Welding Technology/Welder at Western Dakota Technical College in Rapid City, SD
Total Graduates
15
Class of 2024
Male Graduates
87%
13 of 15
Female Graduates
13%
2 of 15
Annual Tuition & Fees
$8,008
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 Western Dakota 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 & Fabrication | AAS | Hybrid (66 credit hours) | 59% | 8% | 6% | $10,800 |
| Welding and Fabrication | Diploma | Hybrid (36 credit hours) | 71% | 8% | 11% | $9,707 |
| Precision Machining Technology | Diploma | Hybrid (42 credit hours) | 63% | — | — | — |
| Drafting and Machining Technology | AAS | Hybrid (68 credit hours) | 50% | — | — | — |
In the Welding & Fabrication | AAS | Hybrid (66 credit hours) program at Western Dakota Technical College, 8% of students were employed within 6 months of exit, and 59% completed the program, and median earnings in the second quarter after exit were $10,800 (U.S. Department of Labor, PY 2023).
In the Welding and Fabrication | Diploma | Hybrid (36 credit hours) program at Western Dakota Technical College, 8% of students were employed within 6 months of exit, and 71% completed the program, and median earnings in the second quarter after exit were $9,707 (U.S. Department of Labor, PY 2023).
In the Precision Machining Technology | Diploma | Hybrid (42 credit hours) program at Western Dakota Technical College, 63% completed the program (U.S. Department of Labor, PY 2023).
In the Drafting and Machining Technology | AAS | Hybrid (68 credit hours) program at Western Dakota Technical College, 50% completed the program (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.
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