ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Mig Welding Jobs in Decatur, TX (NOW HIRING)

All JobsMig Welding JobsEntry Level Mig Welding JobsEntry Level Mig Welding Jobs in Decatur, TX

Entry Level Mig Welding information

See Decatur, TX salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do entry level mig welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level mig welding in Decatur, TX is $18.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $19.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level MIG welding job?

Entry level MIG welding jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to metal inert gas (MIG) welding. These roles typically involve assisting experienced welders, learning the basics of welding techniques, and performing simple welding tasks under supervision. Entry level welders are often responsible for preparing materials, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety standards are met. Over time, they gain hands-on experience and skills that can lead to more advanced welding positions. Training is often provided on the job, though some employers may require completion of a welding certification course.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level MIG welder, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level MIG Welder, you need a basic understanding of welding techniques, safety procedures, and blueprint reading, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with MIG welding machines, hand tools, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is typically required, and certifications like AWS Certified Welder can be beneficial. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a strong work ethic are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for producing quality welds, maintaining a safe work environment, and meeting production standards.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level MIG welders, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level MIG welders often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent weld quality, mastering proper machine settings, and working efficiently under time constraints. To overcome these, it's important to practice regularly, seek feedback from experienced colleagues, and pay close attention to safety protocols. Many shops provide mentorship or on-the-job training, which helps new welders build confidence and refine their technique. Staying proactive about learning and asking questions can greatly accelerate skill development and help you advance within the team.

What is the difference between Entry Level Mig Welding vs Entry Level Tig Welding?

AspectEntry Level Mig WeldingEntry Level Tig Welding
CertificationsBasic welding certifications, such as AWS D1.1Similar certifications, often including AWS certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, construction sitesPrecision work in industries like aerospace, automotive, or artistic fabrication
Industry UsageHeavy industry, large-scale fabricationHigh-precision projects, smaller-scale fabrication

Entry Level Mig Welding and Entry Level Tig Welding share similar certifications and work environments, but Mig welding is typically used for faster, large-scale fabrication, while Tig welding offers more precision for detailed work. Both roles are foundational in manufacturing and construction industries.

Is entry level MIG welding good for beginners?

Entry level MIG welding is suitable for beginners because it is a straightforward process that uses a semi-automatic wire feed and shielding gas, making it easier to learn compared to other welding methods. Basic skills such as proper setup, safety procedures, and hand-eye coordination are essential, and many training programs are designed to help newcomers develop these skills quickly.

What is a good entry-level MIG welder?

A good entry-level MIG welder for beginners is typically a machine with a simple interface, adjustable voltage and wire feed speed, and compatibility with common shielding gases like CO2 or argon-CO2 mixes. Popular models include the Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy, Hobart Handler 140, and Forney Easy Weld 261, which are known for reliability and ease of use. Certification and safety training are also important for entry-level welders to develop proper skills and meet industry standards.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Mig Welding jobs in Decatur, TX?

For Entry Level Mig Welding jobs in Decatur, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Mig Welding jobs in Decatur, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Mig Welding jobs in Decatur, TX are:

What cities near Decatur, TX are hiring for Entry Level Mig Welding jobs?

Cities near Decatur, TX with the most Entry Level Mig Welding job openings:

Entry Level Mig Welding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Mig Welding job openings in Decatur, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,477 per year, or $18 per hour.

MIG Welding Trainer starting at $60k/annually or more DOE

ANCHOR FABRICATION PARTNERSHIP LTD

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

$60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:
The MIG Welding Trainer / Coach is responsible for developing and advancing the skills of entry-level welders (Level 1) to achieve Level 2 and Level 3 welding competency standards. This position combines hands-on welding expertise with coaching, mentoring, skills assessment, and performance development to improve weld quality, productivity, safety, and employee performance within a metal fabrication environment.
The successful candidate will deliver structured training, hands-on demonstrations, practical skills assessments, and ongoing coaching to ensure welders meet company quality standards, customer specifications, safety requirements, and industry best practices.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Internal Relationships: All Departments
External Relationships: Occasional and incidental contact with customers or prospective customers
Primary Responsibilities:
Training & Development
  • Develop and deliver structured welding training programs for Level 1 welders.
  • Provide classroom, demonstration, and hands-on welding instruction.
  • Demonstrate proper welding techniques, machine setup, fixture use, material preparation, and weld inspection methods.
  • Train employees on various welding positions, joint configurations, material types, and fabrication applications.
  • Develop individual training and development plans to support progression from Level 1 to Level 2 and Level 3 competency.
  • Identify skill gaps and provide targeted coaching, retraining, and corrective instruction.
  • Maintain current knowledge of welding processes, equipment, techniques, and industry standards.

Coaching & Mentoring
  • Provide one-on-one mentoring and hands-on coaching on the production floor.
  • Observe welder performance and provide timely, constructive feedback.
  • Build employee confidence, technical capability, and accountability.
  • Support new-hire onboarding and initial welding skill development.
  • Foster a positive learning environment focused on safety, craftsmanship, quality, and continuous improvement.
  • Serve as a technical resource and role model for welding employees.

Skills Assessment & Progression
  • Conduct welding tests, practical evaluations, and competency assessments.
  • Evaluate weld quality against company standards, specifications, and applicable welding procedures.
  • Maintain accurate training records, qualification results, skills matrices, and progression documentation.
  • Track individual employee development and identify opportunities for continued improvement.
  • Provide recommendations for advancement to higher welding levels based on demonstrated competency and performance.

Quality Improvement
  • Train welders to identify, prevent, and correct common weld defects, including:
    • Porosity
    • Undercut
    • Lack of fusion
    • Burn-through
    • Excessive spatter
    • Incomplete penetration
  • Partner with Quality and Production teams to reduce defects, rework, and scrap.
  • Reinforce best practices for weld preparation, fit-up, machine settings, and inspection.
  • Identify recurring quality issues and recommend training or process improvements.
  • Support standardization of welding techniques and work practices across the team.

Safety Leadership
  • Reinforce company safety policies, procedures, and OSHA requirements related to welding and fabrication.
  • Train employees on proper PPE, equipment operation, ventilation, fire prevention, and safe welding practices.
  • Promote hazard awareness, proper housekeeping, and safe work practices.
  • Lead by example and immediately address unsafe behaviors or conditions.
  • Participate in safety audits, investigations, and corrective actions as needed.

Production & Operational Support
  • Partner with Production leadership to identify workforce development needs.
  • Assist with workforce planning and welding skill assessments.
  • Provide production support during peak workloads or staffing needs when necessary.
  • Recommend process improvements that enhance productivity, efficiency, quality, and employee capability.
  • Assist in developing and maintaining standardized welding procedures, work instructions, and training materials.
  • Collaborate with supervisors, Quality, Engineering, and other departments to resolve technical or production-related issues.

Minimum Requirements:
Required
  • Minimum 5 years of MIG/GMAW welding experience in a manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to weld carbon steel, stainless steel, and other commonly used fabrication materials.
  • Strong knowledge of welding symbols, blueprints, fabrication drawings, and welding specifications.
  • Previous experience training, coaching, mentoring, or developing employees.
  • Ability to evaluate weld quality and identify common welding defects.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and coaching skills with the ability to work effectively with employees at varying skill levels.
  • Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.
  • Certified Welder through AWS, CWB, or equivalent certification.
  • Previous experience as a Welding Instructor, Trainer, Lead Welder, Lead Hand, or Welding Supervisor.
  • Experience developing training programs, skills matrices, competency assessments, or career progression plans.
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Experience working with Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and related documentation.

Technical Skills
  • MIG/GMAW welding processes
  • Welding machine setup, operation, and troubleshooting
  • Blueprint and fabrication drawing interpretation
  • Welding symbols and specifications
  • Weld inspection and defect identification
  • Metal fabrication processes
  • Weld preparation and fit-up
  • Grinding and finishing techniques
  • Measurement and quality control tools
  • Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)
  • Welding equipment and consumable selection
  • Basic troubleshooting of welding equipment and processes

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Success in this role may be measured through:
  • Number and percentage of welders successfully progressing from Level 1 to Level 2 and Level 3.
  • Reduction in weld defects, rework, and scrap.
  • Training completion and competency assessment rates.
  • Improvement in welding productivity and first-pass quality.
  • Safety compliance and reduction in preventable incidents.
  • Employee skill development and training effectiveness.
  • Employee retention and engagement within the welding team.
  • Successful implementation of standardized training and welding practices.

Environmental/Physical Requirements with or without Accommodation:
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kg).
  • Frequent bending, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and working in various positions.
  • Ability to work safely around welding equipment, fabrication machinery, heat, fumes, noise, and metal materials.
  • Ability to wear required PPE, including welding helmet, gloves, protective clothing, respiratory protection when required, hearing protection, eye protection, and safety footwear.
  • Ability to work in a manufacturing/fabrication environment with varying temperatures and conditions.

Core Competencies
  • Technical Welding Expertise
  • Coaching & Mentoring
  • Training & Development
  • Quality Focus
  • Safety Leadership
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Teamwork & Collaboration
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Accountability & Leadership

All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.

Apply