Welding schools in Indianapolis offer college certificates, a pipe-welding diploma or shorter welding classes. Compare local programs below, including Noblesville and Greenwood, then ask about lab time, equipment costs and the exact welding certification you can test for.
Pipe-welding diplomaLincoln Tech: 960 hours; approximately 42 weeks
Short courseHoosier: Intro to Welding 2F MIG, 7 weeks
Metro median wage$24.55/hour, welders and related workers, May 2025
Welding training in Indianapolis and nearby campuses
These listings cover college certificates, a diploma and adult career courses; check each row for its credential and seat status. The check line identifies the college's institutional accreditor or the Indiana agency list covering the provider.
Part of Industrial Technology; Next Level Jobs eligibility rules apply. Address is the campus admissions office; confirm your welding lab. The college states it is "accredited by the Higher Learning Commission".
Electives include pipe welding, fabrication or blueprint reading. Address is the campus admissions office; confirm your welding lab. The college states it is "accredited by the Higher Learning Commission".
The school's accreditation page says: "The following campuses are accredited by ACCSC" and includes Indianapolis. The program describes AWS SENSE module completion opportunities. Cost source: https://www.lincolntech.edu/sites/default/files/download/consumer/Indy_TS.pdf
Courses are grouped as one welding track. Published contact address is shown; confirm the lab location. The site states: "This institution is regulated by: Indiana Department of Workforce Development Office for Career and Technical Schools." Enrollment: https://www.hotjobtraining.net/enroll/
The Spring 2027 class is marked full; a dated next class and interest list are published. Ask about seats before planning attendance. Course details: https://centralnineadulted.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Welding-CD-Fall-2025-no-dates.pdf
Hamilton County campus; ask which lab hosts your classes. Phone is Hamilton County admissions. Ivy Tech says it is "accredited by the Higher Learning Commission".
Match the course to the process you want to learn. Hoosier's course descriptions separate introductory MIG, carbon steel, pipe and TIG training.
2
Check the campus credential
Compare a college certificate with a diploma or a short course. Ivy Tech publishes both Structural Welding and Welding Technology credentials.
3
Confirm dates and seats
Ask for the next available seat before you arrange work or childcare. Central Nine names January 25-May 5, 2027, as its next welding class but marks it full.
4
Get a complete quote
Request tuition, tools, clothing and testing charges in writing. Lincoln's tuition sheet lists tuition and estimated educational expenses separately.
5
Identify the final assessment
Ask which process, material and position your test covers. Lincoln's program page describes AWS SENSE module completion opportunities; get the exact credential name from the school.
Welding employment and pay around Indianapolis
BLS reported 2,790 jobs for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers in the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN metro area (May 2025). The median wage was $24.55 per hour, or $51,070 annually. These are occupation-wide estimates, not a starting wage or a school's graduate earnings. BLS OEWS metro table, occupation 51-4121
Use the figures when you review local job postings. Ask employers which welding process and test they require, which shift you would work and who supplies tools. Compare the base hourly rate, overtime terms and any shift premium separately. A training program's credential does not establish the pay for a particular opening.
Welding tuition and ways to pay
Ivy Tech's 2025-2027 rates are $178.38 per credit for Indiana residents taking fewer than 12 credits, or $2,577.11 per semester at 12 or more credits. Fees are additional. Lincoln's October 15, 2026 tuition sheet lists $29,232 tuition for its welding diploma. Central Nine's linked course description lists $1,800 in training costs.
For eligible college programs, complete the FAFSA and ask about Pell Grants and Next Level Jobs. Veterans can check Ivy Tech's VA benefits guidance before selecting classes. Ask WorkOne Indy about WIOA training funds before you pay. If you already work, check employer tuition assistance and any conditions for reimbursement.
How long do welding classes take near Indianapolis?
Short courses vary by skill level. Hoosier lists seven weeks for Intro to Welding 2F MIG, 15 weeks for Welding I 3G, 20 weeks for Welding II 6G and 12 weeks for Welding III TIG. Ask about prerequisites and upcoming dates before selecting a course. Hoosier course lengths
Does a welding diploma make me an AWS Certified Welder?
Ask for the exact award and test name. Lincoln describes opportunities to earn an AWS SENSE Certificate of Completion in process modules. Central Nine describes an AWS D1.1 Structural Welding - Steel credential after students demonstrate the required skills. These descriptions refer to different awards, so compare the written assessment details before choosing. Lincoln training highlights; Central Nine course description
Can I study welding in the evening?
Lincoln publishes day, afternoon and evening options for its Indianapolis welding diploma, with approximately 42 weeks listed for each schedule and some coursework online. Central Nine's linked course description gives Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening hours. Its dated Spring 2027 class is marked full, so ask about space before changing your work hours. Lincoln diploma schedules; Central Nine dates
Can funding cover welding training?
Funding depends on your eligibility and the course. Ivy Tech lists welding certificates within Next Level Jobs, with residency and prior-education conditions. WorkOne Indy directs people seeking training support to a WIOA orientation and an eligibility review. Ask about approval before you pay tuition or buy tools, and get the covered expenses in writing. Indiana training options; WorkOne funding process