Welders are in great demand all across the country, and Florida is no exception. In this blog article, we’ll look at how much welders earn in Florida and what elements may affect their pay. We’ll also examine some of the most prevalent welding tasks in the state. So, if you’re considering a career as a welder, keep reading!
How Much Do Welders Make in Florida – The Average
In Florida, welders make around $33,500 USD per year on average, and this may vary from a low of $15,100 USD to a high of $54,600 USD.
Despite these variations, the average salary for a welder in Florida is still relatively high compared to other states. This makes it a great career choice for anyone who wants to make a good living while working with their hands. So if you’re interested in becoming a welder, be sure to do your research and find out what the average salary is in your area.
These are the reason’s why the average welding salary in Florida fluctuates;
– The type of welding job
– Gender
– Location
– Years of experience
– Certification level
– Skills
Welder Salary by Experience Level in Florida
The number of years experience you have is the most important factor in determining your salary. Simply put, more experience will lead to a higher wage.
The average welder salary changes based on experience, so we did research to give you an idea of how it correlates.
- 0 – 2 Years Experience. A welder with less than two years experience in Florida can expect to earn an average of $19,000 USD.
- 2 – 5 Years Experience. With two to five years of expertise, the typical welder income would rise to $23,700 USD.
- 5 – 10 Years Experience. The average salary for a welder with five to ten years of experience is $36,500 USD.
- 10 – 15 Years Experience. After ten years of experience, the typical salary is around $43,500 USD.
- 15 – 20 Years Experience. After working as a welder for 15-20 years, the average salary is $46,700 USD.
- 20+ Years Experience. Finally, a welder with more than 20 years of experience can expect to bring in an average salary of $50,700 USD.
Types of Welders in Florida and their Average Salary
There are a variety of welding jobs in Florida, and each one pays a different wage. Some of the most common welding jobs in the state are:
- Pipe welders: These welders specialize in welding pipes and tubes. They typically make around $47,000 per year.
- Structural welders: These welders work on metal structures, such as bridges and buildings. They typically make around $43,000 per year.
- Automotive welders: These welders work on cars and other vehicles. They typically make around $37,000 per year.
Each of these welding jobs requires different skills and experience, so it’s important to do your research before choosing a career path. The wages listed above are just a general guide, so be sure to consult with local welding companies to get an idea of what you can expect to earn.
How to Become a Welder in Florida
Welders are in high demand all over the country, and Florida is no exception.
The best way to become a general welder is to get certified and gain experience through a welding apprenticeship program. There are a number of schools throughout Florida that offer these programs, so be sure to do your research and find one that’s right for you. There are a number of different certification levels, so be sure to choose one that’s appropriate for your skills and experience. Once you have your certification, you can start looking for welding jobs in Florida. Below are the steps to take to becoming a welder in Florida.
Find an Accredited Technical College
If you’re looking to become a certified welder in the state of Florida, there are many technical colleges that offer great welding programs. Once you find the most suitable one for your needs, you can begin your journey to certification.
The following details are important to consider when choosing a college for your welding certification:
- The college should have a good reputation in the industry.
- Ideally, it should have been operational for at least two years.
- It should be legally accredited to offer welding courses.
- Fees should be within your means.
- What type of technology do they have for learning? Is it state-of-the art or old school?
- Do they have the welding speciality programs you are looking to do?
You can do some research online to find out what people think about the college you are interested in. If possible, try and find past and current students of the program and pick their brains on how the program is and if they believe they are receiving adequate training.
Welding Program Requirements
Once you identify which program you are looking to attend, you will want to take a look at the requirements in order to get into that college. Here are some requirements to look out for:
- Fees to join the program
- High school GPA minimum
- At least 18 years of age
Welding program requirements are often minimal and mostly anyone who graduates from high school can become one.
Pre-Entry Test For Welding Programs
For some colleges, the ones that are more well known, you are sometimes required to complete a entry test that tests your skills.
The skill level assessment is used to determine your suitability for welding. The test is comprised of basic math, blueprint reading as well as welding basics.
Pay Welding Program Fees
After you get accepted, you will need to pay for your course fees. The fees are vastly different from college to college so you will need to do some research on the ones you are interested in to ensure you can afford it. You should expect to pay anywhere from $2,800 per year to $20,000.
If you believe you are going to be unable to pay for the courses, you can take a look at some grants online or take out a student loan to help cover the costs.
Earning Your CW Certificate
Once you pass you college certificate, you can apply to get your CW certificate from the American Welding Society. In order to get this you would need to look up where the Florida testing facilities are and book one of the upcoming tests they have.
Once you book, you will be given a date for an inspector to come to your school and carry out an assessment on your welding skills. Based on the results, they will send the details on how you did to AWS. Once the details have been received, they will ship out your certificate in the mail. Usually it will take 4-6 weeks to be delivered to your address.
The testing does not stop there, every 6 months, you need to submit your testing to ensure you are following protocol. If you do not do this, your CW certificate will not remain valid.
Last Thoughts on Welding in Florida
Welders in Florida can expect to make a good living, as the average salary is around $50,000. In order to become a welder in Florida, one needs to find an accredited technical college and complete a welding program. After graduation, one can apply for a CW certificate from the American Welding Society.
With the right training and experience, you can become a successful general welder in Florida!
