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1St Class Structural Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Venture Dynamics Gulf, Inc. a local Mobile, AL contractor is currently hiring 1st class structural welders for a long term new construction project in Mobile, AL. * Must have 4+ years of FCAW welding ...

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 ...

Structural Welder 1st Class

Pascagoula, MS

$20.50 - $27/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 ...

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 ...

Structural Welder 1st Class

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$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 ...

Four years of experience in a naval shipyard or similar environment as a first-class structural welder. * Proficiency in multi-pass, all-position fillet and butt welds using SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc ...

Four years of experience in a naval shipyard or similar environment as a first-class structural welder. * Proficiency in multi-pass, all-position fillet and butt welds using SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc ...

Structural Welder 1st Class

Pascagoula, MS

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

In the sequence of work activities, the welder's job follows that of the fitters, welding together structural components that have previously been fit and tacked into place. Major Duties ...

A Class Structural Welder

Mobile, AL · On-site

$21.25 - $28/hr

Completion of an Austal USA approved additional or accelerated Structural Welding training course may also count towards additional required experience * Ability to pass A Class skills evaluation ...

Structural Welder 1st Class

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

In the sequence of work activities, the welder's job follows that of the fitters, welding together structural components that have previously been fit and tacked into place. Major Duties ...

A Class Structural Welder

Mobile, AL · On-site

$21.25 - $28/hr

Completion of an Austal USA approved additional or accelerated Structural Welding training course may also count towards additional required experience * Ability to pass A Class skills evaluation ...

Structural Supervisor SUPERVISES: None, but may instruct less-skilled workers PURPOSE & SCOPE: The ... Minimum of 1 year as a B-Class Welder at Austal producing advance fillet welds or 2 years of GMAW ...

Structural Welder

Tampa, FL · On-site

$60 - $64/hr

Currently seeking 1 st class Structural Welder to work in Tampa, FL. REQUIREMENTS: * Must have working history as a 1 st class Welder or six months to a year of experience as a 2 nd class Welder.

Showing results 21-40

1St Class Structural Welder information

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

As of Sep 6, 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 is a 1st class structural welder?

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.

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 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 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.

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What cities are hiring for 1St Class Structural Welder jobs?

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What states have the most 1St Class Structural Welder jobs?

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What job categories do people searching 1St Class Structural Welder jobs look for?

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Infographic showing various 1St Class Structural Welder job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,730 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Structural Welders | Non-Local

Trade Team

Pascagoula, MS

$38/hr

Per diem, Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description


Position: Structural Welder 1st Class
Job Location: Pascagoula, MS
Trade Team Branch: Mobile, AL
Rate of Pay: $38.00 per hour, depending on level of experience / Per diem available for those who qualify

DESCRIPTION:
Trade Team USA is seeking experienced 1st Class Structural Welders for long-term opportunities at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, MS. Positions expected to have an initial duration of one year and start dates as soon as possible.

REQUIREMENTS:
  1. Minimum of 3 years of welding experience.
  2. Minimum of 3 years of FCAW (Flux-Core Arc Welding) experience.
  3. Minimum of 3 years of SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding/Stick Welding) experience.
  4. Must be able to successfully pass a military specification welding assessment.
  5. Must be proficient in the following welding positions:
    1. 2G – Horizontal
    2. 3G – Vertical
    3. 4G – Overhead
  6. Must be able to safely perform structural welding in a shipyard production environment.
  7. Must be able to work at varying heights and in confined spaces when required.
  8. Must be able to work in varying weather and environmental conditions.
  9. Must be available to work day or night shift based on shipyard production requirements.
  10. Must follow all applicable safety, quality, and production procedures.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. High School Diploma or equivalent.
  2. Previous marine or shipbuilding structural welding experience.
  3. Previous experience welding structural components on military, commercial, or other marine vessels.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  1. Join various types of metal materials using approved welding processes.
  2. Perform structural welding utilizing FCAW (wire welding).
  3. Perform structural welding utilizing SMAW (stick welding).
  4. Perform welding in the horizontal (2G), vertical (3G), and overhead (4G) positions.
  5. Prepare and position materials for structural welding operations.
  6. Inspect weld areas and completed welds to ensure workmanship meets applicable specifications and quality requirements.
  7. Perform welding operations throughout various stages of marine vessel construction.
  8. Safely operate welding machines, leads, torches, grinders, and other trade-specific tools and equipment.
  9. Perform work at different heights and within confined spaces as required.
  10. Work safely in varying weather and shipyard environmental conditions.
  11. Maintain required welding quality and production standards.
  12. Follow Ingalls Shipbuilding and Trade Team USA safety requirements at all times.
  13. Perform additional structural welding duties as required by production and project needs.
WELDING TEST REQUIREMENTS:
Candidates must successfully complete a military specification welding assessment in the following positions:
  1. 2G – Horizontal
  2. 3G – Vertical
  3. 4G – Overhead
  4. Welding processes include FCAW and SMAW.
Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to produce welds that meet the applicable military specification and shipyard quality requirements.

CONTACT TRADE TEAM TODAY!
Call us at (251) 244-6957
Contact a Gulf Branch recruiter today
Trade Team USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).