Welding schools in Jacksonville offer a short diploma, a college certificate or a longer degree with fabrication training. Compare seven local options below, including day and evening welding classes, published prices and the tests that follow training.
Welding certificationAWS Certified Welder requires a performance test
Welding training options in Jacksonville
Compare the credential, shop schedule and published price before choosing a course. The check line under each school identifies its institutional accreditation or Florida CIE license, not an individual welder certification.
The catalog includes fabrication and general education. CIE lists 1,506 clock hours while the 2026-2027 catalog totals 1,448; request the current curriculum.
Next listed start: November 23, 2026. CIE calls the award a diploma; the 2023 school catalog says Certificate of Completion. Confirm the current award.
The welding technology degree includes metallurgy, destructive testing and nondestructive inspection methods alongside fabrication and welding practice.
FSCJ offers a career certificate, while Tulsa and J-Tech also list degrees. Match the course content to the type of shop work you want to practice. See FSCJ's program and J-Tech's welding page.
2
Match classes to your week
FSCJ publishes both day and evening tracks. Tulsa lists morning, afternoon and evening Professional Welder classes; get the exact class block before arranging work or childcare. Check Tulsa's schedule options.
3
Check entry and exit rules
FSCJ requires you to meet its basic skills assessment exit scores or qualify for a waiver to earn the certificate. Ask admissions to review your records before classes begin. See FSCJ's program notice.
4
Plan the welding test
Ask which process, material and position your course prepares you to test in. AWS Certified Welder testing takes place at an AWS Accredited Test Facility; school graduation alone does not complete that process. Read AWS's certification requirements.
Welding employment and wages in Jacksonville
BLS reported employment of 1,420 welders, cutters, solderers and brazers in the Jacksonville, FL metro area in May 2025. The median wage was $24.35 an hour, or $50,640 a year. These are the figures for occupation 51-4121 in the BLS OEWS Jacksonville table, from the May 2025 release.
The figures describe workers across experience levels, rather than a wage for new graduates. They also combine several kinds of metal joining work. When you review a job posting, check the required welding process, materials, shift and qualification test. Use those details to decide which shop skills you need to practice during training.
Published welding costs and funding
FSCJ publishes approximately $3,066 in-state tuition. Southeastern lists a $12,400 program price. Tulsa's 2026-2027 catalog lists standard tuition of $19,200 for Professional Welder, $23,556 with pipefitting and $37,200 for the welding degree. J-Tech's 2026-2027 catalog publishes $28,140 diploma tuition and $36,036 degree tuition. Compare total charges, including gear, supplies and testing.
FSCJ marks welding as financial aid eligible. Its financial aid office can explain FAFSA and Pell eligibility. Contact CareerSource Northeast Florida, the local American Job Center network, about WIOA training support before paying. Awards depend on eligibility and available funds. Veterans should check GI Bill benefits and approval for their exact program. If an employer offers tuition support, request the covered charges and any repayment terms in writing.
How long does welding school take in Jacksonville?
The length depends on the award and weekly schedule. Tulsa lists seven months for Professional Welder. J-Tech's catalog describes an approximately 11-month welding diploma and a 21-month welding and fabrication degree. Ask each school for your cohort's calendar, including breaks and any time set aside for testing.
Does graduating make me an AWS Certified Welder?
AWS certification requires its own hands-on qualification test at an AWS Accredited Test Facility. Your test follows a specific welding procedure, and AWS reviews the submitted paperwork. A school diploma or certificate records completion of training. Ask the school whether it arranges that separate test and includes the fees. See AWS's Certified Welder program.
Can I take welding classes after work?
FSCJ publishes an evening track, and Southeastern lists evening hours on Monday through Wednesday. Tulsa also advertises evening Professional Welder classes. Check the actual weekly block and attendance rules before paying, since a missed lab can affect when you finish the course.
What should I ask about combination welding?
Ask the school to name the processes, metals and positions you will practice. J-Tech describes work with TIG, MIG, stick and flux cored equipment, along with fabrication tools. Compare that equipment list with the course outline, then ask how much supervised practice you receive on each process.