Jacksonville Welders Find Skilled Trade Jobs in 2025

The welding industry in Jacksonville, FL, is experiencing strong demand for skilled professionals, with approximately 180 welding job openings available at Naval Air Station Jacksonville alone ¹. As of 2025, welders in Jacksonville earn an average hourly wage of $20.64, with some positions offering up to $28.98 per hour ². With the U.S. facing a projected shortage of 400,000 welders by 2025 ³, Jacksonville's welding job market is poised for growth, making it an excellent time to consider this career path—check out Gild for job opportunities for more details.

Understanding the Role of a Welder

Welders are skilled tradespeople who join metal parts together using heat and pressure, working across various industries such as construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and aerospace. Their responsibilities include:

• Reading and interpreting blueprints and technical drawings
• Selecting appropriate welding techniques and materials
• Operating welding equipment safely and efficiently
• Inspecting and testing welds for quality and integrity
• Maintaining equipment and workspaces

Welding requires a combination of technical knowledge, manual dexterity, and attention to detail, making it a challenging yet rewarding career choice—for more on welding roles, visit Tulsa Welding School's insights.

Do You Need a License or Certification to Work as a Welder in Jacksonville, FL?

Unlike some trades, Florida does not require a state-wide license for welders. However, most employers and industries require certification to ensure welders meet specific standards. Certification typically involves passing a practical exam demonstrating proficiency in specific welding processes and positions.

The American Welding Society (AWS) offers the Certified Welder (CW) program, which is widely recognized in the industry ². Additionally, many training programs in Jacksonville prepare students for industry-recognized certifications that enhance employability—learn more about certification options at Tulsa Welding School programs.

Training Programs and Educational Pathways in Jacksonville

Jacksonville offers several accredited welding training programs that provide the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this trade:

Tulsa Welding School (TWS) - Jacksonville Campus

• Offers Professional Welder and Welding Specialist with Pipefitting programs; visit TWS website for enrollment details
• Can be completed in 7 months ⁴
• Covers SMAW, MIG, TIG, and flux-cored arc welding ⁵
• Flexible class schedules including morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend classes ⁵
• Ranked in the top 5% nationwide for return on investment (ROI) ⁴
• Located at 1750 Southside Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32216

Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ)

• Provides a Welding Technology Career Certificate program with 1,050 contact hours ⁶; explore more at FSCJ welding programs
• Prepares students for careers in shipbuilding, paper mills, power plants, and aerospace ⁷
• Tuition costs approximately $3,066 plus supplies and materials ⁶
• Located at 4501 Capper Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218

Southeastern Welding School

• Offers a program focused on entry-level welding skills over approximately 230 contact hours ²
• Covers safety and OSHA standards, Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) ⁶
• Requires a minimum of 249 clock hours to graduate
• Classes held Monday through Wednesday evenings from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm ⁶
• Located at 6973 Highway Avenue, Unit 107, Jacksonville, FL 32254; for details, check Southeastern Welding School

These programs provide multiple pathways to become a certified welder in Jacksonville through accredited schools with practical training and support for job placement.

Steps to Becoming a Welder in Jacksonville, FL

1. Meet the Basic Requirements

• Age: Most programs require students to be at least 16 years old (with parental consent if under 18) ⁶
• Education: A high school diploma or GED is typically required
• Physical ability: Must be able to perform physically demanding work

2. Choose and Complete a Training Program

Select a program that aligns with your career goals and schedule. Consider factors such as:

• Program length (ranging from 7 months to over a year)
• Cost (ranging from approximately $3,000 to $20,000 depending on the institution)
• Certification preparation
• Job placement assistance; find local programs via Gild's job feed

3. Obtain Certification

Most employers require welders to be certified in specific processes and positions. The AWS Certified Welder program is widely recognized in the industry ².

4. Gain Work Experience

Start with entry-level positions to build your skills and portfolio. Many local companies offer on-the-job training and opportunities for advancement; search for openings on Indeed.

5. Pursue Specialization and Advancement

Consider specializing in areas such as:

• Pipe welding
• Structural welding
• Underwater welding
• Robotics and automated welding

Career Prospects for Welders in Jacksonville

The welding industry in Jacksonville is experiencing strong demand, with multiple positions available across various industries. As of the latest data, there are 46 welding-related jobs listed on Indeed ⁴ and 194 jobs available on ZipRecruiter ⁷; browse current listings at ZipRecruiter.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 3% increase in welding employment opportunities from 2019 to 2029 ⁷, which could translate into thousands of new jobs in Jacksonville. This demand is exacerbated by an aging workforce, as older welders retire.

Welders in Jacksonville earn an average hourly wage of $20.64, with some jobs offering up to $28.98 per hour ². Annually, Welder/Fabricators in the area earn between $33,000 and $66,000, averaging about $45,415, indicating robust earning potential for skilled welders and fabricators, especially those with specialized skills ⁶; for salary insights, visit Ready Set Hire.

Challenges and Safety Considerations for Welders

Welding involves working with high heat, electricity, and potentially hazardous materials. Some of the key safety concerns include:

• Radiation exposure from welding arcs and flares, which can cause eye injuries and skin burns
• Electric shock, which can be fatal if proper precautions aren't taken
• Fire hazards due to sparks near flammable or explosive materials
• Eye injuries, which account for about 25% of welding injuries ⁵
• Confined space risks, including gas or fume accumulation and oxygen deficiency

Welders must adhere to OSHA guidelines, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like helmets, gloves, aprons, and shields, plus ventilation requirements to prevent inhalation of toxic fumes ⁴².

The welding industry is also experiencing progressive automation trends, with automated and robotic welding systems increasingly employed for precision, efficiency, and safety. This shift could require welders to adapt by acquiring skills in operating, programming, and maintaining automated welding equipment.

Role of Local Businesses and Employers in Supporting Welding Careers

Local businesses and employers in Jacksonville play a significant role in supporting welding career development through various initiatives and partnerships with educational institutions.

Many local educational institutions like Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) and Tulsa Welding School offer welding programs that prepare students for careers in industries such as shipbuilding, paper mills, and aerospace ⁴⁷. These programs often align with the needs of local businesses, ensuring that graduates possess relevant skills.

The diverse range of industries in Jacksonville, including manufacturing and repair, provides numerous employment opportunities for welders. This diversity supports the demand for skilled welders, encouraging local businesses to invest in workforce development ⁶.

Institutions like Tulsa Welding School have been recognized for their high return on investment (ROI), ranking in the top 5% nationwide according to a Georgetown University study. This indicates that local employers benefit economically from investing in the skills development of their workforce ⁷; explore partnership opportunities at Aerotek jobs.

Your Next Steps

Starting a career as a welder in Jacksonville, FL, is an exciting opportunity to enter a field that is in high demand and offers competitive wages. Whether you're just finishing high school or considering a career change, following these steps will set you on the path to success in this critical industry; start your search today with Gild.

As you gain experience and build your credentials, the opportunities in welding will only continue to grow. Good luck on your journey and be sure to check out Gild for more resources!

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