1

1St Shift Rig Welder Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Weld Tech

Clinton, IL

$55K - $70K/yr

Must be able to work first shift * AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and/or AWS Certified Welding Educator (CWE) desired * 3 - 5 years FCAW, SAW, and SMAW welding experience * Proficient using ...

Weld Tech

Clinton, IL · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Must be able to work first shift * AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and/or AWS Certified Welding Educator (CWE) desired * 3 - 5 years FCAW, SAW, and SMAW welding experience * Proficient using ...

1St Shift Rig Welder information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$5

$45

$80

How much do 1st shift rig welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st shift rig welder in Decatur, IL is $45.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.80 and $46.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by a 1st shift rig welder, and how can they be managed effectively?

As a 1st Shift Rig Welder, you may encounter challenges such as working in physically demanding conditions, adhering to tight deadlines, and maintaining high-quality welds in varying environments. Managing these challenges involves consistent use of personal protective equipment, proactive communication with supervisors and team members, and staying up to date with proper welding and safety techniques. Effective time management and attention to job site safety can help minimize risks and ensure work is completed efficiently. Many employers provide ongoing training and support to help welders continuously improve their skills and adapt to evolving project requirements.

What is a 1st shift rig welder?

A 1st Shift Rig Welder is a skilled welding professional who works primarily on rigging and structural welding projects during the first shift, usually starting in the early morning. They typically operate in industrial, construction, or oilfield environments, welding and assembling metal components according to blueprints and safety standards. This role requires expertise in various welding techniques, including MIG, TIG, and stick welding, as well as knowledge of heavy equipment and safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 1st shift rig welder?

To thrive as a 1st Shift Rig Welder, you need expertise in welding techniques, blueprint reading, and safety standards, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant welding certifications such as AWS or NCCER. Familiarity with welding equipment, heavy machinery, and inspection tools is typically required for this position. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and within a team are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure high-quality welds, adherence to safety protocols, and efficient collaboration on construction or industrial sites.

What are popular job titles related to 1St Shift Rig Welder jobs in Decatur, IL? For 1St Shift Rig Welder jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching 1St Shift Rig Welder jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for 1St Shift Rig Welder jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for 1St Shift Rig Welder jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most 1St Shift Rig Welder job openings:
Infographic showing various 1St Shift Rig Welder job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,974 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Maintenance Mechanic - 2nd or 3rd Shift - Decatur, IL

Caterpillar

Decatur, IL • On-site

$35.81/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Caterpillar Inc. rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 478 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

267th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Career Area:
Operations
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Maintenance Mechanic - 2nd & 3rd Shift
Quick Facts
  • Location: Decatur Facility - Decatur, IL
  • Pay: $35.81/hr + $1.00 Shift Differential
  • Schedule: Full-time, 2nd & 3rd shift; overtime as needed
  • Employment type: Full-time, hourly
  • Benefits: Day 1
Job Summary
We are hiring an experienced Maintenance Mechanic to support 2nd and 3rd shift operations at our Decatur, IL facility. This full-time, hourly role is ideal for a skilled industrial maintenance mechanic or maintenance technician with hands-on experience in CNC machine repair, production maintenance, mechanical troubleshooting, hydraulic repair, pneumatic repair, welding, pipefitting, and precision machine repair.
This position offers competitive pay, shift premiums, full benefits, and the opportunity to work with CNC equipment, plant systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and advanced diagnostic tools in a stable manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain CNC machines and production equipment.
  • Perform industrial maintenance, mechanical repair, hydraulic repair, pneumatic repair, welding repair, piping, and plumbing work.
  • Diagnose equipment issues using drawings, schematics, technical documentation, and diagnostic tools.
  • Use precision measurement tools and laser alignment systems to support accurate machine repair.
  • Fabricate, weld, repair, and modify machine components as needed.
  • Install, modify, and maintain piping and plant support systems.
  • Safely rig, hoist, move, align, and position equipment.
  • Support preventive maintenance, equipment reliability, and plant uptime.
  • Follow all safety procedures in a manufacturing and production maintenance environment.

Required Skills
  • Minimum of 3 years of Maintenance Mechanic, Industrial Mechanic, or Maintenance Technician experience.
  • CNC machine repair and CNC troubleshooting experience.
  • Strong mechanical troubleshooting and equipment maintenance skills.
  • Experience with hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, welding repair, and mechanical repair.
  • Ability to complete a weld test.
  • Ability to read and interpret drawings, schematics, and technical information.
  • Experience using precision measurement tools and diagnostic equipment.
  • Ability to safely rig, hoist, move, and position equipment.
  • Ability to work 2nd or 3rd shift, with overtime as needed.

Preferred Skills
  • Industrial Arts degree, technical certificate, trade school training, or related skilled trades education.
  • Precision machine repair experience.
  • Pipefitting or machine repairman experience.
  • Welding, fabrication, hydraulic, pneumatic, or plant maintenance experience.
  • Experience in manufacturing maintenance, production maintenance, or industrial equipment repair.
  • Experience supporting CNC equipment in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

Summary Pay Range:
$0.00 - $0.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
  • 401(k) savings plans*
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
  • Health Lifestyle Programs*
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
  • Career Development*
  • Incentive bonus*
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
August 4, 2026 - August 30, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

What Caterpillar Inc. employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom