With 40 current welding job openings in Arcadia, FL, and an estimated 80,000 welding jobs expected to be available annually nationally from 2025-2029, welding presents a promising career opportunity in Southwest Florida1. Skilled welders earn an average of $26.33/hour in Arcadia, translating to approximately $54,726/year, right in line with Florida's statewide average of $28/hour2. The path to becoming a certified welder typically involves 1-3 years of formal training combined with 3-5 years of work experience, though accelerated programs exist for those with previous metalworking or construction background3. Various training options in the area can set aspiring welders on the path to certification, with South Florida State College offering programs that include AWS 3G and 6G certifications, plus safety training like the OSHA 10-hour course2. Whether you're starting out or looking to expand your career prospects, Arcadia's welding industry offers multiple pathways to entry and advancement.
Welders in Arcadia, FL play a critical role in construction, manufacturing, and repair operations throughout the region. These professionals use specialized equipment and techniques to join, cut, and shape metal components with precision. As of mid-2025, there are about 40 welding job openings available in Arcadia according to job listing platforms4, indicating steady demand in this skilled trade.
Welders in Arcadia work across various industries including:
Local employers often value welders with specific certifications including American Welding Society (AWS) qualifications such as 3G and 6G, which demonstrate proficiency in different welding positions and techniques5. While Florida as a whole is projected to see 82,500 welding jobs annually from 2024-2028, Arcadia presents a more localized but still robust opportunity for skilled professionals5.
While Florida does not require state-level licensing for welders, obtaining industry-recognized certifications is crucial for career advancement in Arcadia's marketplace5. Employers typically prefer or require certification to verify a welder's skills and capabilities.
Key certifications for welders in Arcadia include:
To obtain AWS certification:
While general welding work doesn't require a Florida state license, specialized roles particularly in aerospace or infrastructure development may have additional certification requirements.
Several quality training options in and around Arcadia help aspiring welders obtain the skills and certifications needed for employment. These programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on practice to build expertise in various welding methods and techniques.
| Institution | Training Focus | Notable Certifications | Program Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Florida State College (Arcadia Campus) | Emphasizes hands-on training with modern equipment, blueprint reading, and project planning | AWS 3G and 6G certifications, OSHA Forklift Certification | 1-3 years |
| Polk Technical College | Combines classroom instruction with hands-on welding in oxyacetylene and electric arc methods | AWS and AISI welding standards, safety certifications | 1-2 years |
| Indian River State College (nearby option) | Focuses on Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) | AWS certification for alloys, structural, and pipe welding | Approximately 1 year |
South Florida State College, located at 2251 N.E. Turner Ave., Arcadia, FL 34266, provides comprehensive training with modern equipment, protective gear, welding uniforms, and textbooks included in tuition2. Their program specifically prepares students for industry demands through practical experience in welding techniques and quality control procedures6.
For those interested in pursuing welding as a career, programs may qualify for financial aid to help offset costs. At Indian River State College, program costs are approximately $5,300 for courses plus an additional $1,000 for books and tools7. These investments can pay dividends through increased employability and potential for higher wages.
Use Gild to explore local training programs and job opportunities in the Arcadia area.
For aspiring welders in Arcadia, following this path will help establish a successful career in this skilled trade:
Employee requirements typically start with a basic education. A high school diploma or GED is standard for most welding programs and job positions in Arcadia3.
Consider training programs at:
Train in welding techniques including:
Also develop skills in:
Pass the AWS Certified Welder Performance Qualification Test at an accredited facility. This test evaluates your ability to meet industry standards in welding according to one of the QC7 standard procedures5. Submit your completed Certified Welder Application to the AWS for official certification.
Most employers in Arcadia prefer welders with 3-5 years of verifiable experience3. Entry-level welders should seek opportunities to build up their hours and demonstrate proficiency on various types of welding projects to increase career mobility.
Welders must actively maintain certifications by submitting verification of continued welding activity. Consider advanced certifications in specialized areas to advance your career prospects in Arcadia's industrial sectors5.
The welding profession in Arcadia offers competitive compensation and steady job availability. As of mid-2025, the average hourly wage for welders in Arcadia is approximately $26.33 per hour, with union welders earning around $19.68/hour2. Calculated annually for full-time work, this translates to approximately $54,726/year.
In comparison:
Welders in the 10th percentile nationally earn $29,750 or less, while those in the top 10% earn $51,690 or more annually5.
The job market outlook remains stable with an expected growth of 2% nationally through 2033 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 45,800 annual job openings projected for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers across the country7.
The hands-on nature of welding careers makes practical experience invaluable. Those undergoing training with programs like South Florida State College get direct experience using modern equipment and practicing in conditions that mirror real-world applications2. Safety training included in these programs (including the OSHA 10-hour course) provides foundational knowledge for maintaining workplace safety, a critical priority in welding construction or repair jobs.
Arcadia's industrial base, including specialized sectors like aerospace, requires welders to keep pace with technological advancements. Many local employers value welders who can adapt to changing welding technologies and integrate quality control methodologies into their workflows5.
For job seekers, platforms like Indeed regularly list around 47 welding job opportunities in the area, while other sources report approximately 14-40 openings depending on the season, much of which aligns with national trends projecting 82,500 annual welding job needs from 2024-20285.
Use Gild to explore current welder job fillings in Arcadia and connect with local opportunities without requiring multiple job board logins.
Now that you understand the path to becoming a certified welder in Arcadia, FL, you can begin building your career in this high-demand trade. Whether you're just coming out of high school or looking for a career change, welding offers competitive pay, opportunities for advancement, and multiple entry points to suit different backgrounds.
As you progress through training programs and certification, remember that practical experience is invaluable in expanding your welder credentials. Employers in Arcadia typically prefer welders with 3-5 years of verifiable experience3, but entry-level positions and apprenticeship models can provide foundational experience.
Check Gild regularly for current welding job openings in Arcadia as you begin your job search. Whether you're a recent graduate of a welding program or looking to relocate to this growing Florida community, Gild provides a centralized platform for finding welding opportunities in Arcadia and the surrounding region.
Arcadia offers a promising landscape for welders seeking skilled trades roles with good earning potential and a steady pipeline of employment opportunities. With the proper training, certification, and experience, you can position yourself for a successful and rewarding career in welding.
