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1St Class Structural Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

1st Class Structural Fitter

Haslet, TX ยท On-site

$19.75 - $25.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

1st Class Structural Fitter Position Type: Full-time, Non-Exempt, Hourly Reports to: General ... Threading, grinding, welding, brazing, rigging, plasma cutting, gas arc cutting. * 5+ Years ...

Structural Welder A-Class

Mobile, AL

$21.25 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

Structural Welder 1st Class Pay: $34.00 Sign-On: Bonus: $1,000 Must be available for day and night shift Requirements: * 3+ years of structural welding, new construction steel experience * Pulse MIG ...

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

1st Class Structural Welder - Steel America Position Summary: As a Welder at Steel America, a division of Colonna's Shipyard, Inc., you will be responsible for performing high-quality welding tasks ...

Structural Welder

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

American Drilling and Sawing Inc is looking for a skilled Structural Welder to join our growing ... We foster a team-first culture where skilled tradespeople are respected, supported, and given the ...

Structural Welder

Pocatello, ID

$25 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

First Shift (Monday through Friday from 05:00am to 05:00pm) * Perform MIG/TIG structural welding on steel components. * Read blueprints and follow welding specifications. * Inspect weld quality and ...

We're seeking talentedShipyard Structural Welders who are passionate about their craft and eagerto ... Experience: 5+ years of welding experience in a shipyard environment to be eligible for 1st Class ...

Structural Welder Compensation: $18-$21/HR | Schedule: Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM-4:30 PM (occasional ... Available after your first day of work. * Referral Bonus: Earn $125 for referring a Skilled ...

Now Hiring Structural Welders

Mcallen, TX

$20.50 - $26.75/hr

Labor One Marine & Industrial Services is NOW HIRING: 1st Class Structural Welder - Fluxcore Job is in a San Diego California Shipyard. Excellent opportunity----Long term project. Offering Per Diem ...

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1St Class Structural Welder information

See salary details

$14

$24

$33

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

As of Aug 15, 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 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.
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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?

The top searched job categories for 1St Class Structural Welder jobs are:

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, 68% Full Time, 30% 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.

1st Class Structural Fitter

B&D Contracting

Saint Bernard, LA โ€ข On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Structural / Welder

Harvey, Louisiana

Full-Time

Competitive Pay Based on Experience

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Shipfitter/Welder to join our marine fabrication team in Harvey, LA. The Shipfitter/Welder is responsible for fabricating, fitting, aligning, and welding structural steel components used in shipbuilding and vessel repair. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the structural integrity of ship hulls, decks, bulkheads, and related marine structures.

The ideal candidate has strong blueprint-reading skills, hands-on welding and fabrication experience, and the ability to work safely in demanding shipyard environments.

Key ResponsibilitiesLayout & Fabrication
  • Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and technical specifications
  • Lay out, cut, shape, and bend metal components
  • Operate oxy-fuel torches, plasma cutters, grinders, and fabrication equipment
Fitting & Assembly
  • Position and align structural steel components including plates, beams, bulkheads, and decking
  • Use jigs, chain falls, hydraulic jacks, wedges, clamps, and turnbuckles for assembly
  • Fit components to precise maritime specifications and tolerances
Welding & Tack Welding
  • Perform structural welding using MIG, TIG, Flux-Core, and Stick welding processes
  • Tack weld components prior to final welding
  • Ensure weld quality meets shipyard and marine standards
Precision Measurement
  • Use tape measures, squares, levels, and other measuring tools
  • Verify dimensions and alignment accuracy
Maintenance & Repair
  • Repair damaged ship structures and components
  • Install hatches, doors, brackets, and support structures
Safety Compliance
  • Follow all shipyard and OSHA safety regulations
  • Work safely in confined spaces, elevated areas, and outdoor conditions
  • Maintain clean and organized work areas
Must-Have Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Minimum 3 years of shipfitting or marine welding experience
  • Strong blueprint and structural drawing interpretation skills
  • Experience with MIG, TIG, Flux-Core, or Stick welding
  • Ability to operate fabrication and cutting equipment safely
  • Ability to lift up to 75 lbs
  • Comfortable working in confined spaces and at heights
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety
Preferred Qualifications
  • Vocational or technical school training in welding/fabrication
  • AWS or ABS welding certifications
  • Prior shipyard or marine industry experience
  • Experience with aluminum or stainless steel fabrication
  • Forklift, rigging, or overhead crane experience
  • Knowledge of maritime/naval construction standards
Tools & Equipment Used
  • MIG/TIG/Stick welding machines
  • Oxy-fuel burning torches
  • Plasma cutters and grinders
  • Hydraulic jacks and chain falls
  • Clamps, wedges, and turnbuckles
  • Hand tools including hammers, squares, and tape measures
Work Environment
  • Fab shop
  • Exposure to heat, noise, dust, and outdoor weather conditions
  • Frequent standing, climbing, kneeling, and bending
AI Screening Questions (6 Relevant Questions)
  1. How many years of shipfitting or marine welding experience do you have?
  2. Which welding processes are you experienced with? (MIG, TIG, Flux-Core, Stick)
  3. Are you able to read and interpret shipbuilding blueprints and structural drawings?
  4. Do you have any current welding certifications such as AWS or ABS?
  5. Are you comfortable working in confined spaces, at heights, and lifting up to 75 lbs?
  6. Have you previously worked in a shipyard or marine fabrication environment?