Key Takeaways
- Benton, Arkansas is within commuting distance of several accredited welding programs that offer certificates and associate degrees.
- Arkansas State University Three Rivers and Saline County Career Technical Campus are the closest and most affordable options for Benton residents.
- Top programs provide hands-on lab training, AWS certification prep, financial aid access, and direct career pathways with local employers.
- Welders in Arkansas earn an average annual salary of approximately $45,000, with strong demand in manufacturing, construction, and industrial maintenance.
- Choosing the right program depends on cost, certification options, job placement support, and proximity to Benton.
Why Choose Welding Training Near Benton, Arkansas?
Benton sits in Saline County, part of the growing Central Arkansas industrial corridor. With nearby manufacturers, fabrication shops, construction firms, and energy-related employers, skilled welders are consistently in demand.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders in Arkansas earn a mean annual wage of around $45,000, with experienced professionals and specialty welders earning significantly more. Local employers value hands-on technical training, industry certifications such as AWS (American Welding Society), and real-world lab experience.
For students in Benton, the advantage is location. You do not need to relocate to access quality welding education. Several respected programs are within 15 to 45 minutes of downtown Benton.
Top Welding Programs Near Benton, Arkansas
1. Arkansas State University Three Rivers (ASUTR) – Malvern, AR
Distance from Benton: Approximately 30 minutes
Credential Offered: Technical Certificate, Associate of Applied Science in Welding Technology
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
ASUTR is widely considered one of the strongest welding programs in the Benton region. The program combines classroom instruction with extensive lab-based, hands-on training.
Program Highlights:
- Training in SMAW, MIG, TIG, and Flux-Cored welding
- Blueprint reading and welding safety
- Preparation for AWS certification exams
- Modern welding labs and equipment
- Financial aid and scholarships available
Estimated Tuition: Approximately $3,000 to $5,000 per year for in-state students, not including tools and materials.
ASUTR works with regional employers and has a strong technical reputation in Central Arkansas, making it a top choice for career-focused students.
2. Saline County Career Technical Campus – Benton, AR
Location: Benton, AR
Credential Offered: High school technical training with welding pathway
Best For: High school students pursuing early technical education
This campus provides welding training to high school students in Saline County. Students gain early exposure to welding processes and safety fundamentals before graduation.
While not a postsecondary degree program, it gives students a head start toward certification and advanced technical education.
Strength: Early career development and reduced future training time.
3. University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College (UA-PTC) – North Little Rock, AR
Distance from Benton: Approximately 40 to 45 minutes
Credential Offered: Technical Certificate and Associate of Applied Science
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
UA-PTC offers a comprehensive welding technology program designed to prepare graduates for industrial, structural, and pipe welding roles.
Program Benefits:
- Advanced welding labs with industry-grade equipment
- Training in multiple welding processes
- Certification preparation and testing opportunities
- Strong employer connections in the Little Rock metro area
Estimated Tuition: Approximately $4,000 to $6,000 annually for in-state students.
For Benton residents willing to commute, UA-PTC provides broad credentialing options and strong job placement potential.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Welding Schools Near Benton
SchoolDistance from BentonCredentialsApprox. In-State TuitionAWS PrepFinancial AidASU Three Rivers30 minutesCertificate, AAS$3,000 - $5,000 per yearYesYesUA Pulaski Tech45 minutesCertificate, AAS$4,000 - $6,000 per yearYesYesSaline County CTCIn BentonHigh School Technical PathwayPublic School FundedIntro LevelN/A
What to Look for in a Welding Program
1. Accreditation and Certification Preparation
Choose a program accredited by a recognized body such as the Higher Learning Commission. Confirm that training prepares students for AWS certification, which significantly improves employability.
2. Hands-On Training Hours
Welding is a skill built through repetition. Look for programs that prioritize lab time over lecture. Industry-ready programs provide hundreds of hours of practical welding experience.
3. Job Placement and Employer Partnerships
Ask about placement rates and partnerships with manufacturing, construction, or energy companies in Central Arkansas. Schools connected to local employers often help graduates secure apprenticeships or entry-level positions faster.
4. Financial Aid Options
Most accredited technical colleges offer:
- Federal Pell Grants
- State workforce grants
- Scholarships
- Payment plans
Completing the FAFSA is essential for accessing aid.
Career Outlook for Welders in Arkansas
Welding remains a high-demand skilled trade across Arkansas. Key industries include:
- Manufacturing and fabrication
- Commercial and residential construction
- Pipeline and energy infrastructure
- Industrial maintenance
Entry-level welders typically start between $18 and $22 per hour. With certifications and experience, wages can increase to $25 to $30 per hour or higher. Specialty welding and travel-based industrial positions can command significantly more.
The proximity of Benton to Little Rock expands employment opportunities across a wider metro area while allowing students to train locally.
Technical College vs. Private Welding Academy
Technical Colleges
- Lower tuition costs
- Access to federal financial aid
- Associate degree options
- Recognized accreditation
Private Academies
- Shorter, fast-track programs
- Higher tuition in many cases
- Limited access to federal aid
For most Benton students, accredited public technical colleges provide the strongest long-term value and credential recognition.
Steps to Enroll in a Welding Program in Benton
- Research programs within 30 to 45 minutes of Benton.
- Schedule a campus visit to inspect welding labs.
- Confirm accreditation and AWS certification preparation.
- Complete the FAFSA for financial aid.
- Apply and register for classes.
When comparing schools, prioritize job readiness over convenience alone. Evaluate facilities, instructor experience, and career services before making a final decision.
Is a Welding Career in Benton Worth It?
For students seeking a stable, hands-on career without four years of university debt, welding offers strong earning potential and long-term job security. Benton’s location near Central Arkansas industrial hubs provides both training access and employment opportunity.
The best welding program for you will depend on your schedule, budget, certification goals, and commute preferences. With accredited colleges nearby and steady regional demand, Benton residents have excellent pathways into the skilled trades.
Frequently Asked Questions about Welding Schools Near Benton, Arkansas
How long does it take to complete a welding program near Benton?
Most technical welding certificates near Benton take about 9 to 12 months of full-time study. An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Welding Technology usually takes about two years if you attend full time.
What welding credentials can you earn near Benton, Arkansas?
You can earn technical certificates and Associate of Applied Science degrees at schools like Arkansas State University Three Rivers and UA Pulaski Tech. High school students in Benton can start with a welding pathway at the Saline County Career Technical Campus.
Do welding programs near Benton prepare you for AWS certification?
Yes. ASU Three Rivers and UA Pulaski Tech both include training that prepares you for American Welding Society (AWS) certification tests, which many employers in Arkansas prefer or require.
How much does welding school cost around Benton?
In-state tuition for technical welding programs near Benton is usually about $3,000 to $6,000 per year, depending on the school and credential. You should also budget for tools, safety gear, and supplies.
What can you earn as a welder in Arkansas after training?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders in Arkansas earn about $45,000 per year on average. Many entry-level jobs start around $18 to $22 per hour, with higher pay as you gain certifications and experience.
Is a technical college or private welding academy better near Benton?
Technical colleges near Benton usually offer lower tuition, federal financial aid, and accredited certificates or degrees. Private welding academies may offer shorter programs but often cost more and may have limited access to federal aid.
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