Quick Facts:
- Over 150 mechanic and maintenance mechanic jobs actively listed in Palatka 12.
- Local mechanical engineer salaries range from $71,000 to $115,000 annually 34.
- Certification requires 4 years of experience/education and passing two exams 5.
- First Coast Technical College offers accredited mechanical trade programs 6.
- National growth of 5% for aircraft mechanics signals positive state trends 7.
Mechanical trade careers in Palatka, FL, span roles like diesel mechanics, industrial mechanics, maintenance technicians, and welders. These professions are critical to regional industries, including manufacturing, construction, and logistics. Approximately 17.2% of Palatka’s workforce is employed in manufacturing, significantly higher than Florida’s statewide average of 5.9% 5. With over 100 mechanic openings and 53 maintenance technician roles currently available 12, Palatka remains a hub for skilled trades.
Why pursue a mechanical trade career here?
Yes. To work as a Certified Mechanical Contractor in Palatka, you must obtain a state license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) 5. Requirements include:
| Option | Education/Experience Requirements |
|---|---|
| 1 | 4-year degree + 1 year experience |
| 2 | 1 foreman year + 3 college years |
| 3 | 1 worker year, 1 foreman year, 2 college years |
| 4 | 2 worker years, 1 foreman year, 1 college year |
| 5 | 4 years as worker/foreman (1+ year as foreman) |
Choose a qualifying pathway based on your background. For example, if you hold a diploma in automotive technology, this may count as 2 years of college credit toward licensure 5.
Register with the DBPR and submit documentation of your education or work history. Study guides for the exams are available through prep providers like RocketCert.
The Mechanical Trade Knowledge Exam covers HVAC systems, refrigeration, and safety protocols. The Business and Finance Exam tests contract law and financial management 5.
Secure general liability coverage and submit your final application to the DBPR.
Palatka offers accessible training through First Coast Technical College (FCTC) and local high schools:
Enhance your employability by participating in apprenticeships. Platforms like Gild connect users with local mechanic apprenticeship opportunities.
Salaries in Palatka align with Florida’s averages but trail larger cities:
Job Growth Drivers:
Despite strong demand, individuals may face:
Trends to Watch:
Visit Gild’s job board to explore mechanic roles today.
With 53 maintenance mechanic openings and a 2.46% employment growth rate in Palatka from 2022–2023 3, now is the time to start. Check out Gild’s platform for local apprenticeships and job placements to launch your mechanical trade career.
https://www.indeed.com/q-mechanic-l-palatka,-fl-jobs.html ↩ ↩2
https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/jobs.htm?locT=C&locId=1154274&srs=FEATURED_JOBS ↩ ↩2
https://datausa.io/profile/geo/palatka-fl-31000US37260 ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9
https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/florida-beck-jobs-SRCH_IL.0,7_IS3318_KO8,12.htm ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palatka,_Florida ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11
https://www.trade-schools.net/trades/top-skilled-trades-2025 ↩
https://careersourcenortheastflorida.com/northeast-florida-monthly-employment-report-april-2025/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
