Welder/Machinist Education Requirements And Courses

Welder/Machinist Education Requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Usually, welder/machinists don't need a college education. The most common degree for welder/machinists is high school diploma with 36% graduates, with only 27% welder/machinist graduates earning associate degree. Welder/machinists who decided to graduate from college often finish Vincennes University or Boise State University. Some good skills to have in this position include manual lathes, hand tools and cnc machines.

Popular welder/machinist certifications include Master Engine Machinist, Certified Welding Fabricator (CWF), or Certified Machine Tool Sales Engineer (CMTSE). To improve welder/machinist qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in welder/machinist education paths.

What education do you need to become a welder/machinist?

What degree do you need to be a welder/machinist?

The most common degree for welder/machinists is high school diploma, with 36% of welder/machinists earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 27% and associate degree degree at 14%.

High School Diploma, 36%

Associate, 27%

Diploma, 14%

Bachelor's, 12%

Other Degrees, 11%

What should I major in to become a welder/machinist?

You should major in precision metal working to become a welder/machinist. 36% of welder/machinists major in precision metal working. Other common majors for a welder/machinist include business and automotive technology.

Precision Metal Working, 36%

Business, 7%

Automotive Technology, 7%

Industrial Technology, 6%

Other Majors, 44%

Best majors for welder/machinists

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Precision Metal Working	36.5%
2	Business	6.6%
3	Automotive Technology	6.6%
4	Industrial Technology	6.4%
5	General Studies	6.2%

Show more common welder/machinist majors

20 best online courses for welder/machinists

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2. Fusion 360 tutorial for CNC machinists

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CAD CAM training for CNC machinists using fusion 360...

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3. CNC Milling machine programming using G-Code

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Learning to read and write CNC programs with FANUC G Code has never been so easy...

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4. Introduction to CNC Programming

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Learn to program CNC Routers and CNC Milling machines that use the GCODE language...

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5. Fusion 360 CAD/CAM for CNC routers

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Make any part using your CNC router with Fusion 360...

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6. OSHA Safety Pro: Personal Protective Equipment

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Impress management or get that job with you your ability to display life and dollar saving work place safety practices...

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7. The Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)

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The 18-step process for ensuring new parts are consistently manufactured and meet their customers' quality expectations...

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8. Customer Service Foundation

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An introductory course about understanding the foundations of Customer Service...

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9. Set Up A Photography Studio With Equipment - On A Budget

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Learn How To Set Up A Photography Studio On Any Budget: Location, Room, Backgrounds, Lighting, Props And More!...

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10. The Customer: Build a Customer Service Strategy (BITE SIZE)

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For you and your team to be successful in providing great customer service, start by putting your customer first...

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Average welder/machinist salary by education level

Welder/machinists with a Associate degree earn more than those without, at $39,488 annually. With a Bachelor's degree, welder/machinists earn a median annual income of $39,032 compared to $37,628 for welder/machinists with an High School Diploma degree.

Welder/Machinist education level	Welder/Machinist salary
High School Diploma or Less	$37,628
Bachelor's Degree	$39,032
Some College/ Associate Degree	$39,488