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Gouging Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Structural Welder (Pulse Arc)

Newport News, VA · On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Air Carbon Arc Gouging proficiency test. The Welding School will administer the following tests: 1. All Welding Qualification Tests in "A" (6 hours), "B" (12 hours), "C" (4 hours) above. 2. Visual ...

Welder

Paducah, KY · On-site

$24/hr

Gouging and back-gouging as needed * Work in confined spaces, inside hulls, tanks and tight compartments * Maintain weld quality to meet shipyard and Coast Guard inspection standards Requirements:

Welder

Lakewood, WA · On-site

$28 - $36/hr

Carbon Arc Gouging * Flame Gouging * Plasma Cutting & Gouging * Rose Bud Heating * Repair Welding * Equipment Maintenance / Repair / Assembly * Welding Machine Setup * Track Torch / Handyauto ...

Welder

Lakewood, WA · On-site

$28 - $36/hr

Carbon Arc Gouging * Flame Gouging * Plasma Cutting & Gouging * Rose Bud Heating * Repair Welding * Equipment Maintenance / Repair / Assembly * Welding Machine Setup * Track Torch / Handyauto ...

Welder

Mills, WY · On-site

$32/hr

Perform air carbon arc gouging * Use cutting torches and beveling material * Grind and prepare components * Follow AWS welding procedures * Read blueprints and welding drawings * Understand AWS ...

$24/hr

Grinding Gouging Torch cutting Joint preparation * Read and interpret: Blueprints Repair drawings Weld symbols Shipyard work instructions * Perform weld repairs on: Hull plating Structural stiffeners ...

Structural Welder (Pulse Arc)

Newport News, VA · On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Air Carbon Arc Gouging proficiency test. The Welding School will administer the following tests: 1. All Welding Qualification Tests in "A" (6 hours), "B" (12 hours), "C" (4 hours) above. 2. Visual ...

Perform air carbon arc gouging * Use cutting torches and beveling material * Grind and prepare components * Follow AWS welding procedures * Read blueprints and welding drawings * Understand AWS ...

Proficient at Carbon Arc Gouging * Proficient with Oxy/Fuel Torch * Understand Weld Symbols * Moderate physical demand, continuous lifting or moving light weight to moderate weight materials and ...

Perform air carbon arc gouging * Use cutting torches and beveling material * Grind and prepare components * Follow AWS welding procedures * Read blueprints and welding drawings * Understand AWS ...

Welder

WY · On-site

$32/hr

Perform air carbon arc gouging * Use cutting torches and beveling material * Grind and prepare components * Follow AWS welding procedures * Read blueprints and welding drawings * Understand AWS ...

Proficient at Carbon Arc Gouging * Proficient with Oxy/Fuel Torch * Understand Weld Symbols * Moderate physical demand, continuous lifting or moving light weight to moderate weight materials and ...

Welder - Hiring Now

Billings, MT · On-site

$19.25 - $25.25/hr

Fall Protection Task Trained • Certified 1/16" 3G • Certified 1/16" 4G • Proficient at Carbon Arc Gouging • Proficient with Oxy/Fuel Torch • Certified 3/32" 1G • Understand Weld Symbols ...

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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.
X-Ray Welder

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


General Dynamics Electric Boat rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 515 rated manufacturers


Job description

X-Ray Welders are Skilled Structural Welders that can fabricate a weld without defects to undergo a radiographic X-ray inspection.

The Function:  This position encompasses welding on Sub safe/Hull integrity joints according to weld procedures and quality standards.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Weld in all welding positions and on various joint designs
  • Gouging of full penetration welds
  • Responsibility for welding with high quality, speed, and efficiency
  • Expectation that final will meet internal policy standards and UT / RT acceptance criteria
  • Use of pneumatic tools such as grinders, burr tools, wire brushes, etc.
  • Pre-heat equipment and carbon/arc gouging as well as verifying weld size using weld gauges
  • Selected applicants will be required to successfully complete a RT welding test along with satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period to demonstrate proficiency in X-ray welding

We are looking for passionate shipbuilders to join our team in delivering the most advance nuclear powered submarines.

Some of the Benefits we provide to you include:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • HSA
  • 401K Plan
  • Paid Vacation and holidays
  • Shift Premium
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Commuter/Van Services/Ripta
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Advancement Opportunities
  • Safety Boot Reimbursement Program

Internal candidate placement will be determined by candidate's current department and or business needs.

This position is located at the Quonset Point facility in North Kingstown, RI.


Required:

  • High school diploma or equivalent OR a minimum of 2 years related technical experience

  • 6 plus months of structural MIG welding experience or current EB structural welding qualifications-mig pulse/spray

  • Knowledge of welding procedures and various types of welding equipment 
  • Ability to work in horizontal, vertical, overhead and flat positions
  • Ability to work at heights, tightly confined spaces conditions as required
  • Available to work all shifts
  • Individuals are required to possess their own basic hand tools
  • Some lifting, climbing, bending will be required

Preferred:

  • Experience with Pulse, Spray and Stick
  • Experience with mechanized welding 
  • Gouging experience
  • Mirror welding experience
  • Vocational, Technical and Community Colleges or Apprentice
  • Ability to interpret welding and shipyard procedures, structural drawings, technical manuals, test documents and diagrams 
  • Strong mathematical skills 
  • Military

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work in a collaborative and team environment and meet organizational goals and follow all written and verbal instructions as directed

Climbing, Crawling, Kneeling, Light Lifting, Medium Lifting, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Stooping, Twisting
Cold, Dry, Dusty, Fumes, Hot, Inside, Noise, Oily

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