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Class Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LEAD Staff

Shipyard Structural Welder

Marinette, WI · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Four years of NNS or naval shipyard 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 ...

Torrey Holistics

Shipyard Structural Welder

Marinette, WI · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Four years of NNS or naval shipyard 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 ...

RILEY POWER GROUP

Welder - Manufacturing

Groton, CT · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/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 ...

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 ...

Riley Power Group

Pipe Welder

Groton, CT

$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 ...

RILEY POWER GROUP

Pipe Welder

Groton, CT

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

RILEY POWER GROUP

Welder - Hiring Now

Groton, CT · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/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 ...

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Class Welder information

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How much do class welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 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 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.

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.

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 welding certification from a recognized organization, such as the American Welding Society (AWS), is often required, along with gaining hands-on experience in various welding techniques and environments.
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Class Welder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Class Welder job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,730 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Welder 1/Class - (35)-Portsmouth, Virginia

Smithfield, VA • On-site

Fairlead
Ship and Boat Building • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Fairleadexternal

$18.25 - $24/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

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 Responsibilities:
  • Perform a variety of welding processes, including FCAW (flux-core) and GTAW (TIG), on various metals such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
  • Expertly read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and weld symbols to determine job requirements and proper welding procedures.
  • Select, measure, and prepare metal stock. This includes using cutting and grinding equipment to clean, bevel, and fit parts together with high precision.
  • Lay out and mark dimensions and reference lines on material, using scribes, dividers, squares, tape / ruler, and protractors, applying knowledge of shop mathematics and layout techniques to develop and trace patterns of product or parts
  • Shape metal material over anvil, blocks, or other forms, using heat, and hand tools
  • Install assemblies in supportive framework according to blueprints, and sketches, using hand tools, power tools, and lifting, and handling devices
  • Inspect finished work to ensure it meets quality standards, specifications, and tolerances. This involves examining welds.
  • Proficiently set up and operate manual and semi-automatic welding equipment, as well as associated machinery like overhead cranes, forklifts, and grinders.
  • Perform basic and preventative maintenance on welding machines and other shop equipment.
  • Adhere strictly to all safety regulations, including wearing required personal protective equipment.

Qualifications:
  • Understand metallurgy and how different welding processes and heat affect various metals. Must be skilled in advanced problem-solving, planning welding sequences, and minimizing distortion.
  • Have a steady hand and strong manual dexterity to perform precision work and produce high-quality welds.
  • Effectively follow written and verbal instructions and communicate with supervisors and team members.

Minimum Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 3-5 years of welding experience preferred.

Physical Demands:
While performing these job duties, the employee is routinely required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; use fingers and hands to type or write; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; taste or smell. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
Work Environment:
This position is performed in a shop environment, with some local travel between facilities.

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