To begin your welding career in Wildwood, FL, several clear paths and opportunities await, positioning the trade as a stable and potentially lucrative option by 2025. According to current job data, there are between 32 and 85 welding positions available in Wildwood at any given time, with hourly wages ranging from $17 to $28 depending on experience and specialization 12. This figure reflects a 50% wage premium over the state average, which sits at $16.64 per hour 3. Notably, welding jobs in specialized manufacturing and industrial settings can offer average salaries near $47,637, with top earners potentially grossing $60,098 annually 4. You can explore more job listings on Indeed for real-time opportunities.
Welders in Wildwood are seeing sustained growth not only in job availability but also in compensation, as the region adapts to a national trend of skilled labor shortages. The welding industry expects to need 320,500 new professionals by 2029 nationwide, with 80,000 welding jobs opening annually in that window due to both expansion and attrition 5. Local demand is fueled by active construction projects, industrial operations, and manufacturing needs. For additional market insights, check ZipRecruiter.
Whether you're a recent high school graduate, exploring a trade career change, or considering specialized skills development, this guide walks through the exact pathways to enter the welder trade in Wildwood—covering licensing and certification requirements, job outlook, training costs, and career opportunities. Visit IRSC for program details that could accelerate your training.
A welder is a skilled tradesperson who fabricates, repairs, and assembles metal structures and components using various welding techniques. Key responsibilities include:
Welders can specialize in structural welding, pipefitting, TIG welding, or work in specific industries such as shipbuilding, aerospace, or automotive manufacturing. With certifications and experience, welders can advance to supervisory roles, project management, or independent contractor positions with higher-earning potential. For career advancement resources, explore weldingcareernow.
While Florida does not require a state-level license to work as a welder, many employers require industry-standard certifications.
Many welding jobs in Wildwood require welders to have AWS certification, and some may require specialized credentials related to specific welding techniques or applications like pipe welding or marine welding.
The journey to becoming a welder in Wildwood follows a structured path of education, hands-on training, and industry certification. The process typically ranges from six months to two years, depending on the program and level of specialization.
To enter a welding program or apprenticeship in Florida:
Some programs and employers may also require basic math and reading comprehension skills to interpret blueprints and technical instructions.
While Wildwood doesn't have welding schools directly within its borders, there are accredited programs available within a short distance, including:
| Institution | Program Offered | Duration | Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian River State College (IRSC) | Welding Technology Certificate | Approx. 1 year | $5,300 (plus $1,000 for tools/books) | Prepares for AWS certification, shop and classroom instruction |
| College of Central Florida (CF) | Welding Technology – Career and Technical Certificate | 3 semesters (approx. 1 year) | ~$88.08 per credit hour (FL residents) | Emphasizes hands-on projects, blueprint reading, and job placement support |
| Fusion Welding Institute (Ocala, FL) | Intensive welding bootcamp | 450+ hours (can be completed in months) | Contact for pricing | Job placement with union contractors, UA63 weld test, 55-hour-per-week facility access 6 |
You can explore options through trade schools near Wildwood or apply online to programs that offer hybrid or commuting-friendly learning formats. More details on CF programs are available here.
After completing a training program, the next step is to obtain AWS Certified Welder status. This involves:
The AWS certification is nationally recognized and greatly increases employment opportunities, especially in aerospace, shipbuilding, and industrial fabrication.
Once trained and certified, start applying to local welding jobs in Wildwood. Use platforms like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Gild to apply for openings and get alerts when new welding roles become available.
Use Gild to find the most recently updated list of welders near Wildwood, FL. Employers in manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding regularly post both entry-level and advanced welder positions. Don't forget to check Angi for local service providers.
On your job hunt:
The 2025 welding job outlook in Wildwood is strong, with steady openings and competitive pay. Here’s a breakdown of the current and future outlook:
| Category | Wildwood, FL | Statewide (FL) | National Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Available Welding Jobs | 32–85 open positions (varies by platform) | N/A | Total need of 320,500 welders by 2029 5 |
| Average Hourly Pay | $25.71/hr | $16.64/hr | — |
| Annual Salary | $47,637–$60,098 | $34,600 average | National average: ~$48,000 |
| Job Growth (2023–2033) | Based on local demand | — | 2% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2) |
Welders with specialization in pipefitting, TIG welding, and military-grade certifications may find even higher pay and job stability, especially in the aerospace, shipbuilding, and construction sectors. For global market trends, see GlobeNewswire.
| Program | Cost (Approximate) | Training Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian River State College | $5,300 + books ($1,000) | 1 year | Online/in-person |
| College of Central Florida | ~$2,500–$3,000 (for 30 credit hours) | 3 semesters | Ocala, FL |
| Fusion Welding Institute | Tuition varies (call for details) | Intensive bootcamp (fast-track) | Ocala, FL |
Financial aid and payment plans are often available through these institutions, including Florida’s CareerSource funding and grants.
The earning potential for a welder in Wildwood depends on experience, certification, and specialization. Here’s a breakdown:
Experienced welders working in union positions, marine fabrication, or aerospace could exceed these rates, particularly if working on government contracts or complex infrastructure projects.
Use Gild to apply for the best-paying welding jobs in Wildwood and find real-time listings updated daily.
Despite the promising outlook, aspiring welders should be aware of industry challenges shaping the future of the profession in Wildwood and beyond.
If you're ready to enter a high-demand trade with above-average pay, opportunities for advancement, and a clear entry path, now is the ideal time to begin your welding career in Wildwood, FL.
The welding industry in Wildwood offers strong job stability, above-average wages, and opportunities to specialize and grow. As industries expand and the demand for skilled welders continues to rise, trained and certified professionals will see steady employment and long-term job security.
Ready to become a welder in Wildwood? Start your job search and find real-time welding positions near you on Gild. With over 30–85 entry-level and advanced welding jobs available, you could start your new trade career sooner than you think. For more external resources, visit Angi or weldingcareernow.
If you're committed to learning a valuable skill with strong job prospects, welding in Wildwood, FL in 2025 offers a solid foundation for your future.
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Welding/-in-Wildwood,FL ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Welders-Average-Salary--in-Florida ↩
https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/wildwood-fl-welding-salary-SRCH_IL.0,11_IC1154445_KO12,19.htm ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/fl/wildwood/welding.htm ↩ ↩2 ↩3
