How to Become a Welder in Florida
Thinking about how to become a welder in Florida? This guide covers training options, AWS certification, and where to look for jobs and apprenticeships.
Welding joins metal by melting and fusing it. In Florida, welders work in industrial, construction, and shipbuilding settings.
Quick answers
At a glance
- Florida does not license welders; most employers still expect certification.
- The American Welding Society (AWS) is the main certification body referenced in this guide.
- Training often takes 6-12 months in school; apprenticeships can take 1-4 years.
- Programs commonly teach MIG, TIG, and Stick welding, blueprint reading, and welding safety.
- Job search resources include CareerSource Florida and Apprenticeship.gov.
Do you need a welding license in Florida?
No. Florida does not license welders. Certification is voluntary but required by most employers.
What certification is most recognized for Florida welders?
AWS Certified Welder (CW) is the most recognized credential in Florida welding on this page. Testing is performance-based at an AWS-accredited test facility (ATF).
How long does it take to become a welder in Florida?
Many trade-school programs last 6-12 months. Apprenticeships can take 1-4 years.
What will you learn in a welding program?
This guide lists MIG, TIG, and Stick welding, blueprint reading, pipe and structural welding, and welding safety (OSHA compliance).
Where can you find welding jobs and apprenticeships in Florida?
CareerSource Florida and Apprenticeship.gov are listed on this page as starting points. Florida shipyards, HVAC companies, and fabrication shops also hire welders.
Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | None (welding isn’t licensed in FL) |
| Certification body | American Welding Society (AWS) |
| Training approval | Florida Department of Education |
| Job data | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
“The American Welding Society (AWS), headquartered in Miami, Florida, is the national leader in welding certifications - including the Certified Welder (CW) and Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) programs.” - aws.org
How to become a welder in Florida
Step 1: Meet the basic requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED (recommended)
- Pass a basic physical (for jobsite readiness)
- Have reliable transportation to job sites or training centers
Step 2: Enroll in a welding program or apprenticeship
| School | City | Program Type |
|---|---|---|
| Tulsa Welding School | Jacksonville | Full-time technical training |
| Erwin Technical College | Tampa | DOE-approved trade school |
| Orange Technical College | Orlando | Evening & day classes |
| Florida State College | Jacksonville | Welding Technology Certificate |
Use Florida DOE’s database to find local accredited programs.
You’ll learn:
- MIG, TIG, and Stick welding
- Blueprint reading
- Pipe and structural welding
- Welding safety (OSHA compliance)
Typical programs last 6-12 months. Longer apprenticeships (1-4 years) are available through unions and employers.
Step 3: Earn AWS certification
The most recognized credential in Florida welding is the AWS Certified Welder (CW). Testing is performance-based - pass a hands-on weld test at an AWS-accredited test facility (ATF).
| Certification | Issued By | Needed For |
|---|---|---|
| CW (Certified Welder) | AWS | Entry-level and advanced jobs |
| CWI (Welding Inspector) | AWS | Quality control/supervisory |
| OSHA 10/30 | OSHA | Required on many job sites |
“AWS certification is portable - it’s not tied to any one state or employer. Once you pass, you’re nationally recognized.” - American Welding Society
Step 4: Find a job or apprenticeship in Florida
Use these resources:
- CareerSource Florida: Job listings and workforce resources
- Apprenticeship.gov: Search active welding apprenticeships
- Florida shipyards, HVAC companies, and fabrication shops
Step 5: Advance your welding career
After 1-3 years on the job, many welders choose to specialize or level up:
- Pipe welding (high demand in utilities + oil)
- Structural steel (commercial and bridge projects)
- Underwater welding (requires commercial dive training)
- Welding inspection (CWI)
Certifications can be stacked as you specialize.
Welding Salary in Florida
Salary Range
Employment & Outlook
Tools and downloads
Welder Wages by Metro Area in Florida
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Wages by Metro Area in Florida
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers wages in Florida vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | 3,510 | $54,590 | $56,640 | $40,800 | $74,600 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | 2,520 | $49,930 | $53,300 | $39,890 | $67,360 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | 2,020 | $50,200 | $54,220 | $39,520 | $68,780 |
| Jacksonville | 1,420 | $50,640 | $54,530 | $38,990 | $72,840 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota | 910 | $51,820 | $55,530 | $42,830 | $73,720 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | 820 | $48,520 | $52,210 | $39,480 | $67,000 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville | 600 | $49,930 | $51,760 | $32,910 | $66,460 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | 580 | $52,410 | $55,170 | $43,040 | $71,040 |
| Ocala | 570 | $48,270 | $49,120 | $38,500 | $59,210 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach | 380 | $48,170 | $49,880 | $36,870 | $64,180 |
| Port St. Lucie | 290 | $52,270 | $55,320 | $40,680 | $70,840 |
| Panama City-Panama City Beach | 250 | $53,350 | $51,560 | $33,270 | $62,230 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent | 250 | $49,370 | $52,290 | $37,920 | $64,500 |
| Tallahassee | 220 | $47,130 | $50,540 | $38,300 | $63,690 |
| Naples-Marco Island | 180 | $56,440 | $58,220 | $38,790 | $74,110 |
| Gainesville | 150 | $47,230 | $49,180 | $37,930 | $60,420 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | 120 | $50,710 | $54,800 | $43,400 | $67,110 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor | 80 | $49,770 | $51,330 | $39,120 | $62,470 |
| Wildwood-The Villages | 80 | $43,490 | $46,750 | $40,670 | $56,260 |
| Punta Gorda | 60 | $48,040 | $50,840 | $36,520 | $64,250 |
| Homosassa Springs | 40 | $49,040 | $51,800 | $37,850 | $73,620 |
| Sebring | 40 | $47,250 | $49,290 | $37,090 | $58,830 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
FAQs
Is welding licensed in Florida?
No. Florida does not license welders. Certification is voluntary but required by most employers.
How long does it take to become a welder?
Many trade-school programs last 6-12 months. Apprenticeships can take 1-4 years.
Is AWS certification required in Florida?
Not by law - but most employers require it for hiring.
—## Related Resources
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |