12 weeks
Foundational Pipe Welder
Start from zero. Build the fundamentals.
All-inclusive price
$17,050
Includes tuition, tools and gear, housing.
View program
Pipe welding program · Gillette, WY
Every process, every position. The full path.
Program overview
Expert Pipe Welder at Western Welding Academy in Gillette, Wyoming: 24 weeks (960 hours), $35,800 all-inclusive (tuition, tools and gear, housing).
A $350 booth hold payment reserves your start date. A $500 housing deposit applies to student housing. Both are paid in addition to the program price.
Curriculum
At Western Welding Academy, over 85% of your training happens in the welding booth, where real skills are built.
The remaining 15% is spent in the classroom, mastering blueprints, welding specifications, and industry standards that separate amateurs from professionals.
Welder 1 · 3 weeks
Master the Fundamentals of Stick Welding
Start with the basics. Learn how to control the puddle, burn a rod, and run clean beads in all positions. Then move on to welding simple joints with stick (SMAW). No experience needed - this is where it all begins.
Welder 2 · 9 weeks
Master Open Root & Pipe Welding
Take your SMAW skills to the next level with open root welds on plate and pipe in all positions. Finish with a 2” 6G pipe test and earn your first certification (ASME Section IX). This is your intro to real pipe welding.
Welder 3 · 7 weeks
Master TIG and Combo Welding
Learn the ins and outs of TIG (GTAW) welding on plate and pipe. Then combine TIG and Stick in advanced pipe positions. Finish with a TIG-only and combo weld test to earn your ASME Section IX certification.
Welder 4 · 5 weeks
Master High-Pressure & Specialty Pipe
Specialize in high-demand welding. TIG stainless or downhill pipe welding—your choice. Graduate with top-tier certifications (ASME or API) used in refineries, plants, and pipelines.
Careers
Our Expert Welding Program gives you the hands-on skills and certifications needed to work in high-demand industries across the country — and beyond. Grads go on to careers in:
The backbone of industry is built in the booth. You bring the grit. We’ll teach the rest.
Course breakdown (PDF)Tuition and fees
| Tuition | $28,300 |
|---|---|
| Tools and gear | $1,700 |
| Housing | $5,800 |
| Total program priceAll-inclusive: tuition, tools and gear, housing | $35,800 |
| Booth hold payment (not included in total) | $350 |
| Housing deposit (not included in total) | $500 |
Prices effective October 10, 2026.
All-inclusive
$28,300
Hands-on training in the booth and the classroom, with 85% of class time in the booth.
$1,700
The tools and gear you train with are part of the program price.
$5,800
Furnished student housing at Western Lodging, with Wi-Fi and utilities covered.
Training
Graduates
Gavin Walden
Certified WWA graduate
David Smolek
Certified WWA graduate
Leyton Wagner
Certified WWA graduate
“They taught and helped me figure out absolutely everything.”
“I would go back and do it again and again if I could”
“I enjoyed it with promising opportunities ahead.”
“I had an amazing time and learned so much from the instructors.”
Compare programs
12 weeks
Start from zero. Build the fundamentals.
All-inclusive price
$17,050
Includes tuition, tools and gear, housing.
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View programFAQ
Still wondering about something? Call admissions at (307) 284-5313, Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm MT.
The homes are furnished with twin mattresses. The school does not provide linens, toiletries, or food and dishes.
We offer a 10% discount to all military service members with a DD 214. Thank you for your service!
Pets are not allowed in our Student Housing.
We give hundreds of thousands of dollars a year away in scholarships! The best way is to be part of our yearly events! We also occasionally do giveaways for scholarships.
If you are planning on coming with a friend, let your student advisor know and we will make it happen!
Yes, tuition includes housing, utilities, and internet.
No, we do not provide transportation. We highly recommend bringing a vehicle with you but this is not required.
The refund policy can be found on pages 27-28 in our student handbook.
Apply in minutes. A $350 booth hold reserves your start date.