Welders in FL are not monitored or registered. This means you can become a welder in Florida without completing a program or getting certified; however, most employers won’t hire you unless you have some form of training to prove your competency.
Many welders complete training programs through trade schools, community colleges, or apprenticeships. These can be completed in as little as two months, depending on the program. To stand out among the competition, you can also receive a nationally-recognized certification, such as those from the American Welding Society (AWS).
Let’s learn more about the Sunshine State’s welding field.
Do Welders Need to be Certified in Florida?
Florida does not require certification, registration, or licensing for welders. Technically, anyone can become a welder, but most employers will seek out certified welders with formal education and/or professional training.
If you plan to start your own welding company, you will need to become a licensed contractor and register your business with the state.
FL Welder Job Description
Welders in Florida use hand-held or remote equipment to fix, cut, join, or create metal products. They can work indoors, outdoors, in confined spaces, or even underwater.
Education Requirements
Most welders will need to be at least 18 years or older with a high school diploma or GED. Most training programs are paid for out-of-pocket, with varying prices. Apprenticeships usually include a paid work component.
Salary
The mean annual pay for welders in Florida is $41,400, or $21.31 per hour – similar to the national average. If you become a certified welder, you increase that to about $61,600 per year. Salaries increase with more experience, certifications, and specializations.
The highest-paid welders work in electric power, natural gas distribution, and crude oil transportation pipelines.
Job Outlook
Florida currently has almost 14,000 welders at work. Most are employed in metal product manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, or motor vehicle manufacturing companies.
With an expected increase of 8% annually, there are plenty of opportunities to enter the FL welding field.
Becoming a Welder in Florida
Since welding guidelines and requirements are determined by the employer, there is no clear-cut way to become a welder. Nevertheless, most welders follow these steps to start their career:
- Complete high school or a GED program
- Complete a welding training program or apprenticeship
- Become certified
- Join the job market
- Get Trained
Once you have your high school diploma, you can choose from a variety of welding schools and programs in Florida. If you plan to get certified, look for a school that is AWS-certified so that you can complete the certification exam at the end of your program.
For those who prefer to work and get paid while learning, you may want to look into a welding apprenticeship. An apprenticeship tends to last much longer than a standard training program, but you are compensated and gain helpful work experience during it.
- Get Certified
Once you know your stuff – whether it be through a program, apprenticeship, or self-taught – you can sign up for an AWS exam. There are four to choose from and various locations that host the exam throughout the year. There are no prerequisites for this exam.
- Get Hired
With your training and credentials in place, you can confidently join the FL welding job market to begin your career!
