There are welding jobs throughout North Florida’s metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Below is a list of the areas for which the BLS provides welding jobs data:
- Gainesville, Florida
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Ocala, Florida
- Panama City, Florida
- Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, Florida
- Tallahassee, Florida
- North Florida Nonmetropolitan Area[1]
Get the welding jobs statistics for Florida and each of these northern regions of the state in this article.
Overview of Welding Jobs in Florida
Before learning about the number of welding jobs in specific areas of North Florida, check out the data for the entire state. This can help give you a reference point when evaluating the number of positions in a certain metro or nonmetro region.
Welders held 13,890 jobs in Florida in 2018, reports the BLS.[2] In 2019-2020, 1,812 welding positions were open in the state, indicates the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). The agency cites a 1.41 percent annual percent growth rate for welder jobs during that time frame.[3]
In 2018, welders in Florida earned an average annual salary of $39,660 and an average hourly wage of $19.07, according to the BLS.2
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Guide to Welding Jobs in North Florida
Where are the most welding jobs in North Florida? Review the BLS data for metro and nonmetro areas to compare and determine where you might have the most job prospects as a welder.
Welder Jobs in Gainesville, Florida
According to the BLS, welders held 110 jobs in the Gainesville metro area of Florida in 2018. They earned an average annual wage of $35,000 and an average hourly wage of $16.83.[4]
Welder Jobs in Jacksonville, Florida
Companies in the Jacksonville metro area of Florida employed 1,020 welders in 2018, notes the BLS. The mean welder pay was $41,440 a year and $19.92 an hour.[5]
Welder Jobs in Ocala, Florida
Firms in the Ocala metro area of Florida employed a total of 350 welders in 2018, according to the BLS. Welders in that region of the state took home $36,180 a year and $17.40 an hour, on average.[6]
Welder Jobs in Panama City, Florida
Welders occupied 100 jobs in Panama City, Florida, in 2018, notes the BLS. Annual average earnings for welders in the area were $35,760 a year, while average hourly pay was $17.19.[7]
Welder Jobs in Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, Florida
In the Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent metro area of Florida, companies employed a total of 330 welders in 2018, reports the BLS. Welders in the region made an average of $39,770 a year and $19.12 an hour.[8]
Welder Jobs in Tallahassee, Florida
Welders held 230 jobs in Tallahassee, Florida, in 2018, indicates the BLS. They earned $38,800 on average annually and $18.65 hourly.[9]
Welder Jobs in North Florida Nonmetropolitan Area
Throughout the North Florida nonmetropolitan area, 510 welders were employed in 2018, according to the BLS. On average, companies in that region paid welders $37,440 a year and $18.00 an hour.[10]
How to Improve Job Opportunities in North Florida
It’s clear from the BLS data there are plenty of jobs for welders in North Florida. But, how can workers gain a competitive advantage in this job market?
Welder Training
Welding training at a trade school can be the first step toward a career fusing metal in North Florida. These days, many companies would rather hire welders who have completed a formal welding program.[11]
Welder Certification
Some companies require workers to hold welding certifications.12 The American Welding Society, American Petroleum Institute and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers are three industry organizations that grant welding certifications.[12] It’s also common for companies to test and certify welding job applicants in specific codes and procedures to ensure they are qualified for the job prior to hiring them.[13]
Welding training and certifications are two steps to becoming a certified welder that may improve job opportunities in a given area, such as North Florida. Such credentials also have the potential to increase earnings for welders, as they are two of the BLS’ factors for differences in wages. Others are:
- Experience and skills
- Employer and industry
- Job duties
- Geographic location
- Success and performance[14]
Train to Become a Welder in Jacksonville, Florida
Impressed with the welder job outlook in North Florida and want to enter the trade? Training can be a good place to start.
And the good news is you can complete your welding training in one of North Florida’s most flourishing job markets: Jacksonville. Compared to the rest of the metro and nonmetro areas in North Florida, the most welders were employed in Jacksonville, making it an excellent choice for getting your start in the industry.
Additional Sources
[1] https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm
[2] https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_fl.htm
[3] http://www.floridajobs.org/workforce-statistics/publications-and-reports/labor-market-information-reports/regional-demand-occupations-list
[4] https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_23540.htm
[5] https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_27260.htm
[6] https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_36100.htm
[7] https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_37460.htm
[8] https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_37860.htm
[9] https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_45220.htm
[10] https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_1200006.htm
[11] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm#tab-4
[12] http://gowelding.org/welding-certification/
[13] http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/welding-certification.html
[14] https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
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