If you’re passionate about working with metal and you want a steady job, a career as a welder can be a good idea for you.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by welders in Florida is $43,780- close to the national average for this profession.
However, salaries vary between less than $30,000 and more than $60,000 depending on experience, education, and a variety of other factors.
If you’re located in Jacksonville and you want to learn how to weld, we invite you to explore our list of schools that are offering welding programs near you.
Tulsa Welding School
Tulsa Welding School is providing a Professional Welder program at its Jacksonville campus.
Students enrolled in this program learn from experienced instructors and have the option of choosing between morning, afternoon, and evening schedules.
The program can be completed in 7 months and covers all the skills needed for employment as a welder in a variety of fields, including:
- Aerospace and aviation
- Car shops
- Shipbuilding sites
- Construction sites
- The military
- Manufacturing plants
Graduates also receive support in finding employment from the school’s Career Services team.
Address: 3500 Southside Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32216
CDA Technical Institute
If you want to become a commercial diver or to specialize in maritime or industrial welding, you gave a great training option near you.
CDA Technical Institute offers an internationally recognized program that teaches underwater welding for commercial divers.
However, we should mention that the Air Mixed Gas Commercial Diver program is not enough for becoming a specialist in underwater welding.
You will need additional training before becoming a certified underwater welder.
CDA is also offering training for those who want to become welders in the maritime industry of the petroleum industry.
Address: CDA Technical Institute 91 Trout River Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32208
Southeastern Welding School
At Southeastern Welding School students learn the ins and outs of the welding profession from veteran welders with more than 18 years of experience.
The program prepares students for employment in a variety of industries: from shipyards to railroad fabrication.
Tuition is $8,100 and other costs include a $50 enrollment fee and $250 for books and supplies.
The school also offers in-house financial aid for those who qualify.
Students need a grade average of at least 70% and a minimum of 220 clock hours of training to graduate.
Address: 6973 Highway Avenue, Unit 107, Jacksonville, Florida, 32254
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Florida State College at Jacksonville is offering several career education programs, including a Career Certificate in Welding Technology.
Students enrolled in this program learn all types of welding processes one-on-one from welding professionals.
The program includes academic as well as laboratory and hands-on training.
Graduates are ready for entry-level employment as welding technicians.
Tuition and fees sum up to approximately $3,000 and financial aid is also available for students who qualify.
Address: 101 W State St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
First Coast Technical College
First Coast Technical College offers a Welding Technology program at its St. Augustine campus.
Students enrolled in this program learn how to use various welding processes and are ready to apply for industry-recognized certifications.
The 1050-hour program can be completed in 32 weeks and costs $4,515.
The school also offers a 750-hour advanced program that can be completed in 24 hours.
Students enrolled in the advanced program pay $3,405 for tuition.
The school has an 85% graduation rate and a 95% placement rate, according to the 2021 Council on Occupational Education Annual Report.
Address: 2980 Collins Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084
