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2Nd Class Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FCAW Plate Welder - 2nd Class NIGHTS

Galveston, TX ยท On-site

$20.25 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Plate Welder 2nd Class (PLW2) - Welder capable of welding SMAW & FCAW on plate/structural with ABS Q2+4G or ASME or AWS plate test (2G+3G+4G). Company Overview: Gulf Copper LLC, a subsidiary of Davie ...

New

$24.15 - $30.55/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

2nd Class 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 on various ...

Welder 2nd- 3rd Class

Chesapeake, VA ยท On-site

$19 - $25/hr

... welding various structures and materials. * Perform all other duties as assigned. * Able to ... steel plate qualified. * 2nd Class = meet 3rd class requirements, hold a carbon arcing ...

Welder - Hiring Now

Portsmouth, VA ยท On-site

$19 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Experience as a First Class or Second Class Welder, preferably in ship repair, marine, or industrial environments. Ability to successfully perform multi-pass fillet and butt welds in all positions ...

Welder - Manufacturing

Chesapeake, VA ยท On-site

$24.15 - $30.55/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

2nd Class 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 on various ...

Welder - Manufacturing

Hampton, VA ยท On-site

$24.15 - $30.55/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

2nd Class 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 on various ...

Welder - Manufacturing

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$24.15 - $30.55/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

2nd Class 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 on various ...

Welder - Manufacturing

Chesapeake, VA ยท On-site

$24.15 - $30.55/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

2nd Class 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 on various ...

Welder - Manufacturing

Portsmouth, VA ยท On-site

$19 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Experience as a First Class or Second Class Welder, preferably in ship repair, marine, or industrial environments. Ability to successfully perform multi-pass fillet and butt welds in all positions ...

Welder - Manufacturing

Chesapeake, VA ยท On-site

$24.15 - $30.55/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

2nd Class 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 on various ...

Welder - Hiring Now

Virginia Beach, VA ยท On-site

$24.15 - $30.55/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

2nd Class 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 on various ...

Showing results 21-40

2Nd Class Welder information

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How much do 2nd class welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for 2nd class welder in the United States is $22.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 2nd class welder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 2nd Class Welder, you need a solid understanding of welding techniques, blueprint reading, and relevant safety protocols, usually supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and formal welding training. Familiarity with welding equipment, such as MIG, TIG, and arc welders, as well as certifications like AWS or CWB, is often required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and strong problem-solving skills help ensure precision and reliability in finished work. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing quality welds, maintaining safety standards, and meeting project specifications efficiently.

What is a 2nd class welder?

2nd Class Welders are skilled tradespeople who perform welding tasks at an intermediate level, typically under the supervision of more experienced welders. They are responsible for joining metal parts using various welding techniques, such as arc or gas welding, according to specified procedures and safety standards. 2nd Class Welders often work on less complex or lower-risk projects compared to 1st Class Welders, but still play a critical role in fabrication and repair. Their duties may include preparing materials, operating welding equipment, and ensuring weld quality through visual inspection. Advancement to higher welding classifications typically requires additional experience, training, and certification.

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

Aspect2Nd Class Welder1St Class Welder
CertificationsTypically requires a 2nd Class Welding CertificateRequires a 1st Class Welding Certificate
Work EnvironmentIndustrial, construction, manufacturingIndustrial, construction, manufacturing
Job ResponsibilitiesPerforming standard welding tasks, basic quality controlPerforming advanced welding tasks, quality assurance

The main difference between a 2Nd Class Welder and a 1St Class Welder lies in certification level and skill complexity. A 1St Class Welder has higher certification and handles more complex welding tasks, while a 2Nd Class Welder performs standard welding duties with a lower certification requirement.

What are some common challenges faced by 2nd class welders on the job?

2nd Class Welders often encounter challenges such as working in tight or awkward spaces, managing different welding techniques for various materials, and ensuring consistent weld quality under time constraints. They may also need to interpret technical drawings and adapt to changing project requirements quickly. In addition, collaborating effectively with other tradespeople and adhering to strict safety standards are essential aspects of the role that can present daily challenges.
More about 2Nd Class Welder jobs

What job categories do people searching 2Nd Class Welder jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for 2Nd Class Welder jobs are:

Infographic showing various 2Nd Class 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 $46,302 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

FCAW Plate Welder - 2nd Class NIGHTS

Gulf Copper LLC

Galveston, TX โ€ข On-site

$20.25 - $26.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Plate Welder 2nd Class (PLW2) - Welder capable of welding SMAW & FCAW on plate/structural with ABS Q2+4G or ASME or AWS plate test (2G+3G+4G). 

Company Overview:

Gulf Copper LLC, a subsidiary of Davie Defense, is a leading Marine Repair and New Construction company based in Galveston, Texas, with more than 75 years of ship repair and fabrication experience on the Gulf Coast. Gulf Copper’s primary business is the repair and refurbishment of marine vessels, ship construction, and fabrication for transportation, government, and oil and gas markets.

Benefits:

  • 401 (k)
  • Group Health & Dental Plan
  • Short-& Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Life & Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Holiday & Vacation Pay
  • Employee Assistance Program

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

This position is responsible for the following: Other duties may be assigned.  

  1. A welder must understand welding procedures and parameters. 
  2. Can comprehend and utilize blueprints, sketches, drawings, and technical. Manuals, gouge, and work process instruction. 
  3. Welds steel plates and pipes in the repair and/or construction of marine vessels, industrial components, and associated equipment. 
  4. Have the skills to use various types of welding equipment for different types of metal.  
  5. Welds components in a flat, vertical, or overhead position. 
  6. Performs related tasks such as cutting and grinding. 
  7. Repairs broken or cracked parts, fills holes, and increases the size of metal parts. 
  8. Welds metal parts together using gas welding, brazing, arc welding, wire fed welding, or tig welding process and procedures. 
  9. Highly skilled welders often are trained to work with a wide variety of materials, such as titanium, aluminum, or exotic metals, in addition to steel.  
  10. Select and set up welding equipment, execute the planned welds, and examine the welds to ensure that they meet standards or specifications.  

Required Education & Experience: 

  1. High School Diploma, some college or technical school certification, six months to one year(s) experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
  2. Must pass an ABS, or ASME weld test.  

Working Conditions: 

  1. Open-air conditions such as noisy, hot, cold, etc. 
  2. Must be able to stand and operate equipment for up to four continuous hours. 
  3. You must wear hearing, eye, head protection and proper PPE. 
  4. Some climbing (100 feet or higher) and lifting (50 lbs.) involved. 
  5. Working with hot and sometimes hazardous materials. 
  6. Work on inland and offshore barges or in industrial settings. 
  7. Enter round manholes with inside diameters of 18”, and other internally confined spaces. 
  8. Traverse gangways and scaffolding at varying heights. 

Necessary Equipment Operation: 

  1. Blow torches- Motorized cutting torches; Pattern cutting torches; Welding torches. 
  2. Gas welding, brazing, or cutting apparatus- Brazing equipment; Heliarc welding equipment; Oxyacetylene equipment; Portable gas operated arc welders. 
  3. Manlift or personnel lift- hydraulic truck lifts; Swing stages 
  4. Welding masks- Hand shields; Welding shields.  

Special Skills: 

  1. Ability to work under deadlines and schedule pressures. 
  2. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, sketches, drawings, and technical manuals. 
  3. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 
  4. High performance and a strong team player. 
  5. Commitment to company values and safety program. 

Welder Position Basic Requirements: 

Qualifications of class – Class will be based upon judgment by quality control and/or production management in terms of the quality and productivity of the welds. 

  • Plate Welder 2nd Class (PLW2) - Welder capable of welding SMAW or FCAW on plate/structural with ABS Q2+4G or ASME or AWS plate test (2G+3G+4G).   
  • Plate Welder 1st Class (PLW1) - Welder capable of welding SMAW & FCAW on plate/structural with ABS Q2+4G or ASME or AWS plate test (2G+3G+4G). 
  • Pipe Welder 2nd Class (PPW2) – Welder capable of welding SMAW or FCAW on plate/structural &SMAW or FCAW on pipe with ABS Q3 or AWS 6g pipe test. 
  • Pipe Welder 1st Class (PPW1) – Welder capable of welding SMAW & FCAW and or GTAW on pipe. Must Pass ABS Q3 or ASME 6G or AWS 6G pipe test. 
  • Combination Welder 1st Class- Pipe/Plate/Structural (PPLW)– Welder capable of process / structural pipe and plate welding using GTAW+FCAW and or GTAW+SMAW. 
  • Combination Welder 2nd Class- Pipe/Plate/Structural (PPLW)– Welder capable of process / structural pipe and plate welding using GTAW+FCAW and or GTAW+SMAW. 

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of assigned personnel. 

* An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Equal Employment Opportunity Posters. If you’d like to view a copy of the company’s affirmative action plan or policy statement, please email: hrcorp@gulfcopper.com.  If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please e-mail: hrcorp@gulfcopper.com.

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