ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Welder Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

RJ Smith Construction

Be Seen First

Entry Level Welder

North Chesterfield, VA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Local Construction Company looking for an Entry Level Welder: Welder/fabricator Must learn Stick and Mig welding process Learn to use oxygen acetylene torch for cutting process Be able to use power ...

New

HII

WELDER/STRUCTURE ENTRY-LEVEL

Newport News, VA

$57K - $62K/yr

WELDER/STRUCTURE ENTRY-LEVEL Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: Jul 24, 2026 Req ID: 47504 Team: X18 WELDERS Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this ...

HII

$57K - $62K/yr

WELDER/STRUCTURE ENTRY-LEVEL Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: Jul 24, 2026 Req ID: 47504 Team: X18 WELDERS Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this ...

HII

Assistant Welder/Fitter - 28303

Chesapeake, VA

$35K - $38K/yr

Ability to Obtain Level of Experience: Entry Level This opportunity resides with Global Security ... The selected Assistant Welder/Fitter candidate will primarily support PM operations at the Woodlake ...

Moog, Inc.

Entry Level Machinist

Blacksburg, VA

$17 - $20/hr

Job Title : Entry Level Machinist Work Schedule: Onsite - Blacksburg, VA To be considered for the ... welding, guide setting, and blade replacement. * Complete required paperwork * Other duties as ...

Moog

Entry Level Machinist

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Job Title : Entry Level Machinist Work Schedule: Onsite - Blacksburg, VA To be considered for the ... welding, guide setting, and blade replacement. * Complete required paperwork * Other duties as ...

Moog, Inc.

Entry Level Machinist

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Job Title : Entry Level Machinist Work Schedule: Onsite - Blacksburg, VA To be considered for the ... welding, guide setting, and blade replacement. * Complete required paperwork * Other duties as ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWelder JobsEntry Level Welder JobsEntry Level Welder Jobs in Virginia

Entry Level Welder information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$22

$30

How much do entry level welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level welder in Virginia is $22.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $24.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do entry level welders make?

Entry-level welders typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $40,000. Wages can vary based on location, industry, and whether the welder has certifications or specialized skills such as MIG or TIG welding.

How to get a first job as an entry level welder?

To secure an entry-level welder position, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a welding training program or apprenticeship to develop basic skills. Certifications such as the AWS Certified Welder can improve job prospects, and gaining experience with common tools like MIG or TIG welders is beneficial; applying to local manufacturing, construction, or fabrication companies is a common approach.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level welder?

To thrive as an Entry Level Welder, you need basic welding knowledge, manual dexterity, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with welding equipment, ability to read blueprints, and certifications like AWS Certified Welder are commonly required. Reliability, willingness to learn, and teamwork are important soft skills that help new welders succeed. These skills and qualities ensure safe, accurate, and efficient work in manufacturing, construction, and repair environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Welder vs Apprentice Welder?

AspectEntry Level WelderApprentice Welder
CertificationsBasic welding certifications often preferredTypically working towards certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, construction, fabrication shopsOn-the-job training in similar environments
ExperienceMinimal or no prior experience requiredTraining phase, learning skills on the job
Job RolePerforming basic welding tasks under supervisionLearning and assisting with welding tasks

Entry Level Welders are ready to perform basic welding tasks with minimal experience, often holding certifications. Apprentice Welders are in training, gaining hands-on experience under supervision to develop their skills. Both roles are common in manufacturing and construction industries, but apprentices focus on learning and certification attainment.

Can I get an entry level welder job with no experience?

Entry level welder positions often do not require prior experience, but employers typically look for basic skills in welding techniques, knowledge of safety procedures, and the ability to operate welding equipment. Completing a welding training program or obtaining a certification can improve chances of employment, even without previous work experience.

What are some common challenges entry level welders face during their first year on the job?

Entry level welders often encounter challenges such as adapting to different welding techniques, maintaining safety standards, and working efficiently under supervision. Many find it takes time to perfect steady hand movements and to read blueprints or technical drawings accurately. Additionally, adjusting to the physical demands of welding—like standing for long hours or working in confined spaces—can be tough initially. However, with guidance from experienced team members and consistent practice, most new welders overcome these hurdles and become proficient in their roles.
More about Entry Level Welder jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Welder jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Welder jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Welder jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Welder jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Welder jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Welder jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Welder jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Welder job openings:
Entry Level Welder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Welder job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,904 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Entry Level Welder

Automation Personnel Services

Fredericksburg, VA

$18/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Entry Level Welder
Automation Personnel Services is looking for an Entry Level Welder for a company based in Fredericksburg, VA. In this role, you will primarily be responsible for assisting in various welding tasks under the guidance of experienced welders and supervisors.
 
Pay Rate 
$18.00 plus depending on experience
 
Schedule and Hours 
Monday through Friday, 6:30am – 3:00pm
 
Entry-Level Welder Duties and Responsibilities 
  • Assist experienced welders in setting up welding equipment, preparing materials, and performing welding tasks according to specifications.
  • Assist in the preparation of materials for welding, including cutting, grinding, and cleaning metal surfaces as necessary.
  • Learn and apply basic welding techniques under the guidance of experienced welders, including MIG, TIG, and stick welding processes.
  • Adhere to safety protocols and procedures at all times to maintain a safe working environment. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow safe work practices.
     
Entry-Level Qualifications and Requirements 
  • Completion of a welding vocational program or coursework in welding technology.
  • Familiarity with basic welding equipment and tools.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
  • Safety-conscious attitude and awareness of potential hazards in a welding environment.
     
Job Type 
Full-time, temp-to-hire
 
Benefits 
Paid Leave
Employee and Dependent medical/dental/vision insurance
Short- and Long-Term Disability
 
Click Apply Now to submit your application or call us at 540.548.9051 to learn more. You can also apply in person at our office located at: 
 
Automation Personnel Services Fredericksburg Branch
1340 Central Park Boulevard
Suite 104
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Bonus Opportunity!
We are also offering a $50.00 referral bonus. Both employee and referral must stay on assignment for 30 days to receive the payout.
 
About Automation Personnel Services
Automation Personnel Services is a highly recognized staffing agency with over 30 years of experience in manufacturing and light-industrial staffing. Our accolades include:
  • 11-time consecutive winner of the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Client Award (2016-2026).
  • Winner of the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Talent Award (2019-2026).
  • Recipient of the Safety Standard of Excellence Award by the American Staffing Association.
  • Named one of the Best Staffing Companies to Work For by CIO Views Magazine.
  • Named one of America’s Best Temp Staffing Firms by Forbes (2025).
  • Consistently ranked among the top U.S. staffing agencies by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA).
 
Get that New Job Feeling! Apply Today!
Equal Opportunity Employer
APSFredericksburg
 
Automation Personnel Services logo

About Automation Personnel Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Automation Personnel Services is an award-winning staffing agency with more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing and light-industrial staffing. Automation Personnel Services is the winner of the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Talent Award in 2019-2022, and the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Client Award for seven straight years, 2016-2022. Automation Personnel Services is also the recipient of the Safety Standard of Excellence Award by the American Staffing Association.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Birmingham, AL, US

Year founded

1990

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Automation Personnel Services Jobs

Apply