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Lead Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Westar Marine Services

Lead Welder

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$23 - $30.25/hr

The Lead Welder is responsible for executing high-quality marine welds, fabricating and repairing steel and aluminum structures, and leading a small team of welders and fabricators. This is a hands ...

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Prince Industries LLC

Lead Welder

Batavia, IL · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Lead Welder is responsible for setting up, operating and performing tasks to fabricate metal parts and components according to customer specifications. The Lead will review drawings and ...

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R-V Industries Inc

Lead Welder Fitter

Honey Brook, PA · On-site

$19.75 - $25/hr

The Lead Welder/Fitter is an individual contributor and people leader that requires little or no supervisory assistance and possesses high-level knowledge in welding, fabrication technology and ...

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R-V Industries Inc

Lead Welder Fitter

Honey Brook, PA · On-site

$19.75 - $25/hr

The Lead Welder/Fitter is an individual contributor and people leader that requires little or no supervisory assistance and possesses high-level knowledge in welding, fabrication technology and ...

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R-V Industries, Inc.

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Lead Welder Fitter

Reading, PA · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

The Lead Welder/Fitter is an individual contributor and people leader that requires little or no supervisory assistance and possesses high-level knowledge in welding, fabrication technology and ...

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Pro Energy Services

Lead Welder

Houston, TX · On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

Lead Welder About PROENERGY PROENERGY is an engineering, R&D, and manufacturing powerhouse. The company addresses every need for fast-start power generation: turbine and package manufacturing ...

R-V Industries, Inc.

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Lead Welder Fitter

Reading, PA · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

The Lead Welder/Fitter is an individual contributor and people leader that requires little or no supervisory assistance and possesses high-level knowledge in welding, fabrication technology and ...

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Cannonball Recruiting LLC

Lead Welder (1st Shift)

York, PA

$25 - $30/hr

Lead Welder Location: York, PA 17404 Pay: $25-30/hr (depending on experience) Shift : 1st * Mon-Thu (5:30am to 3:30pm) * Friday OT (5:30am to 10:30am) Optional Description: * Cannonball Recruiting is ...

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Robinson Fans, Inc.

Lead Welder (3rd Shift)

Harmony, PA

$16.50 - $22.75/hr

As the Lead Welder, you will be responsible for supervising a small group of production team members on 3rd shift. This team member will still be responsible for standard daily duties in the ...

The City of West Monroe

Welder's Helper

West Monroe, LA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

JOB OVERVIEW (1 or 2 sentences regarding purpose of job) • The Welder Helper supports the lead welder by preparing materials, setting up equipment, and maintaining a clean, safe workspace. Key ...

The City of West Monroe

Welder's Helper

West Monroe, LA

$16 - $18/hr

JOB OVERVIEW (1 or 2 sentences regarding purpose of job) The Welder Helper supports the lead welder by preparing materials, setting up equipment, and maintaining a clean, safe workspace. Key duties ...

The City of West Monroe

Welder's Helper

West Monroe, LA · On-site

Salary: $16-$18 hourly JOB OVERVIEW (1 or 2 sentences regarding purpose of job) The Welder Helper supports the lead welder by preparing materials, setting up equipment, and maintaining a clean, safe ...

Cypress Creek Personnel

Lead Welder

La Porte, TX · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Tig welding in SS, Titanium, Nickel, SMO, Hastelloy Preferably in 6G with 16-gauge thickness or lower. * If he had any aluminum welding experience is optional. * Min 5-10-year experience welding.

Pro Mach

Lead Welder

Stockton, CA

Lead work site operations to complete jobs on time and within target budget margins * Proficiency in Pipe Fitting * Join, fabricate and repair metal by utilizing appropriate welding techniques

Recycling Services of Florida

Lead Welder

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

MIG and Stick welding, must know how to use the torch and rosebud operation. * Familiar with metals, steel and fabrications. * Oversee all the container/Baler repairs. * Rebuilding of truck bodies ...

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ProMach

Lead Welder

Stockton, CA · On-site

$53K - $91K/yr

Lead work site operations to complete jobs on time and within target budget margins * Proficiency in Pipe Fitting * Join, fabricate and repair metal by utilizing appropriate welding techniques

Recycling Services of Florida

Lead Welder

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

MIG and Stick welding, must know how to use the torch and rosebud operation. * Familiar with metals, steel and fabrications. * Oversee all the container/Baler repairs. * Rebuilding of truck bodies ...

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All JobsLead Welder Jobs

Lead Welder information

What are some common challenges Lead Welders face when managing a team on large projects?

Lead Welders often encounter challenges such as coordinating tasks among team members with varying skill levels, ensuring everyone follows safety protocols, and maintaining high-quality standards under tight deadlines. They are responsible for assigning work, troubleshooting technical issues, and providing hands-on training as needed. Clear communication and effective planning are crucial to keeping projects on track and fostering a collaborative work environment.

What are lead welders?

Lead welders are experienced professionals who oversee welding projects, provide technical guidance to welding teams, and ensure quality standards are met. They are responsible for interpreting blueprints, assigning tasks, inspecting completed work, and maintaining safety protocols on job sites. Lead welders often serve as the point of contact between management and the welding crew, and they may also help train new welders. Their expertise and leadership are crucial for completing projects efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Welder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Welder, you need advanced welding skills, blueprint reading abilities, and significant experience with various welding techniques, often supported by certifications like AWS Certified Welder. Proficiency with welding equipment, fabrication machinery, and safety management systems is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you supervise teams and ensure project quality. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining high safety standards, efficient workflow, and delivering precise, durable welds on complex projects.

What does a lead welder do?

A lead welder supervises and coordinates welding operations, ensuring work meets safety and quality standards. They often review blueprints, select appropriate welding techniques, and may train or mentor other welders on the team.

What is the highest paid welder job?

The highest paid welding jobs are often in specialized fields such as underwater welding, pipeline welding, or aerospace welding, where welders typically earn six-figure salaries. These roles usually require advanced skills, certifications, and sometimes hazardous environment experience, with offshore or remote locations offering the highest compensation.

Can you make $300,000 as a welder?

Lead welders with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications such as AWS or ASME can potentially earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries like oil and gas or aerospace. However, such earnings are typically achieved through overtime, bonuses, or working in remote or hazardous environments, and are not common for most welding positions.

What is the difference between Lead Welder vs Welder?

AspectLead WelderWelder
CertificationsTypically requires AWS or ASME certifications, plus leadership trainingRequires basic welding certifications, such as AWS Certified Welder
Work EnvironmentSupervises welding teams, inspects work, and ensures safety standardsPerforms welding tasks in various settings, often under supervision
ResponsibilitiesLead projects, coordinate team, quality controlExecute welding tasks, follow technical instructions

In summary, a Lead Welder not only performs welding but also supervises teams and manages projects, requiring additional certifications and leadership skills. A Welder focuses primarily on executing welding tasks with standard certifications. The roles differ mainly in responsibility level and scope of work.

Can you make $100,000 a year welding?

Lead welders with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications such as AWS can potentially earn $100,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries or locations with a high cost of living. Factors influencing salary include the complexity of projects, work environment, and overtime opportunities.
More about Lead Welder jobs
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What states have the most Lead Welder jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Welder jobs include:
Lead Welder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Welder job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 6% As Needed, 21% Full Time, 12% Temporary, and 58% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.
Lead Welder

Lead Welder

Westar Marine Services

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$23 - $30.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Salary: DOE

We are seeking an experienced Lead Welder to direct welding and fabrication work across our fleet and shop. The Lead Welder is responsible for executing high-quality marine welds, fabricating and repairing steel and aluminum structures, and leading a small team of welders and fabricators. This is a hands-on leadership role: you will be on the tools, setting the standard for workmanship, safety, and productivity, while planning jobs and mentoring less experienced crew members.



Key Responsibilities


  • Perform structural and repair welding on vessels, barges, tugs, and shoreside equipment using SMAW, FCAW, GMAW (MIG), and GTAW (TIG) processes.
  • Fabricate, modify, and install steel and aluminum components, including hull plating, frames, brackets, piping supports, deck fittings, and railings.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and fabrication drawings; lay out and prep material to spec.
  • Lead day-to-day welding operations: assign tasks, set priorities, and ensure jobs are completed on schedule and to specification.
  • Inspect welds and finished work for compliance with ABS, USCG, and company quality standards; identify and correct defects.
  • Mentor and train junior welders and fabricators; promote a culture of safety, accountability, and craftsmanship.
  • Maintain welding equipment, consumables, and the work area in safe, organized, ready-to-work condition.
  • Work in marine environments: shipyards, drydocks, on vessels afloat, and in confined spaces, often in variable weather.
  • Follow all Westar Marine Services safety procedures, USCG requirements, OSHA standards, and applicable hot-work permitting practices.


Required Qualifications


  • 5+ years of professional welding and fabrication experience, with significant time in a marine, shipyard, or offshore environment.
  • ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) welder certification.
  • Proficiency in multiple welding processes: SMAW (stick), FCAW (flux core), GMAW (MIG), and GTAW (TIG).
  • Demonstrated ability to weld and fabricate in both steel and aluminum.
  • Strong blueprint reading and layout skills.
  • Prior experience leading or supervising a small welding/fabrication crew.
  • Comfortable working at heights, in confined spaces, and on the water.
  • Physically able to lift 50+ lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in all weather conditions.
  • Valid drivers license and reliable transportation to Bay Area job sites.
  • Eligible to work in the United States.


Preferred Qualifications


  • Additional certifications such as AWS (American Welding Society) D1.1 (steel) and/or D1.2 (aluminum).
  • Experience working to USCG and ABS repair standards on commercial vessels.
  • TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential).
  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
  • Experience with pipe welding and shipboard piping system repairs.


What We Offer


  • Competitive hourly pay of $, based on experience and certifications.
  • Full-time, year-round work with a stable, established Bay Area marine operator.
  • Health, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Paid time off and holidays.
  • Opportunity to lead and grow a skilled fabrication team.
  • Varied, hands-on work across a diverse fleet no two days are the same.