1

Local Welder Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Structural Steel Inspector

Rochester, MN · On-site

$27.78 - $38.78/hr

Inspect structural steel fabrication and erection activities, including welding, bolting, member ... Other national, regional, state, and local Materials related certifications requiring experience ...

American Welding Society (AWS) Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) * American Society for ... Other national, regional, state, and local Materials related certifications requiring experience ...

American Welding Society (AWS) Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) * American Society for ... Other national, regional, state, and local Materials related certifications requiring experience ...

American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) * American Society for ... Other national, regional, state, and local Materials related certifications requiring experience ...

American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) * American Society for ... Other national, regional, state, and local Materials related certifications requiring experience ...

American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) * American Society for ... Other national, regional, state, and local Materials related certifications requiring experience ...

Local routes, home nightly! * All new, state of the art trucks * Health insurance benefits, paid ... Operate conveyors, skid loaders, mowers, compost turners, tractors, floaters, welders, and other ...

Local routes, home nightly! * All new, state of the art trucks * Health insurance benefits, paid ... Operate conveyors, skid loaders, mowers, compost turners, tractors, floaters, welders, and other ...

Local Welder information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$14

$22

$31

How much do local welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for local welder in Rochester, MN is $22.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $25.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a local welder?

Local welders are skilled tradespeople who specialize in joining metal parts together using various welding techniques, such as MIG, TIG, or arc welding, typically within their local area or community. They may work on construction sites, manufacturing plants, repair shops, or for independent contractors. Local welders are often hired for building structures, repairing machinery, fabricating metal frameworks, or performing custom welding jobs. Their work requires technical knowledge, safety awareness, and a strong attention to detail.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a local welder?

To thrive as a Local Welder, you need strong technical skills in metal fabrication, blueprint reading, and welding processes, typically supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Proficiency with welding equipment (such as MIG, TIG, or arc welders) and knowledge of safety protocols, as well as certifications like AWS (American Welding Society), are commonly required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and teamwork are essential soft skills that help ensure precision and collaboration on job sites. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing safe, high-quality welds and maintaining workplace safety standards.

What is the difference between Local Welder vs Pipe Welder?

AspectLocal WelderPipe Welder
CertificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS, CWB)Welding certifications, often including specialized pipe welding credentials
Work EnvironmentVarious settings like construction sites, manufacturing, repair shopsPrimarily on pipelines, oil & gas, and industrial pipe systems
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, general fabricationOil & gas, energy, plumbing, industrial piping

Both Local Welders and Pipe Welders require welding certifications and work in similar environments, but Pipe Welders specialize in welding pipes for pipelines and industrial systems, often requiring additional certifications. Local Welders have a broader scope, working on various metal fabrication projects across multiple industries.

What are common challenges faced by local welders in a small team environment?

Local welders working in small teams often encounter challenges such as managing diverse projects with limited resources and balancing multiple responsibilities. Due to the close-knit nature of the team, welders may need to take on additional tasks, such as equipment maintenance or material procurement, beyond their core welding duties. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial to coordinate with colleagues and ensure project deadlines are met. Additionally, local welders may need to quickly adapt to varying work sites and safety standards, which requires a strong understanding of safety protocols and flexibility.

How much does a local welder make?

A local welder's average salary typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of projects. Welders working in specialized fields or with advanced skills can earn higher wages, especially with overtime or in high-demand environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Welder jobs in Rochester, MN?

The most popular types of Welder jobs in Rochester, MN are:

What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Local Welder jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Local Welder job openings:

Infographic showing various Local Welder job openings in Rochester, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,065 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Structural Steel Inspector

TERRACON

Rochester, MN • On-site

$27.78 - $38.78/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Terracon rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description


Join our team as a Structural Steel Inspector and play a critical role in ensuring the safety, quality, and integrity of construction projects throughout Minnesota. In this position, you will perform inspections of structural steel fabrication and erection activities, including welding, bolting, connection installation, and fireproofing, on a variety of commercial, industrial, healthcare, and infrastructure projects.
Working closely with contractors, engineers, and project managers, you will verify compliance with building codes, approved construction documents, and project specifications through visual inspections, field observations, and coordination of nondestructive testing (NDT). Your expertise and attention to detail will help ensure that structures are constructed safely and meet the highest quality standards.
This role offers the opportunity to work independently in the field, develop specialized inspection expertise, and contribute to projects that shape the Rochester community and surrounding region. At Terracon, you'll have the opportunity to build your technical expertise, earn industry certifications, and contribute to meaningful projects while working as part of an employee-owned company committed to safety, quality, and career development.
Responsibilities
  • Perform structural steel inspections in accordance with project requirements, applicable codes, standards, and approved procedures.
  • Read and interpret structural drawings, shop drawings, erection plans, connection details, welding procedures, and project specifications.
  • Inspect structural steel fabrication and erection activities, including welding, bolting, member alignment, fit-up, and reinforcing details.
  • Verify compliance with AWS, AISC, ICC, and project-specific requirements.
  • Provide clear and accurate documentation of inspection findings and results.
  • Perform basic analysis of inspection and testing data to verify accuracy before communication and submittal to the Project Manager.
  • Communicate inspection results, deficiencies, and recommendations to the Project Manager and other personnel as directed.
  • Draft inspection reports for review by senior inspectors and/or Project Managers.
  • May assist more senior inspectors on complex structural steel projects.
  • Maintain inspection equipment and calibration records.
  • Drive a vehicle such as a Ford F-150 or equivalent.
  • Follow safety rules, practices, and project-specific requirements. Perform pre-task planning prior to executing work and report any safety concerns to management.
  • Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Associates degree in Civil Engineering Technology or Construction Engineering Technology preferred.
  • Minimum 2-4 years' experience in construction inspection, steel fabrication, welding inspection, or other related construction experience.
  • A valid driver's license with acceptable violation history may be required.

Required Qualifications:
  • Successful completion of related internal safety certifications.

At least one or more certifications in the following areas:
  • NICET Level II certification in Construction Materials Testing (Asphalt, Concrete, Soils).
  • NICET Level II certification in Geotechnical (Construction, Laboratory, Exploration, Generalist)
  • ICC certification (Reinforced Concrete, Spray-applied Fireproofing, Structural Masonry, Prestressed/Post-Tensioned Concrete, Structural Steel - Bolting, Structural Steel - Welding).
  • American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
  • American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Level II certification (Visual Testing (VT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Dye Penetrant Testing (PT), Radiographic Testing (RT), Ultrasonic Testing (UT)).
  • Other national, regional, state, and local Materials related certifications requiring experience and written examination will also be considered if deemed appropriate by the Terracon Department Manager.
  • ACI certification* in one or more of the following areas:
  • Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I
  • Concrete Strength Testing Technician

*ACI certification not required if AWS CWI, ASNT Level II, VT, MT, PT, RT or UT certification(s) have been obtained and concrete field and laboratory testing is not required as part of the job level description.
  • Certified in radiation safety and Nuclear Density Gauge operation**.

**Nuclear Density Gauge operation certification not required if AWS CWI, ASNT Level II, VT, MT, PT, RT or UT certification(s) have been obtained and soils testing is not required as
About Us
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.
Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
About the Team
The chemistry that holds our materials team together is made of integrity, creativity, and care. We represent Terracon's largest technician and inspection workforce and ensure the materials used to build the nation's roads, bridges, airports, stadiums, and other structures are safe and sound. With our broad range of qualifications, specialized certifications, and building materials professionals, we are on-site, evaluating and testing materials in real-time to keep the pace of our clients' project, collecting and reporting data digitally to deliver critical insights. With our nationwide footprint of offices and laboratories, bench strength, flexibility, and diverse capabilities we identify issues and expedite solutions whenever problems arise.

What Terracon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom