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Cat Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Repair, recondition, weld, fabricate, service and prepare CAT and other Empire line allied machines and components for delivery. Diagnose and troubleshoot malfunctions and failures of machines ...

Lead Technician

El Campo, TX · On-site

$37K - $48K/yr

Start your career with Mustang Cat - one of America's Greatest Midsize Workplaces of 2025! Posted ... Welding experience Heavy Equipment and Diesel Technician/Mechanic levels and compensation rates are ...

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Cat Welding information

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$15

$23

$34

How much do cat welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for cat welding in the United States is $23.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Cat Welders when working on heavy equipment repairs?

Cat Welders often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, handling large and irregularly shaped components, and performing precision welds on thick materials. These tasks require advanced welding techniques and strict adherence to safety protocols, especially when repairing critical parts of heavy machinery. Collaboration with mechanics and engineers is essential to ensure repairs meet quality standards and equipment is restored to optimal working condition.

What's the starting pay at Caterpillar?

For welding positions at Caterpillar, the starting pay typically ranges from $15 to $20 per hour, depending on experience and location. Entry-level welders may also receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, with opportunities for advancement and skill development in heavy equipment manufacturing environments.

How much does Caterpillar pay for welders?

Caterpillar welders typically earn between $20 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled welders with certifications such as AWS or ASME may earn higher wages, especially in manufacturing or construction environments where heavy equipment is involved.

Can you make $100,000 as a welder?

Cat welding, like other specialized welding roles, can potentially earn $100,000 or more annually with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries such as construction or manufacturing. Achieving this income often requires certifications, such as AWS welding certifications, and working in high-paying regions or overtime shifts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cat (Caterpillar) Welder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cat Welder, you need strong welding skills, knowledge of metal fabrication, and a relevant welding certification such as AWS or equivalent. Familiarity with MIG, TIG, and stick welding equipment, as well as the ability to read blueprints and use measuring tools, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These skills ensure precise, high-quality welds and safe, efficient production of heavy equipment components.

Is it hard to get hired at Caterpillar?

Cat Welding jobs can be competitive, requiring relevant skills, certifications, and experience in welding and heavy equipment. Candidates often need to demonstrate safety awareness and technical proficiency, with some positions favoring prior industry experience. The hiring process may include skills assessments and background checks.

What is cat welding?

Cat welding refers to welding work performed on Caterpillar (CAT) heavy equipment, such as excavators, bulldozers, and loaders. This job involves repairing and fabricating metal parts on these machines to ensure their structural integrity and proper function. Cat welders use specialized techniques and equipment to handle the specific metals and stresses found in heavy machinery. They may work in the field or in repair shops, and safety and precision are crucial aspects of the job.

What is the difference between Cat Welding vs Pipe Welding?

AspectCat WeldingPipe Welding
CertificationsTypically AWS or CWI certifications, specialized in structural or fabrication weldingOften requires API, ASME, or AWS certifications specific to pipe welding
Work EnvironmentFactories, construction sites, manufacturing plantsOil & gas facilities, refineries, pipelines
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, heavy equipmentOil & gas, energy, pipeline industries
Common TasksStructural welding, fabrication, assemblyPipe joining, welding pipes in various positions

While both Cat Welding and Pipe Welding involve welding skills, Cat Welding focuses on structural and fabrication work in manufacturing environments, whereas Pipe Welding specializes in joining pipes, often in the oil and gas industry. Certifications and work environments overlap but differ based on specific industry requirements.

What cities are hiring for Cat Welding jobs? Cities with the most Cat Welding job openings:
What states have the most Cat Welding jobs? States with the most job openings for Cat Welding jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cat Welding jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cat Welding jobs are:
Infographic showing various Cat Welding job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,390 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
MacAllister CAT Service Technician

MacAllister CAT Service Technician

MacAllister Machinery

Saginaw, MI

$24 - $45/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


MacAllister Machinery rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 142 rated vehicle equipment hire


Job description

Description

2nd shift 

A MacAllister CAT Service Technician is the heart of our business. You will work on and, at times, lead service and maintenance tasks of our customers’ equipment while continuing to learn as well as looking out for oneself and others' safety at the workplace.

Responsibilities

Your daily tasks will include, but will not be limited to, some of the following activities:

  • Diagnose problems with equipment/engines using a variety of methods and tools
  • Perform Preventive Maintenance work on customer products
  • Service/repair work on items diagnosed ranging from mechanical to electrical work
  • Identify and source any parts required for repair or service
  • Complete a detailed service report
  • Cleaning and painting of equipment as necessary

Qualifications

To be considered for a position as a MacAllister CAT Service Technician, you should have:

  • Minimum 2-5 years of Heavy Construction or On-Highway Diesel Engine diagnosis and repair experience
  • Highly motivated and able to learn new tasks, processes and policies

Preferred qualifications:

  • Prior experience using CAT ET or similar electronic diagnostics tool
  • Experience writing detailed service reports on internal/external customer equipment
  • High School Diploma or Vocational College degree in some of the following areas:
    • Diesel Technology
    • Heavy Equipment Repair
    • Welding Technology

Compensation: $24.00 to $45.00 per hour 
2nd Shift Position 
Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental
  • 401(k) 
  • Basic and optional Life Insurance (dependent upon employment status)
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance (dependent upon employment status)
  • Holidays and paid time off
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Company-Sponsored Training Program
  • Company-Provided Uniforms
  • Safety Shoes and Glasses Reimbursement Program
  • Technician Tool Reimbursement Program

Disclaimer

Any Duties and Responsibilities described within the Careers Page are not a comprehensive list and the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.

All MacAllister Machinery companies are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, including Disabled and Veteran applicants.

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