes they test, shift hours and the experience they expect.
Welding tuition, supplies and funding
T&L's 2026 catalog lists $4,500 adult Combination Welding tuition and $6,000 total charges. Northland's Fall 2026 brochure lists $600 for 15 Basic Welding Technology sessions. These courses differ in hours and scope. Request an itemized bill for gear, supplies, testing and retests.
For college study, ask the financial aid office about FAFSA-based aid and Pell eligibility for your exact credential. JCCC's welding program is also listed for the Kansas Promise Scholarship, subject to its terms. Check an exact program's GI Bill eligibility through the VA.
Before paying, contact the Full Employment Council in Missouri or Workforce Partnership in Kansas about WIOA training assistance. FEC also describes paid on-the-job training. Any funding or employer-paid arrangement needs its own eligibility review.
The length depends on the credential and attendance plan. JCCC's certificate takes two semesters on its full-time day schedule or at least three semesters on its evening route. T&L lists 10 weeks and 200 hours for Combination Welding. Ask whether the quoted finish date includes missed-hour makeups and any separate qualification test.
Does finishing welding school make me AWS certified?
School completion does not by itself establish AWS Certified Welder status. The AWS program requires you to pass a hands-on performance test at an Accredited Test Facility. Your qualification relates to the procedure tested. Ask the school to name the credential, testing process and documents you receive so you can distinguish its graduation award from a welding qualification.
Can I train as a welder in the evening?
Yes. MCC publishes day and evening welding options with lab work and online learning. Northland's Fall 2026 adult brochure lists Basic Welding Technology on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. Compare the entire weekly schedule, including lab attendance, before you arrange work hours or child care.
Where can I take a welding certification test locally?
MCC's Advanced Technical Skills Institute at 2944 Troost Avenue identifies itself as an AWS Accredited Test Facility. It offers testing for individual welders and employers. Contact the testing staff about the procedure, metal and welding position you need, the available appointment and the price. A training course and a test appointment are separate items to confirm.
Is there no-cost welding training for young adults?
Job Corps offers training at no cost for eligible students, generally ages 16-24 with income and other admission requirements. The Excelsior Springs center lists Welding and explains its academic and preparation requirements. If you are an adult in the eligible age range, ask admissions about eligibility, an available welding seat and your planned arrival date.