Welding is a promising job opportunity in Florida, but getting the proper training is necessary for a successful career. If you know which welding schools in Florida offer programs that meet your needs and can offer the required welding certifications, you can prepare to enter the industry and start building your reputation. This article discusses everything you need to know about training and career opportunities for welders in Florida.
What Does a Welder Do?
A welder is responsible for cutting and joining metal to create various types of equipment. You must receive the proper training to use welding tools safely. Florida requires welders to hold a high school diploma or an equivalent certification in addition to completing a training program.
Welding is used in many ways in Florida. The many waterways make bridge construction and repair a necessity, and welding is a major element of this task. Studies project that the state will experience population growth of more than 230,000 people per county over the next decade, which increases the need for new construction. Welding is crucial for constructing new buildings.
Florida is also home to many theme parks and tourist attractions. Certified welders are necessary for constructing all of these rides and activities.
Welding Schools Near Me in Florida
There are many welding certification programs located throughou1n t Florida. Various programs offer different types of welding certifications, so it’s important to choose the one that best prepares you for the career path you want to pursue.
Tulsa Welding School
For more than two decades, Tulsa Welding School has been training welders and preparing them for exciting careers. Flexible program hours, credible teachers and job placement assistance upon graduation are three of the school’s strongest benefits.
- Location: Jacksonville
- Phone number: 855-237-7711
- Programs available: CCL in Professional Welding
- Program duration: Seven to ten months
- Average cost: $18,400
Southern Technical College – School of Welding
This school offers flexible scheduling with day and evening classes. Small class sizes guarantee that you receive plenty of hands-on experience.
- Location: Orlando
- Phone number: 877-347-5492
- Programs available: Associate of Applied Science Degree in Welding Technology
- Program duration: 18 months
- Average cost: $6,289
Ridge Technical College
With flexible class hours and reasonable tuition fees, this school has been one of the top welding programs in Florida for more than 30 years. It is a certified testing center for many trade licenses and certifications.
- Location: Winter Haven
- Phone number: 863-419-3060
- Programs available: CCL in Welding Technology
- Program duration: 12 months
- Average cost: $4,343
Welding Career Opportunities in Florida
There are numerous career opportunities for welders in Florida. Pursue a career in structural welding with a construction crew. Become a pipe welder and help maintain supply lives. You can work on boats and trailers as a marine welder, or find a job working on attractions at theme parks.
How Much Do Welders Make in Florida?
As a welder in Florida, you can make an average of $19.20 per hour. That translates to a weekly salary of $768 or an annual salary of $39,936. In many counties in Florida, the pay for a welder is much higher. Some companies pay experienced welders more than $50 per hour. The amount of experience influences the average pay rate of welders in Florida.
Major Employers of Welders in Florida
Many companies in Florida employ welders. Some of the top welder employers in the state include:
- St. John’s Shipbuilding: This business employs welders to build and repair ships of all sizes. The company is constantly adding structural welders to its staff and offers competitive wages with numerous benefits.
- Walt Disney World: The popular theme park has welders on staff to build and maintain attractions. Associate welders are always in demand.
- Big Top Manufacturing, Inc: Manufacturing is a huge industry in Florida. The company employs welders to keep equipment functioning smoothly. Salaries start at $31,000.
- Toyota: The major car manufacturer relies on welders to create frames for vehicles. The inclusive environment and competitive wages offered by this company make it a great choice for a welder.
How To Become a Certified Welder in Florida
The path to becoming a welder in Florida is simple and straightforward. You must have completed high or hold a GED certification to pursue this career path. Some companies offer on-the-job training, so you may find an apprenticeship to start your career. However, most companies prefer to hire welders who have completed thorough training programs. Enrolling in post-secondary education is the second step to becoming a welder.
Many welding schools help students find jobs before they graduate. The AWS hosts annual job fairs, and because the organization is based in Miami, the event is a great resource for entry-level welders in Florida. You can focus on obtaining industry certifications after starting to work in the field.
Florida does not require welders to hold licenses issued by the state. The welding industry is overseen by the American Welding Society, which issues nationwide certifications. You don’t have to be certified by the AWS to be a welder in Florida, but there are numerous benefits, including:
- Increased earning potential
- Earned knowledge of specialized skillsets
- Demonstration of welding ability
- Increased job opportunities
Do You Need a License To Be a Welder in Florida
You do not need a state-issued license to practice welding in Florida. AWS certification is preferred but not required.
Florida Welding FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Become a Welder?
You can become a welder in less than a year with many training programs available in Florida. If you find a welding apprenticeship instead of schooling, expect to take a few years under the careful supervision of a more experienced welder. You may have more job opportunities and qualify for a higher salary if you have worked in the industry for more than 10 years.
Does a Welder Need Insurance in Florida?
Florida does not require welders to have insurance to work in the state. However, liability insurance is a good investment for independent welders to make.
You can easily request a free commercial insurance quote from our partners using the tool below.
Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
The AWS has its headquarters in Florida and can answer any questions you might have about becoming a welder. Talking with a training school counselor such as the one at TWS can also help you decide if a welding career is right for you.
With the proper training and certification, welding can a wonderful career choice. Consider various welding schools in Florida and enroll in one that will help you meet your career goals.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become a Welder in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in Florida, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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