Before embarking on a career in welding, it's crucial to grasp what the profession entails. Welders in Fort Lauderdale, FL, are skilled tradespeople who join and fabricate metal structures, working in industries like construction, manufacturing, and marine sectors. They perform tasks such as operating welding equipment, reading blueprints, and ensuring the integrity of welded joints, often earning hourly rates from $18.40 to $35 1.
Yes, while Florida doesn't mandate a state license for welders, certifications are highly recommended and often required by employers. For instance, American Welding Society (AWS) certifications are essential, with welders certified under AWS specifications like D3.6 seeing higher earnings at $22.48 per hour 2. To work unsupervised, gain 1-2 years of experience and complete training programs to meet industry standards, as outlined in local job listings on Indeed 3.
Training is a key step for aspiring welders. Programs in Fort Lauderdale, such as those at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Miramar, offer a 36-week welding program covering techniques like GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, and SMAW, preparing you for entry-level positions 4. Other options include McFatter Technical College, which provides courses in gas and electric welding, metals identification, and blueprint reading.
To find opportunities, use Gild to search for programs and apprenticeships, connecting you with 39 positions on Indeed 1.
To start, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and possess basic skills in math and science. These fundamentals prepare you for the demands of welding, where 187 welding job openings exist in 2025 3.
Enrolling in a program is recommended for building foundational skills. Courses cover welding techniques, safety practices, and blueprint reading, with programs at UTI Miramar lasting 36 weeks 4. This step enhances your employability in Fort Lauderdale's growing market.
Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience, typically lasting one to two years. In Fort Lauderdale, opportunities are plentiful, with 69 no-experience welder jobs available 3. Use Gild to find apprenticeships that offer paid training and connections to employers.
After training, pursue AWS certifications to boost your credentials. Certified welders in Fort Lauderdale earn up to $56,000 annually 5, making this step vital for career advancement.
With experience, you can move into specialized roles, such as industrial welder or welding technician, with salaries reaching $25 to $35 per hour 1. Local organizations like UTI provide career services to help with job placement 1.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Openings | 187 in Fort Lauderdale 3 |
| Average Salary | $43,350 to $60,144 annually 6 |
| Training Duration | 36-60 weeks 4 |
| Certifications | AWS required 2 |
| Hourly Rates | $18.40 to $35 1 |
This table highlights key data to guide your decision, showing the demand and rewards in the field.
Starting a career as a welder in Fort Lauderdale, FL, in 2025 is a promising path with strong job growth and competitive pay. Explore options with Gild for apprenticeships, check out programs at UTI, and prepare for certifications to maximize your opportunities. As you gain experience, salaries can exceed $56,000 annually 5, making this a rewarding trade—take the first step today!
https://www.indeed.com/q-welder-l-fort-lauderdale,-fl-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Welder/-in-Fort-Lauderdale,FL ↩ ↩2
https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/fort-lauderdale-welder-jobs-SRCH_IL.0,15_IC1154160_KO16,22.htm ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
https://www.uti.edu/locations/florida/fort-lauderdale/welding-school ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://www.mcfattertechnicalcollege.edu/welding-technology/ ↩ ↩2
https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/miami-fort-lauderdale-fl-welder-salary-SRCH_IL.0,24_IM558_KO25,31.htm ↩
