Best Welding Schools in Florida (2026): Top 5 Programs Reviewed
By Bikash Roy · Founder & Lead Researcher
Published January 15, 2025 · Updated September 24, 2026
Florida's construction boom, marine fabrication industry, and aerospace sector at the Space Coast create consistent demand for certified welders. We reviewed 14 programs to find the top welding schools in Florida.
Florida fast facts:
- Median salary in Florida: $50,640/year
- Job growth (10yr): +12% (2024–34)
- License required: No (AWS certification required by most employers)
- Programs reviewed: 14
Top Welding Schools in Florida
Tulsa Welding School — Jacksonville
Best Overall in FloridaJacksonville, FL
Program
7 months
Tuition
$15,847
Accred.
ACCSC
The flagship Florida campus of Tulsa Welding School. One of the most career-focused welding programs in the Southeast — covers SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW with strong employer placement in Florida's construction and manufacturing sectors.
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Best Value in North FloridaJacksonville, FL
Program
12–18 months
Tuition
$3,500–$6,500
Accred.
SACSCOC
FSCJ's welding program covers AWS-standard processes with a focus on structural and pipe welding. Very affordable for Florida residents and strong ties to the Jacksonville Navy base and shipbuilding industry.
Palm Beach State College
Best for South FloridaLake Worth, FL
Program
12 months
Tuition
$4,000–$7,000
Accred.
SACSCOC
Palm Beach State's welding program is well-regarded in South Florida's construction and marine fabrication sectors. AWS certification prep included in curriculum.
Hillsborough College
Best for Tampa BayTampa, FL
Program
12–18 months
Tuition
$3,800–$6,800
Accred.
SACSCOC
Hillsborough College (formerly Hillsborough Community College, renamed in 2025) offers one of the more comprehensive welding programs in the Tampa Bay region. Graduates enter local construction, manufacturing, and marine repair industries.
Brevard Community College (Eastern Florida State)
Best for Space CoastCocoa, FL
Program
12 months
Tuition
$3,500–$6,000
Accred.
SACSCOC
Strategically located near Kennedy Space Center and aerospace manufacturing, EFSC's welding program has strong employer connections with the Space Coast industrial base.
License Requirements in Florida
Florida does not require a state welding license for employees. Employers typically require AWS Certified Welder (CW) credentials and process-specific certifications. Marine welding employers often require AWS D3.6 (underwater welding) qualifications. For structural work, AWS D1.1 compliance is the standard.
Welding Salary in Florida
Florida welders earn a median of $50,640 per year (BLS May 2025), below the national median of $53,750. However, Jacksonville-area pipeline and structural welders, and Miami marine/shipbuilding welders, earn significantly above the state median — often $60,000–$90,000+.
Top-paying cities in Florida:
| City | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|
| Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm Beach | $56,640 |
| Jacksonville | $54,530 |
| Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford | $54,220 |
| Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater | $53,300 |
| Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville (Space Coast) | $51,760 |
See the full Welding salary breakdown by state →
Other States
Browse Welding schools in other states:
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