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First Class Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LEAD Staff

Shipyard Structural Welder

Marinette, WI

$35 - $40/hr

Four years of NNS or naval shipyard experience as a first class Welder. **Required Skills: **1.Multi-pass. All position fillet and butt welds using the following processes: SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc ...

LEAD Staff

Shipyard Structural Welder

Marinette, WI · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Four years of NNS or naval shipyard experience as a first class Welder. **Required Skills: **1.Multi-pass. All position fillet and butt welds using the following processes: SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc ...

LEAD Staff

Shipyard Structural Welder

Marinette, WI · On-site

$140/day

Four years of NNS or naval shipyard experience as a first class Welder. **Required Skills: **1.Multi-pass. All position fillet and butt welds using the following processes: SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc ...

SMBSC

WELDER 1ST CLASS

Renville, MN · On-site

$40.42/hr

Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative has a great opportunity for an experienced candidate as a Welder . The position's main responsibilities include performing simple pipe layouts, maintaining ...

Labor One Staffing

1st Class Structural Welder

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

We are currently hiring FIRST CLASS FLUXCORE STRUCTURAL WELDERS for Project in Panama City, Florida Shipyard. * NOTE this positions is open to U.S. Citizens only due to Government contract. Must pass ...

B&D Contracting

1st Class Aluminum Pulse Welder

Houma, LA · On-site

$20.25 - $26.50/hr

Job Title: 1st Class Aluminum Welder Location: Houma, Louisiana Employment Type: Temporary / Full-Time Shift: Day Shift Job Summary We are seeking experienced 1st Class Aluminum Welders for a ...

Ameri-Force

Pipe Welder 1st Class

Mobile, AL

$50/hr

Pipe Welder 1st Class Pay: $50.00 per hour Per Diem: None - Local Candidates Only Essential Qualifications, Duties, and Responsibilities * Read and interpret drawings and welding symbols. * Perform ...

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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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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.

Shipyard Structural Welder

LEAD Staff

Marinette, WI

$35 - $40/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Location: Newport News VA

Perdiem: $140 per day

**Duartion: **1 year contract with possibility of another year extension or full time conversion

**Experience: **Four years of NNS or naval shipyard experience as a first class Welder.

**Required Skills: **1.Multi-pass. All position fillet and butt welds using the following processes: SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding) and GMAW-P (Pulse Arc Welding). 2. Heating - Oxygen/Propane Heating Torch. 3. Experience working in a physically demanding environment (shipboard, sub-assemblies, ladders, staging, etc.). 4. Familiarity with OSHA regulations relative to the shipbuilding industry. 5. Air Carbon Arc Gouging. 6. Ability to properly use fillet and butt weld gauges.

Welding Qualification: All Welders will be required to pass all position, Multi-pass Butt Weld, Welder Qualification Tests prior to reporting for the first day of productive work. These tests will be in accordance with MIL-STD-248D Paragraph 5.3.3 and the following: A. All position (Horizontal (2G), Vertical (3G), and Overhead (4G)) SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) process. B. All position (Horizontal (2G), Vertical (3G), and Overhead (4G)) FCAW (Flux Core Arc Welding) process. C. Horizontal (2G) position GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) process. D. All position (Horizontal (2G), Vertical (3G), and Overhead (4G)) GMAW-P (Pulse Arc Welding) process. E. Air Carbon Arc Gouging proficiency test.

**The following testing will take place: **1. All Welding Qualification Tests in “A” (6 hours), “B” (12 hours), “C” (4 hours) above. 2. Visual Inspection of Welds Level I (4 hours). 3. Welders Vision Test (5 minutes). 4. Air Carbon Arc Gouging Proficiency Test (1 hour).

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