Welding Technology/Welder at Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, SD
Total Graduates
30
Class of 2024
Male Graduates
97%
29 of 30
Female Graduates
3%
1 of 30
Annual Tuition & Fees
$6,718
In-state, incl. fees
Program Overview
Program Details
Recent Outcomes
Verified Program Outcomes
Completion and employment results reported to the U.S. Department of Labor for Lake Area Technical College programs on the state Eligible Training Provider List. Missing values ("—") mean the state suppressed or did not report that metric — they never mean zero.
| Program | Completion rate | Employed 6 mo after exit | Employed 1 yr after exit | Median quarterly earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology | Diploma | Campus | 78% | 7% | 5% | $11,255 |
| Welding Technology | AAS | Campus | 92% | 12% | 11% | $12,293 |
| Precision Machining | AAS | Campus | 70% | 5% | — | $4,586 |
| Precision Machining - UpSkill In-Person | 83% | 42% | 20% | $6,771 |
In the Welding Technology | Diploma | Campus program at Lake Area Technical College, 7% of students were employed within 6 months of exit, and 78% completed the program, and median earnings in the second quarter after exit were $11,255 (U.S. Department of Labor, PY 2023).
In the Welding Technology | AAS | Campus program at Lake Area Technical College, 12% of students were employed within 6 months of exit, and 92% completed the program, and median earnings in the second quarter after exit were $12,293 (U.S. Department of Labor, PY 2023).
In the Precision Machining | AAS | Campus program at Lake Area Technical College, 5% of students were employed within 6 months of exit, and 70% completed the program, and median earnings in the second quarter after exit were $4,586 (U.S. Department of Labor, PY 2023).
In the Precision Machining - UpSkill In-Person program at Lake Area Technical College, 42% of students were employed within 6 months of exit, and 83% completed the program, and median earnings in the second quarter after exit were $6,771 (U.S. Department of Labor, PY 2023).
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, WIOA participant outcomes (trainingproviderresults.gov), PY 2023.
Career Outcomes for Graduates
Primary Career Path
Average Starting Salary
$51,000
10-Year Job Growth
+2.2%
Career Readiness Score
Related Career Paths
| Career Title | Starting Salary | Growth Rate | Skill Match | Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
SOC: 51-4121 | $40,800 | +2.2% | 0%
| primary100% confidence
|
| $37,648 | -9% | 0%
| primary100% confidence
|
Salary Progression
Starting Salary
$38,250
Peak Salary
$63,750
Total Growth
+67%
Skills You'll Gain
✓ Skills Covered in Program (0)
No specific skills data available
Career Readiness Assessment
Technical Skills Alignment
Education Level Match
Note: Career outcomes and salary data are based on national averages and industry projections. Actual results may vary based on location, experience, and individual circumstances.
Want to learn more about working as a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers — day-to-day work, job outlook, and salary details?