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Associate Welder Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Vigor, LLC

Welder - Manufacturing

Portland, OR · On-site

$35.65/hr

Performs Arc welding - SMAW, FCAW, GMAW is a plus * Performs carbon arc gouging for weld ... Associate 2 Proficient in both Fire Watch and Associate 1 job duties. Assists with and/or performs ...

Vigor, LLC

Welder - Manufacturing

Portland, OR · On-site

$37.94/hr

Performs Arc welding - SMAW, FCAW, GMAW is a plus * Performs carbon arc gouging for weld ... Associate 2 Proficient in both Fire Watch and Associate 1 job duties. Assists with and/or performs ...

Vigor, LLC

Welder - Manufacturing

Portland, OR · On-site

$35.65/hr

Performs Arc welding - SMAW, FCAW, GMAW is a plus * Performs carbon arc gouging for weld ... Associate 2 Proficient in both Fire Watch and Associate 1 job duties. Assists with and/or performs ...

Vigor, LLC

Welder - Manufacturing

Portland, OR · On-site

$37.94/hr

Performs Arc welding - SMAW, FCAW, GMAW is a plus * Performs carbon arc gouging for weld ... Associate 2 Proficient in both Fire Watch and Associate 1 job duties. Assists with and/or performs ...

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All JobsAssociate Welder JobsAssociate Welder Jobs in Oregon

Associate Welder information

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$28

How much do associate welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate welder in Oregon is $17.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.71 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Welder vs Apprentice Welder?

AspectAssociate WelderApprentice Welder
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma and welding certificationsUsually in training, may hold basic certifications or none
Work ExperienceHas completed training and can perform welding tasks independentlyLearning on the job, limited independent work
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, construction sites, manufacturing plantsTraining environments, supervised work sites
Job RolePerforms welding tasks independently, may assist in projectsAssists experienced welders, gaining skills and experience

The main difference between an Associate Welder and an Apprentice Welder is experience and certification level. An Associate Welder is trained and qualified to work independently, while an Apprentice Welder is still learning and gaining hands-on experience under supervision. Both roles are essential in the welding industry, but the Associate Welder typically has more skills and responsibilities.

What types of welding projects and materials will I typically work with as an Associate Welder?

As an Associate Welder, you will commonly work on a variety of projects ranging from basic fabrication to repairs, often under the supervision of more experienced welders. The materials you are most likely to encounter include steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, utilizing techniques such as MIG, TIG, or stick welding. Your daily tasks may involve preparing materials, reading blueprints, performing welds, and inspecting finished work for quality and safety standards. This role provides hands-on experience and exposure to different welding processes, serving as a strong foundation for career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Welder, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Welder, you need a solid understanding of welding techniques, blueprint reading, and safety procedures, usually supported by a high school diploma or technical certification in welding. Familiarity with tools such as MIG, TIG, and arc welding equipment, as well as adherence to OSHA safety standards, are typically required. Attention to detail, good hand-eye coordination, and strong teamwork skills help set individuals apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing precise, high-quality welds while maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.

What are Associate Welders?

Associate Welders are entry-level professionals who perform welding tasks under the supervision of experienced welders or supervisors. They are responsible for assembling, installing, and repairing metal components using various welding techniques such as MIG, TIG, or arc welding. Associate Welders typically work in manufacturing, construction, or industrial settings, and their duties include reading blueprints, preparing materials, and ensuring weld quality and safety. This position is ideal for individuals starting their careers in welding, as it provides hands-on experience and opportunities for skill development.
What are the most commonly searched types of Welder jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Welder jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Welder jobs in Oregon? For Associate Welder jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Welder jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Welder jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Associate Welder jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Associate Welder job openings:
Associate Welder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Welder job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,347 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Welder - Manufacturing

Vigor, LLC

Portland, OR • On-site

$35.65/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Description
Who We Are
Vigor Marine Group is an established, innovative, integrated partner with a national footprint in marine maintenance and modernization, marine fabrication, and marine services.
With four shipyards, six dry docks, and more than 20,000 feet of pier space on or near U.S. Naval bases and at historic shipyards, our 2,500 dedicated employees across four states - from the Pacific Northwest to San Diego to Norfolk - personify the values of our company. Vigor Marine Group takes pride in being the employer of choice for our employees, who in turn take great pride in their contributions to the communities where they live and work, and to their nation - through their living wage jobs supporting their local economies, and through the world-class maritime and industrial services they provide to further our defense readiness and national security. For more information, visit vigor.net.
HOURLY RATE: $35.65
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
This list is not intended to detail all aspects of the assigned work but is representative of the job's overall responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned. Successfully performs work individually, as a member of a single craft crew, or a multi-craft work crew.
  • Complies with craft and shipyard safety and environmental measures.
  • Works from ship specifications, work orders and applicable working drawings and blueprints, i.e., form, shape, fit, and weld on vessels.
  • Performs burning and effectively uses scarfing tip for clean-up, bevel parts, etc.
  • Performs Arc welding - SMAW, FCAW, GMAW is a plus
  • Performs carbon arc gouging for weld preparation and cleanup.
  • Properly cares for and safely uses hand and power tools.
  • Coordinates the performance and completion of job specifications.
  • Incumbent performs similar work in all areas of the Yard as the need arises.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  • Communicates effectively, work independently or in a group.
  • Ability to do basic math, i.e. add, subtract, divide and multiply, including fractions.
  • Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English.
  • Thorough knowledge of marine fitting including compound shapes.
  • Ability to do square footage and weight calculations if required.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
  • High School diploma or GED preferred.
  • 2-6 years relevant work experience.
  • Proven skills, work history and/or applicable education will be considered in lieu of work experience.

Associate 2
Proficient in both Fire Watch and Associate 1 job duties. Assists with and/or performs basic bolting under the direction of a Journey Level employee or Supervisor. May perform Associate 1 or Fire Watch duties. Must acquire three (3) additional Ship Repair Skills to progress to the next level.
Associate 3
Proficient in Fire Watch, Associate 1, Associate 2 job duties and proficient in FCAW. Trains and assists with rigging under the direction of a Journey Level employee or Supervisor. Assists with and/or performs mechanical bolting under the direction of a Journey Level employee or Supervisor. May perform Fire Watch, Associate 1 or Associate 2 duties. Must acquire three (3) additional Ship Repair Skills to progress to the next level.
Associate 4
Proficient in Fire Watch, Associate 1, Associate 2, Associate 3 job duties, and proficient in FCAW. Requires general supervision during performance of primary skill but is able to perform job duties of A-1 through A-3 with limited supervision. (work history and demonstrated proficiency in single skill or trade). Must acquire three (3) additional Ship Repair Skills and 1- certification to progress to the next level.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
  • Capable of passing GMAW weld test.
  • 2G, 3G, 4G Aluminum weld test on 3/8 plate to AWS D1.2 weld standards.
  • Able to consistently pass UT/RT/PT weld joint
  • SMAW, FCAW, GTAW experience is helpful.
  • Four-hour fire watch certification
  • HAZWOPER- First Responder Awareness Level.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Sitting, standing, walking, crouching, kneeling/crawling, stooping, twisting, climbing, balancing, reaching, handling/grasping, fingering/feeling, pushing/pulling, lifting/carrying.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Talking, hearing, vision, depth perception, color vision, field of vision.
INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:
  • Interaction/communication with others: Frequently interacts with others to ensure ongoing safety of operation. May work with several individuals in a confined space.
  • Works alone/independently: Frequently works in the presence of other individuals performing duties.
  • Directs/supervises others: Not Required.
  • Repetitive work: Work is similar on a day-to-day basis.
  • Attention to detail: Must perform all tasks in compliance with regulatory agency standards.
  • Flexibility: May move from one job to another, unexpectedly.
  • Other mental/psychological demands: Works in a noisy environment and works at heights.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • Works indoors: Frequently works indoors exposed to temperature variances, vibrations, humidity, chemicals, dust and noise.
  • Works outdoors: Frequently works on shipboard exposed to typical outdoor weather.
  • Safety equipment required: Wears welding helmet, long pants, long sleeved shirt, eye protection, hearing protection, respirator, hard hat, and leather shoes.
  • Other Exposures: Smoke, acids, degreasing cleaners, fumes, free silica, asbestos, dust, weld flash, paints, solvents, oil and grease.
  • Operation of equipment/tools/vehicles: Uses grinders, hand/power tools, air torches, welding machines, comealong, chainfall, hammer, wedges, wire feeders, compressed gas tanks, plate shears, automatic multihead burning machine, hydraulic press and punch, large and small plate rolls, carbon saw, large surface slab for securing fabrication, overhead and jib cranes and rigging, drill presses and a complete range of handtools.
  • Required hygiene standards: Per company standards.
  • Other: None

This role is with a federally contracted employer and is subject to regulations that restrict employment to US Persons only (i.e. US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, legally recognized asylees and refugees, and persons protected under INA). Successful job candidates will be asked to provide documentation of their US Persons status.
Vigor Industrial LLC and its wholly owned subsidiaries are drug, smoke and vape-free workplaces. Prospective employees must pass a drug and alcohol test and background check as pre-employment screening.
Vigor Values
Vigor expects all employees to enhance the atmosphere in which they work by living the Vigor Values every day.
Truth: We seek the truth, and we speak the truthResponsibility: We act on what we know is rightEvolution: We seek mastery, and adapt to a changing worldLove: We care about the people we work with, and the world we live in
Vigor and its wholly owned subsidiaries are committed to inclusion and diversity by providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veterans, age, genetics, the presence of a physical or mental condition or disability that can be reasonably accommodated, or any other protected class under relevant laws in the locations we operate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and can be requested with Vigor's Human Resources Department.
In addition to federal law requirements, Vigor complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination and non-retaliation in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, benefits, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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