Best Welding Programs in Kingman

Best Welding Programs in Kingman, AZ (2026 Guide)

Welding remains one of the most in-demand skilled trades in Arizona, especially in construction, mining, transportation, and manufacturing. If you are searching for the best welding programs in Kingman, this guide provides a complete, side-by-side analysis of your top options, including program length, certifications, hands-on training, costs, and career outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• Mohave Community College (MCC) offers the most comprehensive and accredited welding program in Kingman.
• Students can earn certificates in under one year or pursue an AAS degree for advanced career pathways.
• Hands-on lab hours and industry certifications such as AWS dramatically increase employability.
• Apprenticeships and job placement support are available through local employers and unions.
• Average welding salaries in Arizona range from $46,000 to $65,000+, depending on specialization and experience.

Why Choose a Welding Career in Kingman?

Kingman sits at a strategic crossroads in northwestern Arizona with steady demand for skilled tradespeople. Regional sectors hiring welders include:

• Construction and structural steel
• Mining and heavy equipment repair
• Rail and transportation maintenance
• Manufacturing and fabrication shops

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders nationwide earn a median wage above $48,000 annually, with specialized or certified welders earning significantly more. Arizona’s infrastructure growth and industrial expansion continue to drive demand for trained professionals.

How We Ranked the Best Welding Programs in Kingman

Programs were evaluated based on:

• Accreditation and institutional reputation
• Hands-on lab training hours
• Industry-recognized certification preparation
• Program cost and financial aid availability
• Job placement assistance and employer partnerships
• Student support services and career pathways

Top Welding Programs in Kingman, AZ

1. Mohave Community College (MCC) – Kingman Campus

Best Overall Welding Program in Kingman

Mohave Community College offers the most robust and locally respected welding training in Kingman. The program combines classroom instruction with extensive hands-on lab work in modern welding facilities.

Programs Offered

• Certificate of Proficiency in Welding
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Welding
• Advanced skill certificates in structural and pipe welding

Curriculum Highlights

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW / MIG)
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW / TIG)
• Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
• Blueprint reading and fabrication
• Welding safety and metallurgy fundamentals

Students spend significant time in welding booths, developing real-world skills on structural and pipe projects.

Program Length

• Certificate: Approximately 9 to 12 months
• AAS Degree: 2 years

Accreditation

MCC is institutionally accredited, ensuring recognized credentials and federal financial aid eligibility.

Career Outcomes

Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles such as:

• Structural welder
• Fabrication technician
• Pipe welder assistant
• Maintenance welder

MCC maintains connections with regional employers, improving placement opportunities.

2. MCC Workforce Development and Certification Training

Best for Working Adults or Skill Upgrades

For individuals already in the trades or seeking fast-track certification, MCC also provides workforce training courses. These short-term programs focus heavily on practical welding tests aligned with industry standards.

Ideal For

• Workers upgrading skills
• AWS certification preparation
• Employers training staff

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling
• Shorter duration
• Targeted certification focus

This option is especially useful if you already have some welding experience but need formal validation.

3. Apprenticeship Pathways in the Kingman Area

Best Earn-While-You-Learn Option

Welding apprenticeships are available through regional construction companies, fabrication shops, and union partnerships. While Kingman has limited union presence compared to Phoenix or Tucson, local employers often hire trainees with entry-level skills.

How It Works

• Paid on-the-job training
• Supplemental classroom instruction
• Gradual wage increases as skills improve

Apprenticeships typically last 2 to 4 years, but participants earn income immediately.

Side-by-Side Program Comparison

ProgramLengthCredentialHands-On TrainingBest ForMohave Community College (Certificate)9–12 MonthsCertificateExtensive Lab WorkNew StudentsMCC AAS Degree2 YearsAssociate DegreeAdvanced + TheoryCareer AdvancementMCC Workforce CoursesShort-TermCertification PrepSkill-FocusedWorking ProfessionalsLocal Apprenticeships2–4 YearsApprenticeship CompletionOn-the-JobEarn While Learning

What Certifications Should Your Program Prepare You For?

The best welding programs in Kingman align training with national credentials such as:

• AWS Certified Welder
• Structural Welding Certification
• Pipe Welding Certification
• OSHA Safety Credentials

Certification increases credibility and earning potential dramatically.

Cost of Welding Programs in Kingman

Estimated tuition costs vary depending on residency and credit load:

• Community college certificate: $3,000 to $6,000
• AAS degree: $6,000 to $12,000 total
• Short-term workforce training: Varies by course

Financial aid options may include federal grants, workforce development funding, scholarships, and veteran education benefits.

What Employers Look For

Local employers in Kingman consistently prioritize:

• Strong safety awareness
• Clean, consistent weld quality
• Ability to read blueprints
• Reliability and punctuality
• Certification or proof of formal training

Programs that emphasize real-world fabrication projects provide a competitive advantage.

How to Choose the Right Welding Program in Kingman

1. Tour the Welding Lab

Look for modern welding booths, updated equipment, and active student projects.

2. Ask About Job Placement Rates

Strong programs maintain consistent relationships with local employers.

3. Compare Hands-On Hours

The more practical lab time, the better your preparation.

4. Consider Long-Term Goals

If leadership or supervisory roles interest you, the AAS degree provides broader career mobility.

Career Outlook for Welders in Arizona

Arizona’s continued infrastructure development and industrial projects create steady demand. Experienced welders specializing in pipeline, structural, or aerospace applications can exceed $70,000 annually with overtime and certifications.

Entry-level welders in Kingman typically start between $18 and $24 per hour, with rapid growth depending on skill acquisition and credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions about Welding Programs in Kingman, AZ

How long does it take to complete a welding program in Kingman?

In Kingman, most college welding certificates take about 9 to 12 months to finish. An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Welding usually takes about 2 years of full-time study. Short workforce courses and prep classes can be much shorter, sometimes only a few weeks to a few months, depending on the schedule and your starting skill level.

What welding certifications can you earn through Kingman programs?

Many Kingman welding programs help you prepare for American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder tests, including structural and pipe welding certifications. You may also train for OSHA safety credentials and other employer-required tests. These certifications show that you meet set industry standards and can help you qualify for better-paying jobs.

How much do welding programs in Kingman cost?

Tuition for a community college welding certificate in Kingman is often in the $3,000 to $6,000 range, depending on your residency status and course load. An AAS degree in welding can run about $6,000 to $12,000 for the full program. Short workforce or certification prep classes are priced by course and can vary based on length and materials needed.

What welding jobs can you get after training in Kingman?

After completing welding training in Kingman, you can qualify for roles such as structural welder, fabrication technician, maintenance welder, or pipe welder helper. Local employers include construction firms, mining and heavy equipment companies, rail and transportation operations, and fabrication shops, which often look for entry-level welders with recent training.

How much can you earn as a welder in Kingman and Arizona?

Entry-level welders in Kingman often start around $18 to $24 per hour, depending on the employer and your skills. Across Arizona, many welders earn about $46,000 to $65,000 or more per year as they gain experience and certifications. Specialized welders, such as those in pipeline or structural work, can earn higher pay, especially with overtime.

Is an apprenticeship a good way to learn welding in the Kingman area?

An apprenticeship can be a strong option if you want to earn while you learn. In the Kingman area, some construction companies, fabrication shops, and regional partners offer paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. These programs often last 2 to 4 years, and your pay can increase as you gain skills and take on more complex welding tasks.