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Class Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Austal USA

Welder - Manufacturing

Mobile, AL · On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Minimum of 1 year as a B-Class Welder at Austal producing advance fillet welds or 2 years of GMAW MIG aluminum welding and/or 2 years FCAW/GMAW steel welding experience at a comparable employer

Fairlead

Welder - Manufacturing

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Summary: A 1st Class welder is a highly skilled and experienced professional capable of performing complex welding, fabrication, and repair work with minimal supervision. Essential Duties and ...

Riley Power Group

Pipe Welder

Groton, CT · On-site

$25.75 - $31.75/hr

Position Overview The First-Class Welder is responsible for performing high-quality welding on a variety of materials and assemblies while meeting strict engineering specifications and safety ...

Fairlead

Welder - Hiring Now

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Summary: A 1st Class welder is a highly skilled and experienced professional capable of performing complex welding, fabrication, and repair work with minimal supervision. Essential Duties and ...

Integrity Staffing

GMAW-P (Pulse arc welding)

Newport News, VA · On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Four years of NNS or naval shipyard experience as a first class Welder . Required Skills: * Multi-pass. All position fillet and butt welds using the following processes: SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc ...

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How much do class welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for class welder in the United States is $24.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $27.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a class welder?

Class Welders are skilled tradespeople who specialize in joining metal parts together by applying heat and/or pressure using various welding techniques. The 'Class' designation typically refers to a specific skill level or certification required for the job, with higher classes indicating greater expertise or the ability to work with more complex materials and projects. Class Welders work in industries such as construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and automotive repair, often reading blueprints and following strict safety standards. Their work is crucial for building and repairing structures, machinery, and vehicles.

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

To thrive as a Class Welder, you need strong skills in blueprint reading, metal fabrication, and various welding techniques, typically supported by a welding certification or vocational training. Familiarity with welding equipment, safety gear, and industry standards like AWS or ASME codes is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure welds meet safety and quality standards, contributing to the integrity and reliability of finished structures.

What is the difference between Class Welder vs Pipe Welder?

AspectClass WelderPipe Welder
CertificationsTypically requires AWS or ASME certificationsRequires similar certifications, often specialized in pipe welding
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, manufacturing plants, general fabricationOil & gas, plumbing, pipeline construction
Industry UsageBroadly used across various industriesPrimarily in pipeline and fluid transport industries

Both Class Welders and Pipe Welders require similar certifications and often work in construction or manufacturing environments. However, Pipe Welders specialize in welding pipes for pipelines and fluid systems, making their work more focused on pipeline construction and maintenance. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the welding industry.

What are some common challenges class welders face when working on large-scale construction projects?

Class Welders on large construction sites often encounter challenges such as working in confined or elevated spaces, managing strict project deadlines, and adhering to rigorous safety protocols. Coordination with other trades and adapting to changing site conditions are also frequent aspects of the job. Effective communication and strong attention to detail help ensure welds meet quality standards and project specifications, while teamwork is critical for maintaining safety and efficiency on-site.

How to become a class welder?

To become a class welder, you typically need to complete a welding training program or apprenticeship that covers industry standards and safety protocols. Earning a certification from a recognized organization, such as the American Welding Society (AWS), is often required and involves passing practical and written exams. Gaining hands-on experience and developing skills with various welding techniques and tools are essential steps in the process.
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Class Welder jobs near you
Infographic showing various 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 $50,730 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Structural Welder

Project Management Quality Services

Newport News, VA • On-site

$38 - $45/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

$38.00-$45.00/hour
$120.00 per diem daily
Experience:
Four years commercial/naval experience as a first class Welder.
Required Skills:
  1. Multi-pass. All position fillet and butt welds using the following processes: SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding) and GMAW-P (Pulse Arc Welding).
  2. Heating - Oxygen/Propane Heating Torch.
  3. Experience working in a physically demanding environment (shipboard, sub-assemblies, ladders, staging, etc.).
  4. Familiarity with OSHA regulations relative to the shipbuilding industry.
  5. Air Carbon Arc Gouging.
  6. Ability to properly use fillet and butt weld gauges.

Welding Qualification:
All Welders will be required to pass all position, Multi-pass Butt Weld, Welder Qualification Tests prior to reporting for the first day of productive work. These tests will be in accordance with MIL-STD-248D Paragraph 5.3.3 and the following:
A. All position (Horizontal (2G), Vertical (3G), and Overhead (4G)) SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) process.
B. All position (Horizontal (2G), Vertical (3G), and Overhead (40)) FCAW (Flux Core Arc Welding) process.
C. Horizontal (2G) position GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) process.
D. Air Carbon Arc Gouging proficiency test.
The Welding School will administer the following tests:
  1. All Welding Qualification Tests in "A" (6 hours), "B" (12 hours), "C" (4 hours) above.
  2. Visual Inspection of Welds Level I (4 hours).
  3. Welders Vision Test (5 minutes).
  4. Air Carbon Arc Gouging Proficiency Test ( I hour).

Prior to performing work at Newport News all Welders must successfully pass, without training, the above tests at the Newport News welding school.
Prior to employment, all new hire candidates must pass a background check and hair follicle drug test.

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