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First Class Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gulf Copper LLC

1st Class Welder

Galveston, TX · On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

A welder must understand welding procedures and parameters. * Can comprehend and utilize blueprints, sketches, drawings, and technical. Manuals, gouge, and work process instruction. * Welds steel ...

Gulf Copper LLC

1st Class Welder

Galveston, TX · On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

A welder must understand welding procedures and parameters. * Can comprehend and utilize blueprints, sketches, drawings, and technical. Manuals, gouge, and work process instruction. * Welds steel ...

Hutco Inc

Structural Welder

Tampa, FL · On-site

$29/hr

Position: 1st Class Structural Welder Job Location: Tampa, FL. Hutco Branch: Tampa, FL. Rate of Pay: $29 to $29 per hour and $120.00 Daily Per Diem for those who qualify DESCRIPTION: Currently ...

Hutco Inc

Structural Welder

Tampa, FL · On-site

$29/hr

Position: 1st Class Structural Welder Job Location: Tampa, FL. Hutco Branch: Tampa, FL. Rate of Pay: $29 to $29 per hour and $120.00 Daily Per Diem for those who qualify DESCRIPTION: Currently ...

Fairlead Integrated

Welder 1/Class

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$29.20 - $43.80/hr

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:

Fairlead

Welder 1/Class - (35)

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

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 ...

B&D Contracting

1st Class Pipe Welder

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Pipe Welder with a minimum of 3 years of TIG/Flux pipe welding experience in a 1st class shipyard environment . Candidates must have hands-on copper nickel ...

B&D Contracting

1st Class Fluxcore Welder

Morgan City, LA · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

1st Class Flux Core Welder (FCAW) - Full-Time Day Shift Location: Morgan City, LA Shift: Day Shift Position: Full-Time Summary Seeking experienced 1st Class Flux Core Welders (FCAW) for a busy ...

B&D Contracting

1st Class Pipe Welder

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Pipe Welder with a minimum of 3 years of TIG/Flux pipe welding experience in a 1st class shipyard environment . Candidates must have hands-on copper nickel ...

New

B&D Contracting

1st Class Structural Welder

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Job Title: 1st Class Structural Welder (Welder A) Location: Pascagoula, MS Job Type: Full-Time Position Summary We are seeking an experienced 1st Class Structural Welder (Welder A) to join our team ...

Fairlead

Welder 1/Class - (35)

Portsmouth, VA

$19 - $25/hr

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 ...

Fairlead

Welder 1/Class - (35)

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

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 ...

B&D Contracting

1st Class Structural Welder

Lockport, LA · On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

1st Class Structural Welder Location: Lockport, LA Schedule: Day Shift Employment Type: Full-Time Job Summary Seeking an experienced 1st Class Structural Welder for our Lockport, LA yard.

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First Class Welder information

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How much do first class welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for first class welder in the United States is $22.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first class welder?

First Class Welders are highly skilled tradespeople who specialize in joining metal parts using various welding techniques such as arc, MIG, TIG, or gas welding. They are typically required to work on complex projects, read blueprints, and follow strict safety and quality standards. First Class Welders often have years of experience, advanced certifications, and are capable of handling both fabrication and repair tasks in industries like construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and oil and gas. Their expertise ensures strong, precise, and durable welds on critical structures and equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first class welder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Class Welder, you need advanced welding skills, deep knowledge of welding techniques and materials, and typically a welding certification such as AWS or equivalent. Familiarity with technical drawings, welding codes, and equipment like MIG, TIG, and arc welding machines is essential. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and strong problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills that set top welders apart. These skills and qualifications ensure precision, safety, and high-quality work in demanding industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by first class welders on large construction projects, and how can they overcome them?

First Class Welders working on large construction sites often face challenges such as working in confined spaces, extreme weather conditions, and maintaining high-quality welds under tight deadlines. To overcome these, it is important to stay up-to-date with safety protocols, communicate clearly with supervisors and team members, and consistently inspect equipment for optimal performance. Developing good time management skills and adaptability can also help welders handle changing project requirements and collaborate effectively with other trades on site.

What is the difference between First Class Welder vs Certified Welder?

AspectFirst Class WelderCertified Welder
CredentialsTypically requires a first class welding certification or licenseRequires AWS or other recognized welding certification
Work EnvironmentIndustrial, construction, manufacturing sitesVaries; industrial, maintenance, fabrication
Industry UsageCommon in heavy industry, shipbuilding, pipelineWidespread across multiple industries including manufacturing and repair

While both First Class Welders and Certified Welders possess advanced welding skills, First Class Welders often hold specific licenses for high-level tasks, especially in heavy industry. Certified Welders have recognized certifications that validate their skills across various sectors. The main difference lies in certification scope and job requirements, but both roles are essential in industrial and construction projects.

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What states have the most First Class Welder jobs?

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First Class Welder jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Class Welder job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,302 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

1st Class Welder

Gulf Copper LLC

Galveston, TX • On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This position is responsible for the following: Other duties may be assigned.

  1. A welder must understand welding procedures and parameters.

  1. Can comprehend and utilize blueprints, sketches, drawings, and technical. Manuals, gouge, and work process instruction.

  1. Welds steel plates and pipes in the repair and/or construction of marine vessels, industrial components, and associated equipment.

  1. Have the skills to use various types of welding equipment for different types of metal.

  1. Welds components in a flat, vertical, or overhead position.

  1. Performs related tasks such as cutting and grinding.

  1. Repairs broken or cracked parts, fills holes, and increases the size of metal parts.

  1. Welds metal parts together using gas welding, brazing, arc welding, wire fed welding, or tig welding process and procedures.

  1. Highly skilled welders often are trained to work with a wide variety of materials, such as titanium, aluminum, or exotic metals, in addition to steel.

  1. Select and set up welding equipment, execute the planned welds, and examine the welds to ensure that they meet standards or specifications.

Required Education & Experience:

  1. High School Diploma, some college or technical school certification, six months to one year(s) experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  1. Must pass an ABS, or ASME weld test.

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