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Heavy Plate Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rule 5 Hire

Certified Welder

Troy, MI · On-site

$19.25 - $25.25/hr

Heavy Plate Armor Welding required * Experience with 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G positions strongly preferred * Experience in using electrical or manual tools (saws, squares, tape measure, calipers, etc.

WILLBANKS METALS INC

Sub Arc Welder

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$30/hr

What We Are Looking For Minimum 5 years of experience in submerged arcwelding or comparable heavy plate / structural welding work. Ability to read blueprints, weld symbols, andwelding procedures ...

WILLBANKS METALS INC

Sub Arc Welder

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$30/hr

What We Are Looking For • Minimum 5 years of experience in submerged arcwelding or comparable heavy plate / structural welding work. • Ability to read blueprints, weld symbols, andwelding ...

DH Machine

Welder - Attachments

Nappanee, IN · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Dependable attendance and a team-first attitude Preferred * 2+ years of production MIG welding on heavy plate or structural steel * Experience welding attachments, ag equipment, or similar heavy ...

PrideStaff

2nd Shift Structural Welder

Goodyear, AZ · On-site

$22/hr

We are looking for experienced STRUCTURAL welders experienced in welding wide flange and heavy plate with fillet welds, multi-pass fillets, partial joint penetration and full joint penetration welds ...

Amada America, Inc.

Welding Fabricator

High Point, NC

$22 - $30/hr

Perform all Essential Functions of a Heavy Plate Structural Welder * Weld Press Brake side plates, lower beams and upper frames together to produce a frame that's ready for the painting process.

DH Machine

Welder - Attachments

Nappanee, IN · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Dependable attendance and a team-first attitude Preferred * 2+ years of production MIG welding on heavy plate or structural steel * Experience welding attachments, ag equipment, or similar heavy ...

Granbury Thompson Group LLC

Be Seen First

Welder and Fabricator

Granbury, TX · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Ability to set and weld with MIG welding equipment from thin gauge material to heavy plate * Ability to fabricate and manufacture metal parts for later assembly * Ability to follow blueprints to ...

AMADA

Welding Fabricator

High Point, NC · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Perform all Essential Functions of a Heavy Plate Structural Welder * Weld Press Brake side plates, lower beams and upper frames together to produce a frame that's ready for the painting process.

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Heavy Plate Welder information

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How much do heavy plate welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy plate welder in the United States is $23.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a heavy plate welder?

Heavy plate welders are skilled tradespeople who specialize in joining thick metal plates, often made of steel or other durable alloys, using welding techniques such as MIG, TIG, or arc welding. Their work is essential in industries like shipbuilding, construction, and manufacturing, where strong, precise welds are required for structural integrity. Heavy plate welders must read and interpret blueprints, operate welding equipment safely, and ensure finished welds meet strict quality standards. They also inspect completed welds for defects and may perform repairs as needed.

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

To thrive as a Heavy Plate Welder, you need proficiency in welding techniques (such as MIG, TIG, and arc welding), blueprint reading, and a high school diploma or welding certification. Familiarity with welding machines, plasma cutters, and safety equipment is typically required, and certifications from organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) are highly valued. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and good teamwork skills help welders produce high-quality work and maintain safety standards. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the durability and safety of fabricated metal structures in demanding industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by heavy plate welders on large-scale projects?

Heavy Plate Welders often encounter challenges such as working with thick materials that require precise heat control to avoid defects like warping or cracking. They may also need to adapt to varying welding positions and tight deadlines, especially on construction or shipbuilding sites. Additionally, collaborating closely with fabricators, engineers, and quality inspectors is crucial to ensure welds meet strict safety and structural standards. Maintaining safety protocols and working in sometimes harsh or confined environments are also important aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Heavy Plate Welder vs Structural Welder?

AspectHeavy Plate WelderStructural Welder
CertificationsAWS D1.1, ASMEAWS D1.1, AWS D1.3
Work EnvironmentHeavy industrial, shipyards, construction sitesBuilding frameworks, bridges, buildings
Industry UsageShipbuilding, oil & gas, heavy manufacturingConstruction, infrastructure, commercial buildings

Heavy Plate Welders focus on welding thick steel plates used in ships, tanks, and heavy machinery, requiring specialized skills and certifications. Structural Welders work on building frameworks and infrastructure, often with lighter steel components. While both roles require similar certifications and work in industrial environments, their applications and materials differ significantly.

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Heavy Plate Welder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Plate Welder job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,195 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Structural Welder - FCAW / GTAW 1

Pittsburgh, PA

Holtec International
Oil and Gas Extraction • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Holtec Internationalexternal

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Holtec International rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The Welder supports the fabrication of critical components using Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) for the nuclear, energy, and heavy industrial sectors within Holtec's Manufacturing Division. This role is responsible for producing high-quality welds on carbon steel and stainless steel using multiple welding processes in a heavy-plate manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will bring strong hands-on welding expertise, a commitment to safety and quality, and the ability to work from detailed technical drawings and specifications.
Location: East Pittsburgh, PA (Holtec Manufacturing Division)
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Perform all work safely in compliance with Holtec safety policies and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Prepare, position, align, and fit materials for welding based on engineering drawings, work orders, and Weld Procedure Specifications (WPS)
  • Execute FCAW welding in horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions, as well as GTAW welding, ensuring high-quality welds
  • Perform welding operations that meet visual, dimensional, and X-ray inspection standards
  • Use measuring tools and layout techniques to verify part dimensions and tolerances
  • Layout, tack weld, heat-bend, clamp, grind, and bolt components to ensure proper alignment prior to final welding
  • Monitor fitting, burning, and welding processes to prevent distortion or overheating
  • Visually inspect welds for defects and ensure compliance with AWS standards and Holtec quality requirements
  • Set up and operate manual, semi-automatic, and automatic welding equipment, including FCAW, GTAW, SAW, and plasma arc systems
  • Safely handle materials and components using overhead cranes, forklifts, and other material-handling equipment
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area in accordance with housekeeping and safety standards

Requirements:
  • High School diploma or GED required
  • 2-4 years of welding experience in a heavy plate manufacturing or industrial environment
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) on carbon steel and stainless steel
  • Ability to pass Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) weld tests in 2G (horizontal groove) and 3G (vertical groove) positions
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and technical documentation
  • Working knowledge of AWS (American Welding Society) standards and industry best practices
  • Previous certification to ASME Section IX (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and/or AWS D1.1 (Structural Steel) / AWS D1.6 (Stainless Steel) preferred
  • Experience in nuclear or high-spec industrial fabrication environments preferred
  • Multi-process welding experience (e.g., SMAW - Shielded Metal Arc Welding, GMAW - Gas Metal Arc Welding, SAW - Submerged Arc Welding) a plus
  • Familiarity with digital weld documentation and inspection tools preferred
  • Ability to work overtime, nights, weekends, or travel as production needs require
  • Must pass pre-employment weld tests administered in accordance with Holtec WPS requirements

A Generation Ahead by Design™
Investing in people who power the future.
We believe great work deserves great rewards. Our benefits go beyond the basics, reflecting our commitment to supporting your whole self...your health, your future, and your career growth.
Benefits: This is a union represented position. Wages, benefits, and terms of employment are governed by the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.
If you're driven to solve meaningful challenges and make a lasting impact, we invite you to build your career at Holtec-a generation ahead by design™.

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