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Entry Level Welder Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Installer I - Entry Level Responsibilities: * Ability to work with hands for long periods of time ... weld and train ee's. Installer III - Advanced Level Responsibilities: * Must meet all level 1 ...

New

Mechanical Engineer

Decatur, IL · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

BSME, BSMET or equivalent degree with experience. * Entry level candidates and experienced ... Experience with manufacturing processes, assembly operations, machining, welding, or fabrication.

Entry Level Welder information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$13

$21

$30

How much do entry level welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level welder in Decatur, IL is $21.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.17 and $24.04 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Welder jobs in Decatur, IL? The most popular types of Welder jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Welder jobs in Decatur, IL? For Entry Level Welder jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Welder jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Welder jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Entry Level Welder jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Entry Level Welder job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Welder job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,911 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Installer I

SHUR-CO

Decatur, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Job Summary:
This role is essential in manufacturing and distribution settings, ensuring products are assembled correctly and prepared for delivery to customers.


Installer I – Entry Level
Responsibilities:

  • Ability to work with hands for long periods of time
  • Displays proficiency in manual nonpowered hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments such as measuring tape.
  • Be able to determine condition of tools
  • Must be able to properly stock material, parts, and sub-assemblies in their proper location protected from harm
  • Shows ability to accurately count items, understand unit of measures
  • Can read and understand work orders, sales orders, and drawings.
  • Must have hand tool competency, safely operate and become certified in both forklift and scissor lifts
  • Work in a fast-paced environment with fast changing priorities and report productivity to the Service Center Manager.
  • Proficiency in understanding drawings, blueprints, subassembly designs, work order and sales order docs, customer provided pictures, and overall dimensions.
  • Assemble items as instructed by Service Center Manager.
  • Lift raw materials, final products, and items packed for shipment, manually, or using hoist.
  • Operate machinery used in the production process or assist machine operators.
  • Ability to complete 2 of the following installations: side to side roll tarp systems, trap systems, front to back cable systems, Arm systems, SWAT, ShurTite

Installer II – Skilled Level
Responsibilities:

  • Must meet all level 1 requirements
  • Must have hand tool competency, safely operate and become certified in both forklift and scissor lifts, ability to complete 4 of the following installations: side to side roll tarp systems, trap systems, front to back cable systems, Arm systems, SWAT, ShurTite           and are able to weld and train ee's.

Installer III – Advanced Level
Responsibilities:

  • Must meet all level 1 requirements
  • Must meet all level 2 requirements
  • Must have hand tool competency, safely operate and become certified in both forklift and scissor lifts, ability to complete 6 of the following installations: side to side roll tarp systems, trap systems, front to back cable systems, Arm systems, SWAT, ShurTite           and are able to weld and train ee's.
  • Comfortable giving direction and or leading Peers.
  • Shows interest in learning additional skills.
  • Shows good decision-making skills without supervision.
  • Great people skills

Installer – Lead Position
Responsibilities:

  • Must meet all level 1 requirements
  • Must meet all level 2 requirements
  • Must meet all level 3 requirements
  • Exhibits strong potential for advancement into a leadership role within the company. Possesses at least 4 of the below skills and has the ability to be trained/coached in further leadership skills. Skill set includes:
    • Clear and Direct Communication: They consistently communicate instructions and information effectively, ensuring team clarity.
    • Active Listening: They demonstrate openness to feedback and make efforts to incorporate suggestions, fostering continuous improvement.
    • Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: They think quickly and critically to resolve unexpected issues and make sound decisions under pressure.
    • Technical Expertise: They possess a solid understanding of the manufacturing processes within their department, enabling them to provide informed guidance.
    • Team Trust and Influence: They have built trust among their peers, which is essential for motivating and leading teams. 
    • Proactive Time Management: They manage their tasks efficiently and take initiative by seeking additional work when their responsibilities are complete.
    • Safety Awareness: They consistently prioritize and promote a safe working environment.
    • Quality Focus: They ensure that standards are consistently met, maintaining high product and process quality.
    • Ability and willingness to cross train department employees and new employees.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong attendance and dependability by consistently reporting to work on time and completing assigned tasks accurately. They must be able to maintain a clean and organized work environment, follow all company policies and procedures, and apply a high level of attention to detail and focus. The ability to work collaboratively with team members to support productivity and operational efficiency is also essential.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

  • Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

REASONING ABILITY

  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES

Must be able to pass forklift certification test and drive a forklift.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
  • The employee frequently is required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 
  • The employee is occasionally required to sit. 
  • The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. 
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts.
  • The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; and vibration. 

SAFETY

Follow all safety directives and protocols at all times and help identify potential hazards or violations that should be addressed to ensure personnel and facility safety are maintained. 

QUALITY

Along with every other member of our team, always be cognizant of overall performance in every aspect of our business and help maintain a constant focus on quality assurance and continuous quality improvement. 

Other Duties as Assigned:

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Shur-Co LLC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.