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1St Class Structural Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NSC STAFFING

Structural Welder 1st Class

Pascagoula, MS

$20.50 - $27/hr

Structural Welders Location : Pascagoula, Mississippi Company : NSC Staffing Send resumes to: [email protected] NSC Staffing is seeking Structural Welders with 2-5 years of experience for an exciting ...

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NSC STAFFING

Structural Welder 1st Class

Pascagoula, MS

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Structural Welders Location : Pascagoula, Mississippi Company : NSC Staffing Send resumes to: NSCPascagoula@nscstaffing.com NSC Staffing is seeking Structural Welders with 2-5 years of experience for ...

New

NSC Staffing

Structural Welder 1st Class

Pascagoula, MS

$20.50 - $27/hr

Structural Welders Location : Pascagoula, Mississippi Company : NSC Staffing Send resumes to: [email protected] NSC Staffing is seeking Structural Welders with 2-5 years of experience for an exciting ...

New

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1ST Class Structural Welder information

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How much do 1st class structural welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st class structural welder in the United States is $24.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $27.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 1st Class Structural Welder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 1st Class Structural Welder, you need advanced welding skills, blueprint reading proficiency, and relevant certifications such as AWS or equivalent. Familiarity with tools like MIG, TIG, and stick welding equipment, as well as experience with various metals and welding safety systems, is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are essential soft skills for success in this role. These skills ensure the integrity, safety, and efficiency of structural fabrication and installation projects.

What is the difference between 1St Class Structural Welder vs 2nd Class Structural Welder?

Aspect1St Class Structural Welder2nd Class Structural Welder
CertificationsTypically requires AWS or ASME certifications, including advanced welding testsRequires similar certifications but with less stringent testing or experience
Work EnvironmentWorks on complex, large-scale steel structures like bridges and high-rise buildingsWorks on smaller or less complex structures, often in maintenance or repair roles
Employer UsagePreferred for high-responsibility projects with strict quality standardsCommon in routine construction and repair projects

The main difference between a 1St Class Structural Welder and a 2nd Class Structural Welder lies in certification requirements, complexity of work, and project responsibility. 1St Class welders are qualified for more complex, high-stakes projects, while 2nd Class welders typically handle less complex tasks with fewer certifications.

What are some common challenges faced by a 1st Class Structural Welder on large construction projects?

1st Class Structural Welders often encounter challenges such as working in tight or elevated spaces, adhering to strict safety protocols, and maintaining high-quality welds under time constraints. Coordination with other trades, like fitters and riggers, is essential to ensure that all components align correctly before welding. Additionally, welders must adapt to varying weather conditions and work environments, especially when projects take place outdoors or in partially constructed buildings.

What are 1st Class Structural Welders?

1st Class Structural Welders are highly skilled tradespeople who specialize in welding and assembling structural components, such as beams, columns, and frameworks, for buildings, bridges, ships, and other large structures. They are typically responsible for interpreting blueprints, preparing metal surfaces, and performing precise welds that meet strict safety and quality standards. Their advanced expertise often includes proficiency in multiple welding methods, such as MIG, TIG, and stick welding, as well as a thorough understanding of metallurgy and structural codes. These welders play a crucial role in ensuring the structural integrity and safety of large-scale construction projects.
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1ST Class Structural Welder jobs near you
1st Class Structural Welder (Inside Machine Shop) - Steel America (Job ID: 1217)

1st Class Structural Welder (Inside Machine Shop) - Steel America (Job ID: 1217)

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.

Hampton, VA

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

1st Class Structural Welder - Steel America
Purpose:
Steel America, a division of Colonna's Shipyard, is seeking a 1st Class Structural Welder to support operations in the Inside Machine Shop at our site in Norfolk, VA.
Job Description:
  • Weld together metal components of products, as specified by blueprints, weld symbols, material markings, work order, welding procedures, or verbal instructions, using welding equipment.
  • Prepare all material surfaces to be welded, ensuring that there is no loose or thick mil scale, slag, rust, moisture, grease, or other foreign matter.
  • Complete weld processes in flat, horizontal, vertical, or overhead positions.
  • Operate manual or semi-automatic welding equipment to fuse metal segments, using processes such as gas metal arc, flux-cored arc, shielded metal arc, and submerged arc welding.
  • Clean or degrease weld joint or work piece, using wire brush, portable grinder, or chemical bath. May repair broken or cracked parts and fill holes.
  • Set up and operate welding equipment and select proper electrodes according to material types to be joined and procedurally required.
  • Preform grinding and joint preparation for NDT processes.
  • Flux cored inner shield and dual shield welding along with oxy-acetylene torching, air-arc, weld-wire gas, stick and pipe flange.
  • Read and understand the Chemist and Competent Persons reports and determine if job sites, particularly those involving combustible material, are safe for personnel and hot work.
  • Will be required to wear personal protective equipment hard hat, safety glasses, steel toe boots/shoes and, when necessary, respirator.
  • Instruct apprentices and fellow welders with job assignments and overall mentoring.
  • Be able to perform duties with little to no supervision.
  • Maintain a high level of first pass through rate on production welding inspections.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Must have at least seven (7) years' experience as a Welder.
  • Must be able to demonstrate ability to perform multi-pass, all position fillet and butt welds using SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) and FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding)
  • Must be able to demonstrate ability to perform GTAW 6G pipe welding and GMAW-P all positions.
  • Must have knowledge of welding techniques, mirror welding, preheat and inter-pass temperature, tools and equipment
  • Must have knowledge of and ability to use hand tools and instruments associated with the trade to include but not limited to fillet weld gauges, V-WAC gauge, CAM Gauge, temp sticks, and preheat application tooling.
  • Must be able to work effectively and efficiently with others.
  • Must be able to comprehend weld sequence sketches, and templates.
  • Must have ability to enter and move through manholes to reach and work in internally confined spaces.
  • Must be a steady and reliable worker that maintains regular and consistent attendance.
  • Must be able to follow instructions.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience working with or around manual or CNC machinery highly preferred.
  • Experience with sub-arc (SAW) welding highly preferred.

Travel Requirements:
  • Minimal Travel; 10% or less.

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to lift, carry and transport heavy equipment and boxes. The exact weight requirements will be determined by the specific job, but no less than 20 lbs.
  • Must be physically agile to perform tasks in naval ships. Able to work on and climb ladders, work in extreme temperature environments, aboard ships, in shipyards, under industrial conditions and in confined spaces, including enter and moving through manholes.
  • May ride ships at sea for extended periods
  • Able to perform other duties as required which may involve high heat, humidity, noise and dirty conditions, working aloft or over the sides of vessels.
  • Frequent exposure to noise due to machinery and equipment.
  • Employee is required to operate trucks, forklifts & man-lifts.
  • While performing the duties of this job, you may frequently be required to stand, walk & sit; use hands or fingers; handle or feel; talk and hear. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, squat, kneel, twist and crawl.
  • Work in extreme temperatures and conditions. At times you will work in areas that have less adequate ventilation
  • Frequent use of respirator.
  • Protective clothing or equipment and face shields or goggles shall be worn when welding, cutting, or working with molten metal.

Respect, Pride, Truth, Family - These are our VALUES and the guidelines that make us a leader in our industry. We are pleased and confident in stating that our skilled employees are among the most respected experts in the ship repair industry.
Colonna's Shipyard, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Additionally, Colonna's Shipyard provides a variety of benefits to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid disability insurances, 401k with match, legal services, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).

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