In short
To become a welder in Kansas City, you complete a 7-to-9-month trade school program or MCC's welding certificate, earn industry certifications (AWS, pipe welding), and start as a welder's helper or production welder. Training costs about $5,000–$15,000 before aid. Missouri's Fast Track grant can help cover community college costs. Experienced welders in KC earn about $48,000–$55,000. Fill out the form to hear from welding schools near you.
Where to train in Kansas City
MCC Business & Technology
Metropolitan Community College offers a welding certificate at its Business & Technology campus. The most affordable option in KC, and Missouri A+ and Fast Track money works here. Covers MIG, TIG, stick welding, and blueprint reading. Day and evening classes available.
Private trade schools
Several private welding schools in KC offer 7–9 month programs with rolling start dates. They typically prepare you for AWS certification and have relationships with employers. More expensive than MCC but you can start any month and finish faster.
On-the-job training
Some manufacturing plants and construction companies hire welder helpers and train them on the job. You start with basic tasks and learn from experienced welders. Tough to find without any experience, but possible if you show mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn.
What it pays in KC
| Stage | Typical yearly pay | What you're doing |
|---|---|---|
| First year | $34,000–$40,000 | Helper, production welding, building experience |
| Years 2–5 | $42,000–$50,000 | Certified welder, structural or pipe work |
| Experienced | $48,000–$55,000 | Lead welder, specialized processes |
| Travel / pipeline | $55,000–$80,000+ | Traveling to job sites, often with per diem |
U.S. median for welders was about $51,000 in May 2024 (BLS). Pay varies significantly by industry. Pipeline and underwater welders earn much more.
Missouri aid
Missouri money for welding training
- Fast Track grant
- For adults 25+ training for high-demand jobs. Welding qualifies. Covers community college tuition after other aid.
- A+ Scholarship
- For qualifying high school grads. Covers community college tuition.
- Pell Grant
- Federal. Up to about $7,400/year. Fill out the FAFSA.
- WIOA
- Free training through the Full Employment Council. Ask about welding.
- GI Bill
- For veterans. Covers MCC and most trade schools.
Questions about welding in KC
What type of welding pays the most?
Pipe welding (used in pipelines and construction) and TIG welding (used in manufacturing) tend to pay the most. Traveling pipeline welders can earn $60,000–$80,000+ but are away from home for weeks at a time. Structural welding pays well but does not reach pipeline levels.
Do I need certifications?
Most employers want to see an AWS (American Welding Society) certification. It shows you know the basics and can pass a weld test. Some industries require specific certs: pipeline work needs pipe welding certs, structural work needs structural. Your school will help you get the right ones.
Can I work at the rail yards or manufacturing plants in KC?
Yes. Kansas City has rail shops, heavy equipment manufacturers, and fabrication plants that hire welders regularly. BNSF and Union Pacific have maintenance facilities in KC. Manufacturing plants like those in the Northland often need production welders.
Is welding dangerous?
Welding has hazards: fumes, UV light, burns, heavy materials. But with proper PPE (hood, gloves, jacket, ventilation) it is safe. School will train you in safety from day one. Most welders take safety seriously and work their whole careers without serious incidents.