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Chief Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Perform complex welding tasks effectively using wire feed gun (flux core) and stick welding (7018 ... Bring any technical problems encountered to the attention of the Repair Crew Chief and assist in ...

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Chief Welder information

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$33K

$124.4K

$200.5K

How much do chief welder jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief welder in the United States is $124,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Chief Welder vs Weld Supervisor?

AspectChief WelderWeld Supervisor
CertificationsCertified Welder, AWS certificationsCertified Welding Inspector, AWS certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site welding, fabrication, and repairSupervising welding teams, quality control
Roles & ResponsibilitiesPerforming complex welds, ensuring weld qualityOverseeing welding operations, enforcing safety standards

The Chief Welder primarily focuses on executing and overseeing welding tasks, ensuring quality and safety. The Weld Supervisor manages the welding team, coordinates projects, and enforces standards. While both roles require welding certifications, the Chief Welder is more hands-on, whereas the Weld Supervisor emphasizes supervision and management.

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

To thrive as a Chief Welder, you need advanced welding expertise, in-depth knowledge of welding codes and standards, and typically a certification such as AWS Certified Welder or similar. Familiarity with various welding techniques (MIG, TIG, Stick), blueprint reading, and the use of welding inspection tools is essential. Leadership, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills help you effectively manage teams and ensure quality work. These skills are crucial for maintaining safety, achieving project specifications, and leading welding teams in demanding industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by a chief welder, and how can they be addressed?

Chief Welders often encounter challenges such as managing a diverse team of welders with varying skill levels, ensuring strict adherence to safety standards, and meeting tight project deadlines. Successfully addressing these issues requires strong leadership, clear communication, and a thorough understanding of welding codes and best practices. Regular training sessions, open feedback channels, and close collaboration with project managers and quality inspectors help maintain high standards and efficiency within the welding team.

What is a chief welder?

Chief Welders are experienced professionals who oversee welding operations in industrial, construction, or manufacturing settings. They are responsible for supervising welding teams, ensuring that all welding work meets safety and quality standards, and coordinating with engineers and project managers. Chief Welders also inspect completed welds, provide training to junior welders, and help troubleshoot technical issues. Their expertise is crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of welded structures or products.
More about Chief Welder jobs
Infographic showing various Chief Welder job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,409 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


NOV rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

174th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Perform complex welding tasks effectively using wire feed gun (flux core) and stick welding (7018) and TIG welding processes
  • Responsible for layout, fit up and fabrication of complex, difficult structural forms
  • Accurately interpret complex engineering drawings
  • Fabricate complex jigs and fixtures as necessary to produce products that meet or exceed expected quality
  • Accurately interpret and follow proscribed weld procedures
  • Work accurately and efficiently with little supervision
  • Safely and accurately operate oxygen/acetylene cutting torch
  • Accurately interpret and follow information on work routers
  • Bring any technical problems encountered to the attention of the Repair Crew Chief and assist in solving those problems
  • Responsible for using safe work practices
  • Work towards improving efficiency and achieving delivery goals
  • Follow all applicable company policies, procedures and programs including but not limited to the process map, support processes, safety and environmental requirement.
  • Other duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to stand for prolonged periods (up to 8 hours)
  • Ability to comply with required safety programs, including respirator fit testing, medical evaluations, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
  • High School graduate or GED preferred
  • Minimum of 5 years experience welding in shop or field environment
  • Must be able to successfully pass 6G weld bend test in all FCAW, SMAW, GMAW and TIG
  • Experience mentoring others in performing lay out, fit up, welding and inspecting is a plus

COMPETITIVE BENEFITS: (visit usbenefits.nov.com for more information about our benefits offerings)
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan - NOV matches every dollar up to 5% of base pay and overtime for every dollar you invest.
  • Competitive medical plans that are effective your date of hire. Visit usbenefits.nov.com/cost-for-coverage for more information.
  • FREE MDLIVE virtual visits (when enrolled in an NOV medical plan).
  • FREE preventative medical and dental care for the entire family (when enrolled in an NOV medical/dental plan and seeing an in-network physician).
  • FREE Basic Life and AD&D insurance at 2 times your annual salary (for full-time employees).
  • All regular full-time employees start with 3 weeks of paid vacation per year (prorated based on start date). Pre-NOV relevant experience (years of service) may be considered for vacation accruals.
  • All regular full-time employees receive up to 11 paid holidays per year.

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About NOV

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Throughout every region in the world and across every area of drilling and production, our family of companies has provided the technical expertise, advanced equipment and operational support necessary for success. We have the people, capabilities and vision to serve the needs of a challenging and evolving industry. One the world can’t live without. We are a global family of thousands of individuals, working as one team to create lasting impact for ourselves, our customers and the communities where we live and work. We take responsibility for each other and our company’s future, knowing that personal ownership leads to broader success. We believe in purposeful innovation because we see what others do not and we act. Through business innovation, product creation and service delivery, we are driven to power the industry that powers the world better.

Industry

Oil and gas extraction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1841