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Lead Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FabLogix

Welder Supervisor

Duncan, SC · On-site

Supervise and lead welding personnel to meet quality, safety, and production goals * Ensure compliance with ASME codes, customer specifications, WPSs, and PQRs * Coordinate with fabrication ...

FabLogix

Welder Supervisor

Duncan, SC · On-site

Supervise and lead welding personnel to meet quality, safety, and production goals * Ensure compliance with ASME codes, customer specifications, WPSs, and PQRs * Coordinate with fabrication ...

Ancora Education

Lead Welding Instructor-MMC

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$66K/yr

A Lead Instructor is responsible for program effectiveness, including outcomes, organization, administration, continuous review, planning and development. In situations where a program is being newly ...

Alloy Engineering, Berea, OH

Weld Supervisor

Berea, OH · On-site

... lead welding and press brake operations at our Berea facility. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for driving safety, quality, productivity, and employee performance across second shift ...

Alloy Engineering

Weld Supervisor

Berea, OH · On-site

... lead welding and press brake operations at our Berea facility. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for driving safety, quality, productivity, and employee performance across second shift ...

Alloy Engineering Company

Weld Supervisor

Berea, OH · On-site

... lead welding and press brake operations at our Berea facility. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for driving safety, quality, productivity, and employee performance across second shift ...

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Lead Welding information

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How much do lead welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead welding in the United States is $25.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you make $100,000 as a welder?

Lead welders and experienced welders with specialized skills, certifications, and in high-demand industries can earn $100,000 or more annually. Factors such as location, industry, overtime, and the complexity of projects influence earning potential in welding careers.

What are Lead Welding positions?

Lead Welding positions refer to roles in which an experienced welder is responsible for overseeing welding projects and teams. A Lead Welder not only performs advanced welding tasks but also supervises, trains, and coordinates other welders to ensure quality, safety, and project deadlines are met. These professionals often interpret blueprints, inspect completed work, and act as a liaison between management and the welding crew. Strong leadership skills and technical expertise are essential in this role.

What does a lead welder do?

A lead welder supervises and coordinates welding operations on a job site, ensuring that welding work meets safety and quality standards. They often mentor other welders, review blueprints, and operate or oversee the use of welding equipment such as MIG, TIG, or stick welders. Strong technical skills, certifications, and leadership abilities are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Lead Welding vs Welder?

AspectLead WeldingWelder
CertificationsTypically requires AWS certifications, leadership trainingRequires AWS or equivalent welding certifications
Work EnvironmentSupervises teams, oversees projects, works on-sitePerforms welding tasks directly, on-site or in workshops
Job ResponsibilitiesCoordinates welding activities, quality control, mentoringPerforms welding, repairs, and fabrication tasks
Industry UsageCommon in construction, manufacturing, shipbuildingUsed across manufacturing, construction, repair

Lead Welders oversee welding teams and ensure project quality, requiring leadership skills and certifications. Welders focus on executing welding tasks. While both roles require welding certifications, Lead Welders have additional responsibilities in supervision and project management.

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 techniques, blueprint reading, and a welding certification such as AWS (American Welding Society) credentials. Familiarity with welding equipment, safety protocols, and systems like MIG, TIG, and arc welding machines is essential. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication help manage teams and ensure quality standards are met. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering precise work, maintaining safety, and leading a welding crew efficiently.

Why do welders age so fast?

Welders age quickly due to exposure to hazardous fumes, intense heat, and physical strain from working in demanding environments. Repeated exposure to ultraviolet radiation and inhalation of toxic substances can accelerate skin aging and health issues, making protective gear and proper safety practices essential for longevity in the profession.

Can you make 300k 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 or locations with high living costs. However, such earnings are typically achieved through overtime, supervisory roles, or working in specialized fields like underwater or aerospace welding. Most welders earn significantly less, with average salaries ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 per year.

How does a Lead Welding professional typically coordinate with other departments on large projects?

As a Lead Welding professional, you'll frequently collaborate with engineering, quality control, and safety teams to ensure project specifications are met and work progresses smoothly. This often involves attending planning meetings, reviewing blueprints, and communicating changes or concerns between welders and other departments. Effective coordination helps prevent delays, ensures compliance with safety standards, and fosters a cohesive team environment. You'll also serve as the main point of contact for resolving technical welding issues that may impact the project timeline.
More about Lead Welding jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Welding jobs? Cities with the most Lead Welding job openings:
What states have the most Lead Welding jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Welding jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lead Welding jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Welding jobs are:
Lead Welding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Welding job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,817 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Welding Supervisor - FabLogix

Kelso Industries

Duncan, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Together We Build - Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety
At Kelso Industries, 3,500+ employees across 30 companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.
Recruiter Notice: We respectfully ask external recruiters and staffing agencies not to submit candidates. We only accept direct applications.
Job Title: Welding Supervisor
Location: Duncan, SC
Schedule: 1st Shift
Employment Type: Full Time
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Welding Supervisor to lead shop welding operations for
fabricated pipe spools. This role is responsible for ensuring all welding activities meet ASME codes, customer specifications, and company safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate has strong hands-on welding knowledge, leadership experience, and the ability to drive production while maintaining a safe work environment.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Supervise and lead welding personnel to meet quality, safety, and production goals
  • Ensure compliance with ASME codes, customer specifications, WPSs, and PQRs
  • Coordinate with fabrication, engineering, and quality teams to support production flow
  • Conduct daily toolbox talks and ensure Safety Task Assessments (STAs) and safety audits are completed
  • Enforce PPE usage and safety policies at all
  • Read and interpret isometric and piping drawings; work with Engineering on corrections as needed
  • Oversee manual and automated welding operations and training
  • Manage welding productivity targets:
    • Hand Welder Booths: 60 diameter inches per 8-hour shift
    • Roto Weld Booth: 160 diameter inches per 8-hour shift
  • Track and report daily production metrics, including diameter inches, scrap, manpower, and recovery plans
  • Ensure weld documentation is accurately entered in Odoo at the end of each shift
  • Coordinate minor maintenance for welding equipment
  • Manage welding consumables and controlled weld wire issuance
  • Maintain housekeeping standards in the welding department
  • Participate in daily production (POD) meetings and report to management
  • Uphold a professional, respectful, and team-oriented work environment
Additional Duties
  • Provide supervisory coverage when needed in absence of another supervisor
  • Perform periodic weld wire and material verification checks
Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years of fabrication experience
  • Proven experience supervising welding operations
  • Strong knowledge of GTAW,FCAW,GMAW,andSTTwelding processes
  • Ability to read and interpret isometric and orthographic drawings
  • Understanding of Radiographic Testing (RT) overlays
  • Basic computer skills (Excel, Microsoft Word, Procore, Odoo or similar systems)
Preferred Qualifications
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
  • Experience with automatic or robotic welding
  • Ability to operate mobile equipment
Team Leadership & Development
  • Build, mentor, and lead high-performing teams across
  • Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance metrics aligned with
Why Join Us
  • Stable workload with clear production targets
  • Strong emphasis on safety and quality
  • Opportunity to lead skilled trades professionals
  • Competitive pay and benefits

Why Join Kelso Industries?
Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.
Here you will experience:
Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.
Company Culture: You'll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable.
Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day.
Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You'll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being.
Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business

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