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Entry Level Welding Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Welding information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$16

$32

$49

How much do entry level welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level welding in Santa Rosa, CA is $32.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.48 and $37.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is entry level welding?

Entry level welding jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to the welding trade, typically requiring little to no prior professional experience. These roles often involve assisting experienced welders, performing basic welding tasks, and learning safety procedures on the job. Entry level welders may work in industries such as manufacturing, construction, or automotive repair, and are usually expected to have completed a welding training program or certification. The main goal of these positions is to gain practical experience and develop foundational welding skills. Over time, entry level welders can advance to more specialized or supervisory roles as they gain expertise.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Welder, you need a solid understanding of welding techniques, basic metallurgy, and safety protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma and vocational training or certification. Familiarity with welding tools, such as MIG, TIG, or arc welders, and the ability to read blueprints are commonly required in this role. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a strong work ethic are critical soft skills that set candidates apart. These skills ensure the production of high-quality welds, safe work practices, and reliable job performance in industrial and construction settings.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level welders in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level welders often face challenges such as mastering different welding techniques, adapting to safety protocols, and building physical stamina for long hours of hands-on work. It can also be challenging to interpret technical drawings or work in varying environments, from workshops to outdoor sites. To overcome these hurdles, new welders should seek guidance from experienced colleagues, take advantage of on-the-job training, and prioritize practicing their skills regularly. Staying proactive about safety and asking questions when unsure can help build confidence and competence in the role.

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

AspectEntry Level WeldingApprentice Welder
CertificationsBasic welding certifications often preferredTypically required to begin apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, manufacturing plants, workshopsOn-the-job training in similar environments
Employer UsageEntry-level positions for beginnersTraining role within a company or union
Search IntentStarting welding career, entry-level jobsLearning welding skills, apprenticeship programs

Entry Level Welding and Apprentice Welder roles both serve as starting points in the welding industry. While entry level welders perform basic welding tasks with some certification, apprentice welders are in training, gaining skills under supervision. The main difference lies in experience and training stage, with apprentices focusing on learning before becoming fully qualified welders.

How do I get an entry level welding job with no experience?

Entry level welding jobs typically require a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of a welding training program or certification, such as the AWS Certified Welder. Gaining hands-on experience through apprenticeships, internships, or volunteering can improve your chances, and developing skills in safety, reading blueprints, and using welding tools is essential.

What is a good entry-level welder?

A good entry-level welder typically has basic knowledge of welding techniques, safety procedures, and the use of common tools like MIG or stick welders. Certification such as the AWS Certified Welder can improve job prospects, and hands-on experience or apprenticeships are valuable for gaining skills in a manufacturing or construction environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Welding jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Welding jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Welding jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

For Entry Level Welding jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Welding jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Welding jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Entry Level Welding jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Entry Level Welding job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Welding job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $67,744 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Traffic Control Flagger- North Coast

Petaluma, CA

Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Utilities • 10K+ employees

$28.05/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Pacific Gas and Electric Company rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Requisition ID # 173199 

Job Category: Maintenance / Construction / Operations 

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Energy Delivery

Work Type: Onsite

Job Location: Petaluma; American Canyon

Department Overview

Gas Operations oversees the natural gas transmission and distribution operations. The team maintains and operates 6,700 miles of gas transmission pipeline, 43,000 miles of distribution main, 3.6 million gas services, three PG&E-owned storage facilities with 102 BCF capacity, nine compressor stations with 175K HP, and 5,000 measurement and control facilities. Gas Operations is comprised of approximately 6,000 coworkers.

Position Summary

This is an IBEW Local 1245 represented classification, which has over 100 years of experience representing employees at PG&E and is subject to collective bargaining.

We are looking for an energetic and career-oriented individual to join our Energy Delivery, Gas Transmission & Distribution General Construction team. The position is an entry level position with advancement opportunities for motivated individuals who perform successfully. Work is predominantly outdoors and in all weather conditions.

A General Construction employee whose principal duties consist of implementing traffic control plans per applicable standards and other duties they are qualified to perform. May also perform sweeping and job site clean-up, 911 Stand by duties, excavation of underground facilities and backfilling utilizing appropriate hand tools.

 In a General Construction position, individuals must be able to travel and transfer to a new headquarters upon request at any time; throughout the entire PG&E service territory with no guarantees as to how long you will be away from home.

This position will be used to fill vacancies throughout our PG&E Service territory in North Coast region and may be headquartered in Petaluma, American Canyon and other locations based on business needs. This is subject to change based on business needs.

PG&E is providing the hourly rate that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This position is subject to collectively bargained hourly wage rates and increases. The starting wage rate for this position is $28.05 per hour.  This wage rate is specific to the locality of the job. The wage rate is based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, collective bargaining agreements, and internal equity. 

Per Letter of Agreement R1-22-04-PGE, an employee will be in a 2-year commitment in the Traffic Control Line of Progression.

This position is a DOT (Department of Transportation) covered classification and is subject to random drug and/or alcohol screening.

Job Responsibilities

  • Implements traffic control plans per applicable standards per California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices standards
  • May perform sweeping and job site clean-up
  • May perform 911 Stand-by duties
  • May perform excavation of underground facilities and backfilling utilizing appropriate hand tools

Qualifications

Minimum:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment
  • Ability to maintain a valid CA Class C License
  •  Must be able to lead and manage small scale traffic control projects

Desired:

  • ATSSA-American Traffic Safety Services Association TCT-Traffic Control Technician
  • Knowledge and ability to implementation of Traffic Control Plans (TCP's) per California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD) standards
  • General knowledge in implementation of Traffic Control Plans (TCP's) per California Manual of Uniform
  • General knowledge in the basecamp setup and operations
  • Previous Military experience.
  • Previous experience in construction such as:  Underground Utility, Trenching Equipment, Welding, Carpentry, Plumbing, exc.
  • Graduation from a PowerPathway Program is preferred.
  • Current or past work experience with PG&E and/or Hiring Hall.
  • To better represent the communities, we serve within a timely manner, applicants who live within 50 miles of the headquarter location will be given preference

Training Requirements

Successful completion of the following:

Traffic Control Training Program (ATSSA, TECH-0004)

Pre-Employment Testing

PG&E Employees: You must have qualified on all prerequisite tests prior to submitting an application, and all secondary tests prior to interviewing. For more information on prerequisite and secondary exams, including study guides, please visit the Pre-employment testing program website.

  • Physical Test Battery
  • Post-Offer Physical Assessment: Traffic Operations Line of Progression
  • Work Orientation Inventory-Physical/Technical Driving

What Pacific Gas and Electric Company employees say

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