1

Average Welder Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Conduct welding, straightening, sanding, painting, and refinishing work as required. * Collaborate ... Our average Body Shop A-Tech earns $70,000-$120,000 annually. Qualifications * Proven experience as ...

Body Shop Tech- A

Appleton, WI · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

Conduct welding, straightening, sanding, painting, and refinishing work as required. * Collaborate ... Our average Body Shop A-Tech earns $70,000-$120,000 annually. Qualifications * Proven experience as ...

Body Shop Tech- A or B

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Our average Body Shop A-Tech earns $70,000-$100,000 annually.QualificationsExperience in auto body ... Knowledge of body shop tools and equipment, including hand tools, sanders, and welders.Basic ...

Body Shop Tech- A or B

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Our average Body Shop A-Tech earns $70,000-$100,000 annually. Qualifications * Experience in auto ... Knowledge of body shop tools and equipment, including hand tools, sanders, and welders. * Basic ...

Our average Body Shop A-Tech earns $70,000-$100,000 annually. Qualifications * Experience in auto ... Knowledge of body shop tools and equipment, including hand tools, sanders, and welders. * Basic ...

Average Welder information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$13

$21

$30

How much do average welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for average welder in Appleton, WI is $21.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $24.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an average welder do?

An average welder is responsible for joining metal parts together using various welding techniques such as MIG, TIG, or arc welding. Their daily tasks include reading blueprints, preparing materials, setting up equipment, and ensuring welds meet quality and safety standards. Welders may work in industries like construction, manufacturing, or shipbuilding, and often perform inspections and repairs on their completed work. Attention to detail and safety is crucial in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a welder?

To thrive as a welder, you need proficiency in welding techniques, strong manual dexterity, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, sometimes supplemented by welding certifications. Familiarity with welding equipment, safety gear, blueprints, and industry-standard certifications like AWS (American Welding Society) are commonly required. Reliability, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help welders excel in team environments and adapt to varied tasks. These skills and qualifications are important to ensure safe, precise, and high-quality workmanship in demanding industrial settings.

What are some common challenges an average welder may face on the job?

Welders often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, managing exposure to heat and fumes, and ensuring precision in welds to meet safety standards. Adapting to various materials and welding techniques, as well as reading blueprints accurately, are also frequent demands. Additionally, welders may need to collaborate closely with other tradespeople and adjust to changing project timelines or priorities.

What is the difference between Average Welder vs Pipe Welder?

AspectAverage WelderPipe Welder
CertificationsWelding certificates (e.g., AWS, CWI)Specialized pipe welding certifications (e.g., ASME, API)
Work EnvironmentFactories, construction sites, general manufacturingOil & gas, pipeline, industrial plants
Industry UsageBroadly used across manufacturing sectorsPrimarily in pipeline and pressure vessel industries
SkillsBasic welding techniques, metal fabricationAdvanced pipe welding, precision, and safety protocols

While both roles involve welding, Pipe Welders specialize in joining pipes for pipelines and industrial systems, often requiring advanced certifications and precision. Average Welders perform general welding tasks across various industries, with broader but less specialized skills.

What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Average Welder jobs?

Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Average Welder job openings:

Metal Finisher Technician - 2nd Shift ($25.95/hr+)

Appleton, WI

Oshkosh Corporation
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$23.95/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Oshkosh Corporation rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About Pierce, an Oshkosh company

At Pierce Manufacturing, we build trucks that protect people and communities around the world. To our team, there is no room for anything less than providing the absolute best. Since 1913, building truck bodies on Model T Ford chassis in an old converted church has evolved to creating highly customized, carefully designed and engineering pumpers, aerials, tankers and rescue units that have no equal. Today, you'll find more than 30,000 Pierce apparatuses on the road that are making a difference in people's lives, every day. To us, every step in the process of building our trucks is personal. From innovation and expertise, to the customization and service. Our trucks are designed to perform under the toughest conditions.

With a career at Pierce Manufacturing, you can expect:
  • Competitive Pay - pay based on experience and education, minimum starting rate $23.95 per hour
    • 2nd Shift Premium of $2.00 per hour
    • Early Weekend Shift $5.00 per hour
    • Weekend Shift $6.50 per hour
    • Merit increases at 6 months, 12 months, and then annually
  • Comprehensive Benefit Package - Effective Day 1
    • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Disability benefits, 401k plan & company match, tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, paid vacation, paid holidays
  • Sign on bonus for production hires that live >50 miles from their assigned work location at time of hire
  • Job Stability
  • Opportunities for Career Growth
  • Hands-On Approach
  • Customer Focus
  • Culture for Fostering Teamwork
  • Respected Leaders
  • People First Culture
  • Hiring Immediately

Shift Overview:

  • Openings on all shifts with a majority of positions on 2nd shift and Early Weekend shift
  • Shift times and overtime hours vary dependent on position, department, and location
  • 2nd shift: Monday - Thursday, four 10 hour days, overtime worked at the end of shift and on Friday's with occasional Saturdays
  • 3rd shift: Sunday - Thursday, five 8 hour days. Overtime worked before the start of the shift and on Fridays with occasional Saturdays
  • Early Weekend shift: Thursday - Saturday, 12-hour days, work 36 hours, on average work 130 days per year, potential overtime during the week
  • Weekend shift: Friday - Sunday, 12-hour days, work 36 hours, on average work 130 days per year

Summary of Job Description:

The positions within an Automotive Finish Technician/Painter are responsible for preparing the surface of truck parts for painting. Workers operate hand and power tools/equipment for the metal finishing in order to prep, repair, and clean truck parts for the painting process. They may perform painting on truck parts if directed. Painters apply primer to truck parts/equipment. They may inspect the work of others along with fixing equipment and tools. They must communicate with co-workers to keep and maintain a clean and safe environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Communicate verbally with co-workers to keep a safe working environment
  • Follow instructions to complete tasks and keep a safe work environment
  • Metal finish, sand, grind, and tape surface of parts/equipment
  • Mix, apply, and remove body filler to uneven surfaces and defects in metal (scratches, gouges) to automotive standards
  • Understand parts, equipment, and tools used for the paint prepping process
  • Inspect and detect in equipment and parts for defects
  • Use of a computer to locate and read truck prints
  • Record inventory of parts that go into metal finishing rooms
  • Be responsive to needs of co-workers and supervisors
  • Sweep and clean work area, tools, and equipment
  • Lifting of parts and equipment
  • Transport truck parts to and from designated areas
  • Use hand and power tools to prep truck parts for the metal finishing/painting process
  • Push/pull carts filled with parts and equipment with the help of other co-workers to designated area for paint preparation
  • Caulking, taping, grinding weld, flattening weld, buffing and hanging of parts
  • Hand sand, file, cut, grind, tape, and repaint parts and equipment when necessary
  • Ability to rotate between painting, sanding, and taping parts and equipment if directed
  • Review of check sheets and notes

Marginal Work Functions

*These functions may be considered essential based on location, position, and other factors.

  • Work overtime if needed*
  • Painting and priming of truck parts as directed*
  • Climb onto roof of trucks to perform metal finishing duties*
  • Operation of a forklift and/or tractor to pick up parts for metal finishing process*
  • Use of a computer to read blue prints of truck or parts*
  • Use of 7-9 step ladders to spray primer and paint on top of truck parts*
  • Assist other co-workers with lifting parts and equipment with other co-workers*
  • Regulate paint kitchen, mixing of paint and dumping of waste paint*
  • Complete paint finishing tasks*
  • Apply primer to truck parts (e.g. truck frames, doors, and subassembly parts)*
  • Wipe down the body parts of a truck and apply multiple coats of paint to the part*
  • Bleed lines, apply sealer, and apply paint to parts*
  • Detect unpainted areas on a part and paint over it*
  • Spray paint and primer onto parts*

Basic Qualifications to complete Essential Functions

  • Proficient at reading checklists, paint codes, safety logs and JSA's

Preferred Qualifications to complete Essential Functions

  • High School Diploma or its equivalent
  • Three (3) or more years of experience in industrial painting or an evaluated equivalent
  • Ability to starting training to perform touch-up work
  • Ability to cross-train

Key Abilities Needed to Complete Essential Functions:

*All positions require the ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. Detailed physical job analysis available upon request.

  • Perform all assigned tasks
  • Demonstrate strong interpersonal communication skills
  • Recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions
  • Use and wear personal protective equipment as indicated by the task or environment
  • Hear safety alarms and other co-workers
  • Follow instructions from supervisors and other co-workers
  • Understand and identify safety issues
  • Maintain balance when walking and standing on potential slippery work floor
  • Maintain balance when climbing on a portable step, ladders, and trucks
  • Individually lift and manipulate parts/equipment weighing up to 35 pounds
  • Tolerate constant standing while performing tasks along with occasional awkward positions to complete the tasks
  • Have good hand eye coordination
  • Use both hands for tool operation, carrying of parts, and assisting co-workers with heavy lifting of parts
  • Distinguish the difference in various parts and equipment
  • Operate and access heavy equipment safely and effectively
  • Remember task sequence and safety constraints

Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any part of the recruitment process, please contact our talent acquisition team by email corporatetalentacquisition@oshkoshcorp.com.

Oshkosh Corporation is a merit-based Equal Opportunity Employer.Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application.

Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation's legal duty to furnish information.

Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.


What Oshkosh Corporation employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom