Here is a comprehensive career guide for Welders considering a move to Davie, FL.

---

Welder's Guide to Davie, FL: Salaries, Neighborhoods, and Job Outlook

As a career analyst who has studied the South Florida labor market for years, I can tell you that Davie is a unique beast. It’s not a dense, walkable city like Miami Beach, and it’s not a sleepy suburb. It’s a sprawling, equestrian-flavored town where the cost of living is high, but the job market for skilled trades is resilient. Davie sits in the heart of Broward County, a major hub for marine construction, industrial repair, and infrastructure projects. If you’re a welder with a steady hand and a tolerance for heat, Davie offers a viable path, but you need to know the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the local players to make it work.

This guide breaks down the financial reality, the specific employers hiring right now, and the lifestyle trade-offs you’ll face. We’re using hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR), and local market analysis. No fluff—just the facts you need to decide if Davie is your next career move.

The Salary Picture: Where Davie Stands

Let’s start with the bottom line. The median salary for a Welder in the Davie area is $51,345/year. This translates to an hourly rate of $24.69/hour. Compared to the national average for welders, which sits at $49,590/year, Davie pays slightly better—about 3.5% above the U.S. median. This is a crucial point: while the cost of living in South Florida is notoriously high, the local wages for skilled trades are competitive enough to keep the region attractive for workers.

However, the Davie market is tight. There are only about 215 Welder jobs in the metro area (Broward County). This isn't a massive hub like a manufacturing belt in the Midwest; it's a specialized market. The 10-year job growth projection is a modest 2%. This tells you that opportunities are stable but not exploding. You’ll need to be experienced and specialized to command the top of the pay scale.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Wage progression in Davie follows a clear path. Here’s how salaries typically break down based on years of experience and certification level:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Hourly Rate	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$19.00 - $22.00	$39,520 - $45,760
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$22.00 - $28.00	$45,760 - $58,240
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$28.00 - $35.00	$58,240 - $72,800
Expert/Specialist	15+ years / Certifications	$35.00 - $45.00+	$72,800 - $93,600+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data for the South Florida region. Specialized certs (AWS Certified Welding Inspector, for example) can push you firmly into the Expert category.

Comparison to Other Florida Cities

Davie fits into a specific tier of Florida’s welding market. It pays better than rural areas but lags behind major industrial hubs.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Job Market Size	Key Industries
Davie, FL	$51,345	111.8	215 jobs	Marine, Construction, Repair
Jacksonville, FL	$49,870	94.2	Large	Shipbuilding, Ports, Logistics
Tampa, FL	$50,120	103.1	Large	Maritime, Manufacturing
Miami, FL	$52,100	121.3	Medium-High	Construction, Refit, Art
Gainesville, FL	$45,200	95.5	Small	Industrial, Healthcare

Insider Tip: While Miami’s median salary is slightly higher, the cost of living (121.3) is nearly 10% higher than Davie’s. For a welder, Davie often presents a better balance of pay-to-cost than Miami proper, with easier access to industrial zones in western Broward.

---

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $51,345 sounds okay on paper, but Davie’s cost of living is 11.8% higher than the national average. The biggest monthly hit? Housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Davie is $1,621/month. Let’s break down what a monthly budget looks like for a single welder earning the median wage.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $51,345 Annual Salary)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,279
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): -$880 (approx. 20.6% effective rate)
• Net Monthly Pay: $3,399
• Rent (1BR Avg): -$1,621
• Utilities (Avg): -$180
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in Davie): -$450
• Groceries/Food: -$400
• Health Insurance (if not employer-paid): -$300
• Remaining Discretionary Income: $449

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the critical question. With only $449 left after basic survival expenses, saving for a down payment is challenging. The median home price in Davie is approximately $475,000. To put 10% down, you’d need $47,500. At the current savings rate, that would take over 8 years with zero other expenses—which is unrealistic.

Verdict on Homeownership: On a single median welder’s salary, buying a home in Davie is not feasible without a significant partner’s income, a large down payment from savings, or moving to a lower-cost area. Renting is the default for most single skilled tradespeople here.

---

Where the Jobs Are: Davie's Major Employers

Davie’s economy is anchored by three sectors: marine/boat services, construction, and industrial repair. Because Davie is landlocked but near major waterways (New River, Atlantic Ocean access), the "marine" sector is huge—think custom yachts, fishing boats, and commercial vessels. Here are the specific employers a welder should have on their radar:

1. Broward Marine (Fort Lauderdale/Davie area): A historic name in South Florida boat building and refit. They handle massive custom yachts. They hire welders for stainless steel fabrication, aluminum hull repairs, and custom fittings. Hiring trends: Steady, but they prioritize welders with TIG experience and a portfolio of clean welds.
2. Haulover Marine Center (Near Davie): While technically in Miami, it’s a major employer for Davie residents. They specialize in yacht repair and hauling. Welders are needed for structural repairs, keel bolts, and engine mounts. They often hire on a project basis for refit seasons (fall/winter).
3. Masonite (Davie Manufacturing Plant): A major door and millwork manufacturer. They have a maintenance team that includes welders for industrial equipment repair. This is a more stable, factory-type role compared to project-based marine work.
4. South Florida Infrastructure Firms: Companies like Bridger Construction or Bartow Construction (active in Broward) often subcontract welding for structural steel on bridges, schools, and municipal buildings. These jobs are cyclical but pay well and offer union benefits.
5. Local Fabrication Shops: There are dozens of small shops in the Industrial Park of Davie (off S. State Road 7). Search for "custom metal fabrication Davie." These shops handle everything from security gates to architectural metalwork. They are the most accessible entry point for new arrivals.
6. Aircraft Maintenance (at nearby Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport): While not in Davie proper, the airport is a 20-minute drive. Companies like JetBlue Technical Operations and various MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) facilities hire welders for aircraft component repair. This requires strict certifications (often FAA-related) but pays a premium.

Hiring Trend Insight: The post-pandemic boom in boat sales has led to a backlog in refit work. Marine welders are in high demand right now. However, the construction sector is cooling slightly due to interest rates, so infrastructure welding jobs may be competitive.

---

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida has specific requirements for welders, particularly those working on public infrastructure or in specific trades.

State Licensing Requirements:
Unlike some states, Florida does not have a state-issued license specifically titled "Welder." However, you must be certified or registered depending on the work:

• Certified Welder (AWS): The American Welding Society (AWS) certification is the industry standard. While not state-mandated for all jobs, most reputable employers in Davie (especially marine and aerospace) will require AWS certification in specific processes (e.g., AWS D1.1 for structural steel).
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): If you want to move into supervision or quality control, this is a major career booster. It requires passing an exam and typically 5+ years of experience.
• State Certified Welder (for Public Works): If you plan to work on state or county infrastructure projects (bridges, highways), you may need to be a "State Certified Welder" through the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). This involves a practical exam and specific procedure qualifications.

Costs & Timeline:

• AWS Certification Exam: $350 - $600 per test (depending on the process).
• CWI Exam: $850 - $1,200 (includes study materials and exam).
• FDOT Certification: Varies, but expect $200 - $500 for exam and materials.
• Timeline: If you are already a competent welder, you can schedule an AWS certification test within a few weeks. Studying for the CWI typically takes 3-6 months of dedicated preparation.

Insider Tip: Many community colleges in Broward County (like Broward College or McFatter Technical College) offer short-term welding certification programs that include AWS testing. Enrolling in one can be a fast track to getting certified and local references.

---

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Davie is geographically large. Your commute to the industrial parks or boat yards can vary drastically. Here are the best neighborhoods for a welder, balancing commute time, lifestyle, and rent.

1. Davie West (near S. Davie Rd & I-595):

   • Commute: Excellent. 10-15 minutes to most industrial parks and the Fort Lauderdale airport corridor.
   • Lifestyle: Suburban, family-oriented, close to the Davie Road Corridor for shopping and dining.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,550 - $1,750/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those who want a quiet home base with quick access to work.

2. Pine Island Ridge:

   • Commute: Good. 15 minutes to western Davie industrial zones, 20 minutes to marine yards in Fort Lauderdale.
   • Lifestyle: Established, wooded neighborhood with older apartment complexes. It’s more affordable and has a "hidden" feel.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,600/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Welders looking for a slightly lower rent and don’t mind an older apartment.

3. Coconut Creek (Bordering Davie):

   • Commute: Moderate. 20-25 minutes to Davie's core. You’ll likely take the Turnpike or I-95.
   • Lifestyle: A planned community with lots of green space and a more upscale vibe. Very safe.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $1,900/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those who prioritize a nice living environment and are willing to pay a bit more for it.

4. Plantation (Bordering Davie):

   • Commute: Excellent. Often shares borders with Davie's eastern industrial zones. 10-15 minutes to many job sites.
   • Lifestyle: Classic Florida suburb with a mix of older homes and new apartments. Great parks and central location.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,650 - $1,850/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Welders who want a prime location without the Davie "horse town" vibe.

5. Sunrise (Western Edge):

   • Commute: Good. 15-20 minutes to Davie's western industrial areas. Close to the Sawgrass Expressway.
   • Lifestyle: Home to the Sawgrass Mills mall, very commercial and bustling. Can be noisy.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,700/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those who love shopping/entertainment options and want a slightly lower rent than Davie proper.

Commute Reality Check: Traffic on I-595 and the Turnpike is brutal during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM). Living within 10-15 minutes of your job is a huge quality-of-life boost. Factor this in when choosing a neighborhood.

---

The Long Game: Career Growth

The welding career path in Davie isn't about climbing a corporate ladder; it's about deepening your skill set and moving into higher-value work.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • TIG Welding (GTAW): The most valuable skill in the marine and aerospace sectors. Expect a $3-$5/hour premium over MIG welders.
  • Aluminum Welding: Essential for boat and aircraft work. Mastering aluminum TIG can push you into the $30+/hour range quickly.
  • Stainless Steel Fabrication: High demand for food-grade or architectural stainless work. Pays well and is less physically taxing than heavy structural steel.
  • Underwater Welding (Commercial Diving): This is the pinnacle of earnings but requires a separate commercial diving certification and is extremely dangerous. Local schools like Florida Institute of Technology offer programs. Top earners can make $100,000+, but jobs are sporadic and competitive.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Welder → Lead Fabricator: Move from execution to managing shop projects.
  2. Welder → Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): Shift from doing to quality control. This is a stable, less physical role with a salary cap of $80,000 - $95,000 in South Florida.
  3. Welder → Business Owner: Many successful local fabrication shops were started by experienced welders. The startup cost is moderate (a van, basic gear, and tools), and the client base in Davie is solid.

• 10-Year Outlook:
  With a 2% growth rate, the market isn't expanding rapidly. The welders who will thrive are those who adapt. Automation is touching welding (robotic arms in manufacturing), but it can't replace the custom, repair, and field work that dominates Davie. Your job security lies in being the person who can fix what a robot can't reach or fabricate a one-off part for a custom yacht. Continuous learning—getting that AWS inspector cert or learning a new process like flux-cored arc welding (FCAW)—is non-negotiable for long-term growth.

---

The Verdict: Is Davie Right for You?

Davie is not for every welder. It’s a high-cost, high-opportunity market that rewards specialization and punishes generalists. Here’s a final breakdown to help you decide.

Pros of Welding in Davie	Cons of Welding in Davie
Above-Average Pay: Median of $51,345 is solid for the region.	High Cost of Living: Rent ($1,621/mo) eats a huge chunk of income.
Marine Sector Growth: Strong demand for boat/yacht repair welders.	Limited Job Volume: Only 215 jobs in the metro area.
Proximity to Major Hubs: Easy access to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Everglades.	Competition: Need to be certified and specialized to stand out.
Year-Round Work: No seasonal shutdowns due to weather (unlike northern states).	Traffic: Long commutes can significantly reduce quality of life.
Veteran-Friendly: Davie has a strong military presence and trade-friendly culture.	Housing Pressure: Homeownership is a distant dream on a single median salary.

Final Recommendation:
Davie is a **strong "Yes" for a mid-career welder (3-10 years experience) who is TIG-cert