Are you ready to start a career in welding in Jacksonville, NC? With the region projected to grow by over 10% in the next few years, the demand for welders is rising. The U.S. welding industry will need to fill about 80,000 welding jobs annually from 2025 to 2029, and Jacksonville is well-positioned for growth due to its military presence and manufacturing expansion.
To become a welder in Jacksonville, NC, you can start with high school-level education and enroll in a welding program at institutions like Coastal Carolina Community College or McDowell Technical Community College. These programs range from 14-week accelerated courses to full associate degree programs, giving you the skills needed for the field.
Once trained, welders in Jacksonville earn between $20.08 to $31.66 per hour, depending on certifications and specialization. Key certifications include American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder (CW) and NCCER credentials, which open doors to high-demand roles in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and military support.
In this guide, you'll learn the exact steps to becoming a welder in Jacksonville, explore the best training programs, and understand how automation and new technologies will affect the industry by 2025. Whether you're changing careers or starting fresh, this guide will help you begin a rewarding and in-demand career in welding.
Welders play a crucial role in construction, manufacturing, and maintenance operations in Jacksonville, NC. They join metal parts using advanced equipment and techniques such as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), and Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW). Many local industries rely on skilled welders to support infrastructure, shipbuilding, and military-related construction projects due to the presence of Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base.
Unlike more traditional office jobs, welding offers immediate entry into the workforce, physical engagement, and creative problem-solving opportunities. Many welders also find the potential for travel and specialization opportunities like underwater welding or robotic welding systems particularly appealing.
While no state-mandated license is specifically required for welders in North Carolina, earning industry-recognized certifications significantly improves job prospects. The most important certifications for welders in Jacksonville include:
These certifications can often be earned during formal training programs and are key to accessing better-paying and long-term career opportunities. Additionally, some roles — especially in military contract work or underwater welding — may require specialized licensing or apprentice-based training through programs like the UA VIP Welding Training 2.
Starting a welding career in Jacksonville, NC, involves a combination of formal training, hands-on experience, and certifications. Here’s a breakdown of the steps you need to follow:
To begin your welding education, you typically need:
There are several educational paths in and around Jacksonville, NC. Some of the top welding training programs include:
| Institution | Program | Duration | Certification Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Carolina Community College | Welding to Work | 14 weeks | AWS, OSHA 10, Forklift License 63 |
| McDowell Technical Community College | Welding Technology Diploma / Associate Degree | 1-2 years | AWS, NCCER 14 |
| Onslow County Schools | Welding Technology I | Varies | Introductory Skills 7 |
| Miller-Motte Technical College | Combination Welding | 52 weeks | NCCER, Career Readiness 38 |
These programs teach students the fundamentals of welding, safety protocols, and hands-on experience with real-world tools and equipment.
Some programs, like Welding to Work, offer partnered on-the-job training with local industries, giving you direct work experience and job placement opportunities 3. Additionally, military veterans in Jacksonville can explore DOD SkillBridge programs, such as UA VIP Welding Training, to transition into skilled trades with minimal time and cost.
Once you have your training and certifications, you’re ready to apply for welding jobs in Jacksonville, NC. You can find openings on platforms like:
When applying, ensure that your resume highlights certifications, training programs completed, and hands-on skills. Emphasize physical stamina, precision, and safety awareness—all traits employers look for in welders.
Networking is a powerful tool for job seekers in the welding trade. Consider:
The total time it takes to start working as a welder in Jacksonville, NC, varies depending on your training path:
| Training Path | Timeline | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Accelerated Programs (e.g., Welding to Work) | 3–4 months | Quick entry into the workforce |
| Certificate Programs | 6–12 months | Foundational skills with job readiness |
| Diploma Programs | 1–2 years | Comprehensive training with better long-term prospects |
| Associate Degree Programs | 2 years | Those interested in advanced roles and career growth |
If you’re looking to begin your career as quickly as possible, the 14-week Welding to Work program at Coastal Carolina Community College is one of the most effective pathways 6. It includes AWS certification prep, which is a major asset for job seekers.
Costs for welding programs in Jacksonville vary:
Some programs include job placement assistance, and the Gulfstream Welding Trainee Program offers specialized training that directly links to employment opportunities in the region 9.
Welders in Jacksonville, NC, can expect the following average salaries in 2025:
| Welding Role | Average Hourly Pay | Annual Salary (based on 40 hours/week) |
|---|---|---|
| General Welder | $20.08 – $26.87 | $43,680 23 |
| Pipe Welder | $31.66/hr | $65,800/yr 8 |
| Specialized Welder (e.g., Underwater or Military Contract) | $28 – $35/hr | $58,000 – $73,000/yr |
These wages place Jacksonville’s welding salaries above the NC average, which is $21.58/hr, making it a competitive market for skilled welders 4.
The integration of robotics, artificial intelligence, and laser welding is reshaping the welding industry. While some traditional manual welding roles may decline, new positions in AI-assisted welding, robotic welding operation, and automated quality analysis are emerging. In Jacksonville, this trend is supported by the region’s military and industrial base, which increasingly relies on high-tech fabrication and maintenance.
As a result:
This shift emphasizes the need for ongoing education and certification, especially in advanced welding techniques, as part of a long-term welding career.
If you’re ready to launch a welding career in Jacksonville, NC, the time to start is now. With high demand, competitive salaries, and multiple training paths, welding offers a stable and growing profession.
You can begin by visiting local training centers like Coastal Carolina Community College or using platforms like Gild to explore current job and apprenticeship opportunities. Whether you're a military veteran, career changer, or recent high school graduate, welding provides a direct route to a skilled, well-paid trade—one that’s essential to the future of Jacksonville’s economy.
Don’t wait. Start your welding journey today.
https://www.best-trade-schools.net/locations/north-carolina/welder-in-nc/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://www.earlbeck.com/welding-101-blog/2025-welding-career-outlook ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://demo.lppa.org/topheadlines/top-welding-jobs-in-jacksonville-nc-your-ultimate-guide-to-career-opportunities.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8
https://www.thefabricator.com/thewelder/article/arcwelding/outlook-trends-and-pay-for-the-welding-workforce-according-to-aws-data ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
https://coastalcarolina.edu/academics/con-ed/trades/gulfstream-welding-trainee/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://www.onslow.k12.nc.us/academics/career-technical-education-services/trade-technology-engineering-and-industrial-education/construction-manufacturing/welding-career-pathway/im61-welding-technology-i ↩ ↩2
https://www.ctrc.com/welding-jobs-are-more-than-just-sparks/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
