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Gouging Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Utilize gouging techniques, including back gouging, to prepare and clean joints for high-quality welds. * Follow all safety procedures and best practices in a large shop with heavy equipment ...

Vessel Welder

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$27.50 - $30/hr

Utilize gouging techniques, including back gouging, to prepare and clean joints for high-quality welds. * Follow all safety procedures and best practices in a large shop with heavy equipment ...

Utilize gouging techniques, including back gouging, to prepare and clean joints for high-quality welds. * Follow all safety procedures and best practices in a large shop with heavy equipment ...

Gouging Skills: Proficiency in Air Carbon Arc Gouging. * Welding Gauges: Ability to effectively utilize fillet and butt weld gauges. Welding Qualification All Welders are required to successfully ...

Structural Welder (Pulse Arc)

Newport News, VA ยท On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Perform Air Carbon Arc Gouging as required. * Accurately utilize fillet and butt weld gauges for inspection. * Work effectively in physically demanding environments, including shipboard spaces, sub ...

Structural Welder (Pulse Arc)

Newport News, VA

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Perform Air Carbon Arc Gouging as required. * Accurately utilize fillet and butt weld gauges for inspection. * Work effectively in physically demanding environments, including shipboard spaces, sub ...

Structural Welder (Pulse Arc)

Newport News, VA

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Perform Air Carbon Arc Gouging as required. * Accurately utilize fillet and butt weld gauges for inspection. * Work effectively in physically demanding environments, including shipboard spaces, sub ...

Welder - Hiring Now

Newport News, VA

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Perform Air Carbon Arc Gouging as required. * Accurately utilize fillet and butt weld gauges for inspection. * Work effectively in physically demanding environments, including shipboard spaces, sub ...

Welder - Submarine Building

Newport News, VA

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Perform Air Carbon Arc Gouging as required. * Accurately utilize fillet and butt weld gauges for inspection. * Work effectively in physically demanding environments, including shipboard spaces, sub ...

Air carbon arc gouging * Follow OSHA safety protocols for confined spaces, fall protection, and PPE use * Work in demanding physical environments (e.g., shipboard, confined spaces, heights, staging ...

Air carbon arc gouging * Follow OSHA safety protocols for confined spaces, fall protection, and PPE use * Work in demanding physical environments (e.g., shipboard, confined spaces, heights, staging ...

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Gouging information

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$16

$30

$47

How much do gouging jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for gouging in the United States is $30.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $34.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Gouging job?

A gouging job involves removing metal from a workpiece using techniques like air carbon arc gouging or oxy-fuel gouging. This process is commonly used in welding, fabrication, and repair work to prepare joints, remove defects, or dismantle metal structures. Gouging requires skill in handling specialized tools, ensuring precision, and maintaining safety protocols. It is widely used in industries such as shipbuilding, construction, and heavy equipment manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Gouging position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Gouging Operator, you should have solid mechanical aptitude, knowledge of metal fabrication, and experience with industrial cutting tools, often supported by vocational training or on-the-job experience. Familiarity with oxy-fuel or plasma gouging equipment and adherence to safety protocols are crucial, and certifications such as OSHA 10 may be required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and good communication skills help set standout candidates apart. These competencies ensure precise material removal, safe work practices, and efficient collaboration on fabrication or repair projects.

What are the typical work environments and challenges for a Gouging Operator?

Gouging Operators most commonly work in industrial settings such as manufacturing plants, fabrication shops, or shipyards, where safety and precision are top priorities. The role often requires working in noisy, hot, or confined spaces while handling heavy equipment and protective gear. Some common challenges include managing the physical demands of the job and maintaining accuracy during extended periods of repetitive work. However, teamwork is integral, as operators frequently coordinate with welders, fabricators, and supervisors to complete projects efficiently and safely.
What are the most commonly searched types of Gouging jobs? The most popular types of Gouging jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Gouging jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Gouging jobs are:
Infographic showing various Gouging job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,479 per year, or $30 per hour.

A+ Combo Welder (FCAW, GTAW, SAW or SMAW Arc Gouging)

Pala Group LLC

Hammond, LA โ€ข On-site

$26 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Application Instructions
The data you enter in the online application, including the contents of all attachments, is subject to verification. It is your responsibility to ensure that all the information provided in the application is accurate.
Position Description
PALA Interstate, LLC
PALA is hiring Welders for shop/fabrication work in Hammond, La. Join an employee-owned team that values craftsmanship.
Key Responsibilities
    • Perform FCAW and GTAW welding on pressure vessels, including shells, heads, and nozzle connections
    • Weld in multiple positions (1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, and 6G as required)
    • Interpret welding symbols, fabrication drawings, and WPS/PQR documentation
    • Set up welding equipment and select proper parameters for various materials and thicknesses
    • Execute root passes (TIG) and fill/cap passes (Flux Core) to meet code requirements
    • Maintain proper heat input and distortion control during welding
    • Perform visual inspection of welds and ensure readiness for NDE (RT, UT, PT, MT)
    • Repair weld defects in accordance with approved procedures
    • Maintain a clean and safe work area following all safety protocols
    • Coordinate with fitters, QC inspectors, and supervisors to ensure workflow efficiency

Qualifications
    • High school diploma or equivalent preferred
    • 3-5+ years of experience welding on ASME pressure vessels or heavy industrial fabrication
    • Proven experience with both FCAW and GTAW processes
    • Current or previous ASME Section IX welding qualifications preferred
    • Ability to pass weld tests in multiple positions (including 6G)
    • Strong understanding of weld symbols, joint design, and fit-up requirements
    • Experience working with carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy materials

Pay & schedule
  • $26.00-$40.00/hr. (based on skills)
  • 10-hour shifts: 6:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (paid through a 30-minute lunch)
  • Overtime available
  • Long term employment
  • No rainouts

Benefits
  • Employee-owned ESOP benefits after a year of employment
  • Paid time off: 2 weeks' vacation + 5 paid holidays
  • Benefits Offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short-term, Long-term

Position Requirements
A+ Combo Welder: FCAW/GTAW/SAW/SMAW + arc gouging; or FCAW + GTAW and able to fit
Equal Opportunity Employer
PALA Group, Inc. and its Subsidiaries provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.