Welder Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Florida
Welder visa sponsorship jobs in Florida are concentrated in the state's shipbuilding, aerospace, and construction sectors. Major employers like Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula-adjacent markets, NASSCO, and industrial contractors across Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami actively hire skilled welders. Florida's Gulf Coast and port infrastructure drive consistent demand for certified welding professionals.
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Get Access To All JobsSince its foundation in 1986, Thompson Construction Group, Inc. has grown from a small, local company into one of the largest privately held companies based in South Carolina. Our diverse services portfolio includes capital projects, power services, maintenance services, disaster recovery, hydro consulting and commercial construction. We believe in investing in our employees to help them reach their professional goals, as well as their personal goals. Thompson promotes a work environment that fosters learning, leadership, and development along with a safety culture that never waivers. Thompson is headquartered in Sumter, South Carolina with offices spanning the United States, primarily southeast and central United States.
Position Description
Lay out, fit, and weld fabricated, cast, and forged components to assemble structural forms. This will be completed in a safe and timely manner with the highest quality possible.
Job Responsibilities
- Lay out, position, align, and secure parts and assemblies prior to assembly.
- Examine work pieces for defects and measure work pieces to ensure conformance with specifications.
- Weld together metal components of products such as piping systems, plate, pipe and tube or structural shapes, as specified by layout, blueprints, diagram, work order, welding procedures, or oral instructions, using electric arc-welding equipment.
- Obtain specified electrode and insert electrode into portable holder or thread consumable electrode wire through portable welding gun.
- Connect cables and adjust welding unit to obtain amperage, voltage, polarity, and pulse, as specified by welding procedure or supervisor.
- Start power supply to produce electric current.
- Strike (form) arc which generates heat to melt and deposit metal from electrode to work piece and join edges of work piece.
- Manually guide electrode or gun along weld-line, maintaining length of arc and speed of movement to form specified depth of fusion and bead, as judged from color of metal, sound of weld, and size of molten puddle.
- Weld in flat, horizontal, vertical, or overhead positions.
- Examine weld for bead size and other specifications.
- May manually apply filler rod to supply weld metal.
- May clean or degrease weld joint or workplace, using wire brush, portable grinder, or chemical bath. May repair broken or cracked parts and fill holes.
- May prepare broken parts for welding by grooving or scarfing surfaces.
- May remove excess weld, defective weld material, slag, and spatter, using carbon arc gouge, hand scraper, grinder or power chipper.
- May preheat work piece, using hand torch or heating furnace.
- May position and clamp work piece together or assemble then in a jig or fixture.
- May tack weld assemblies together.
- May cut metal plates or structural shapes.
- May fit up parts (pipe, tube, structural shapes, or plate) and inspect fit before welding.
- May be required to use Gas-Metal Arc, Flux-Cored Arc, Gas-Tungsten Arc, Submerged Arc, or Shielded-Metal Arc welding processes.
- Respiratory protection is common and may be required.
- Responsible for observing and complying with all safety and project rules.
- Other duties as assigned.
Job Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must be able to TIG and stick weld on stainless and/or carbon (pipe size and material welded varies per site).
- Must pass required weld tests (varies per site).
- Must be willing to work outside craft.
- Workers are surrounded by hot materials and strong light.
- Must wear safety gear, including protective goggles, masks, face shields and safety shoes.
- Must be able to read, write and communicate clearly with supervisor/co-workers and understand direction from supervisor.
- Utilize basic math and a calculator to solve geometric problems associated with Instrument Fitting.
- May be required to work outside and be subject to severe weather as well.
- Employee must be able to climb, bend, twist, stand and reach repetitively, operate moving equipment and work in hot/cold/damp/cramped environments.
- Candidate may be required to pass a drug test and criminal background check based on job location/requirements.
- Required Tool List For Pipe Welder:
- Must have own TIG Rig and Stinger
- 1 each 12” Crescent Wench
- 1 each Stinger (whip) for Stick Welding
- 1 each Tig Rig w/Hose and Gauges
- 1 each 25’ Tape Measure
- 1 set Burning Goggles
- 1 each Chipping Hammer
- 1 set Brushes
- 1 pair Welding Gloves
- 1 pair Leathers (optional)
- 1 each Welding Hood and Lens (Must be attached to hard hat or will attach to hard hat)
- No Soft Cap Hoods
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds, climb, bend, twist, stand and reach repetitively.
- Work in hot/cold/damp/cramped environments.
- 40 or more hours per week with possible weekend work.
- Background check and drug screen based on job location/requirements.
Benefits
We strive to provide a competitive compensation and benefits package. This includes but is not limited to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), wellness programs and career development.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Since its foundation in 1986, Thompson Construction Group, Inc. has grown from a small, local company into one of the largest privately held companies based in South Carolina. Our diverse services portfolio includes capital projects, power services, maintenance services, disaster recovery, hydro consulting and commercial construction. We believe in investing in our employees to help them reach their professional goals, as well as their personal goals. Thompson promotes a work environment that fosters learning, leadership, and development along with a safety culture that never waivers. Thompson is headquartered in Sumter, South Carolina with offices spanning the United States, primarily southeast and central United States.
Position Description
Lay out, fit, and weld fabricated, cast, and forged components to assemble structural forms. This will be completed in a safe and timely manner with the highest quality possible.
Job Responsibilities
- Lay out, position, align, and secure parts and assemblies prior to assembly.
- Examine work pieces for defects and measure work pieces to ensure conformance with specifications.
- Weld together metal components of products such as piping systems, plate, pipe and tube or structural shapes, as specified by layout, blueprints, diagram, work order, welding procedures, or oral instructions, using electric arc-welding equipment.
- Obtain specified electrode and insert electrode into portable holder or thread consumable electrode wire through portable welding gun.
- Connect cables and adjust welding unit to obtain amperage, voltage, polarity, and pulse, as specified by welding procedure or supervisor.
- Start power supply to produce electric current.
- Strike (form) arc which generates heat to melt and deposit metal from electrode to work piece and join edges of work piece.
- Manually guide electrode or gun along weld-line, maintaining length of arc and speed of movement to form specified depth of fusion and bead, as judged from color of metal, sound of weld, and size of molten puddle.
- Weld in flat, horizontal, vertical, or overhead positions.
- Examine weld for bead size and other specifications.
- May manually apply filler rod to supply weld metal.
- May clean or degrease weld joint or workplace, using wire brush, portable grinder, or chemical bath. May repair broken or cracked parts and fill holes.
- May prepare broken parts for welding by grooving or scarfing surfaces.
- May remove excess weld, defective weld material, slag, and spatter, using carbon arc gouge, hand scraper, grinder or power chipper.
- May preheat work piece, using hand torch or heating furnace.
- May position and clamp work piece together or assemble then in a jig or fixture.
- May tack weld assemblies together.
- May cut metal plates or structural shapes.
- May fit up parts (pipe, tube, structural shapes, or plate) and inspect fit before welding.
- May be required to use Gas-Metal Arc, Flux-Cored Arc, Gas-Tungsten Arc, Submerged Arc, or Shielded-Metal Arc welding processes.
- Respiratory protection is common and may be required.
- Responsible for observing and complying with all safety and project rules.
- Other duties as assigned.
Job Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must be able to TIG and stick weld on stainless and/or carbon (pipe size and material welded varies per site).
- Must pass required weld tests (varies per site).
- Must be willing to work outside craft.
- Workers are surrounded by hot materials and strong light.
- Must wear safety gear, including protective goggles, masks, face shields and safety shoes.
- Must be able to read, write and communicate clearly with supervisor/co-workers and understand direction from supervisor.
- Utilize basic math and a calculator to solve geometric problems associated with Instrument Fitting.
- May be required to work outside and be subject to severe weather as well.
- Employee must be able to climb, bend, twist, stand and reach repetitively, operate moving equipment and work in hot/cold/damp/cramped environments.
- Candidate may be required to pass a drug test and criminal background check based on job location/requirements.
- Required Tool List For Pipe Welder:
- Must have own TIG Rig and Stinger
- 1 each 12” Crescent Wench
- 1 each Stinger (whip) for Stick Welding
- 1 each Tig Rig w/Hose and Gauges
- 1 each 25’ Tape Measure
- 1 set Burning Goggles
- 1 each Chipping Hammer
- 1 set Brushes
- 1 pair Welding Gloves
- 1 pair Leathers (optional)
- 1 each Welding Hood and Lens (Must be attached to hard hat or will attach to hard hat)
- No Soft Cap Hoods
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds, climb, bend, twist, stand and reach repetitively.
- Work in hot/cold/damp/cramped environments.
- 40 or more hours per week with possible weekend work.
- Background check and drug screen based on job location/requirements.
Benefits
We strive to provide a competitive compensation and benefits package. This includes but is not limited to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), wellness programs and career development.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Welder Job Roles in Florida
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Search Welder Jobs in FloridaWelder Jobs in Florida: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for welders in Florida?
Florida's largest visa-sponsoring employers for welders are concentrated in shipbuilding, aerospace, and heavy industrial construction. Companies like Huntington Ingalls Industries, BAE Systems, and large general contractors operating in Tampa Bay and Jacksonville have sponsored welding roles in the past. Structural steel and pipeline contractors working on Florida's port and energy infrastructure are also active sponsors, particularly for welders holding AWS certifications.
Which visa types are most common for welder roles in Florida?
The H-2B visa is the most common pathway for welders in Florida, as it covers temporary non-agricultural skilled trades workers. For welders with supervisory or project management responsibilities tied to a bachelor's degree equivalent, the H-1B visa is occasionally used, though it is far less common for trade roles. Some welders also enter through employer-sponsored EB-3 green card petitions, which cover skilled workers in occupations requiring at least two years of training.
Which cities in Florida have the most welder sponsorship jobs?
Jacksonville leads Florida for welder sponsorship activity, driven by its major naval station, shipyards, and industrial port operations. Tampa and the surrounding Gulf Coast corridor follow closely, supported by energy infrastructure, marine fabrication, and construction demand. Miami sees sponsorship activity tied to commercial construction and marine industries. Panama City and Pensacola also generate welding demand connected to defense contractors and aerospace manufacturing in the Florida Panhandle.
How to find welder visa sponsorship jobs in Florida?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international job seekers and filters job listings by visa sponsorship availability, so you can search welder roles in Florida without sifting through positions that don't offer sponsorship. Filtering by location and trade classification helps surface employers in Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami who have a documented history of hiring sponsored workers. Creating a profile on Migrate Mate also improves your visibility to employers actively seeking skilled welders.
Are there any Florida-specific considerations for welders seeking visa sponsorship?
Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity sets prevailing wage determinations that employers must meet when sponsoring foreign workers, which affects both H-2B visa and EB-3 petitions. Welders with AWS D1.1 structural or D3.6 underwater certifications are particularly sought after given Florida's marine and offshore industries. Florida's construction boom along the I-4 corridor also creates demand, but sponsorship in residential construction is rare. Industrial, marine, and defense-adjacent roles offer the most realistic sponsorship opportunities.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored welder jobs in Florida?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.