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Pipe Welder Apprentice Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

... Welding Technology. * Completion of an accredited Power Engineering certification program . * Completion of an accredited apprenticeship program. For example: boilermaker, steamfitter or pipe ...

Pipe Welder Apprentice information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$18

$25

How much do pipe welder apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for pipe welder apprentice in Iowa is $18.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $20.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pipe welder apprentice?

Pipe Welder Apprentices are individuals who are learning the trade of pipe welding through a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction. They work under the supervision of experienced welders to develop skills in joining, fabricating, and repairing pipes made from various metals. Apprenticeships typically last several years and cover safety procedures, blueprint reading, welding techniques, and industry standards. Upon completion, apprentices may become certified journeyman welders and pursue advanced opportunities in the field.

What does a pipe welder apprentice do?

As a pipe welder apprentice, you shadow a senior welder as you assist in their daily duties. In this paid, on-the-job training position, your responsibilities vary. You might lay-out a plan to install new piping, test existing pipes, or repair broken ones. You hone your skills for real-world applications while partaking in classroom instruction, too. Most apprenticeships typically last three or four years, providing you in-depth experience in addition to the course curriculum. An apprenticeship is almost always a part of your education for this line of work.

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

To thrive as a Pipe Welder Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of welding techniques, safety protocols, and blueprint reading, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with welding equipment, measuring tools, and industry standards like AWS certifications is typically required. Strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a willingness to learn from experienced welders are vital soft skills. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality welds, maintaining safety, and successfully progressing in the skilled trades.

What are the typical challenges a pipe welder apprentice may face during the training period?

As a Pipe Welder Apprentice, you may encounter challenges such as mastering various welding techniques, working in confined or elevated spaces, and adapting to changing worksite conditions. Apprentices often need to develop physical stamina and attention to detail, as welding requires precision and safety awareness. Additionally, balancing classroom instruction with hands-on training can be demanding, but this combination is essential for building a solid foundation in the trade. Collaboration with experienced welders and asking questions are key to overcoming these challenges and progressing in your apprenticeship.

What is the difference between Pipe Welder Apprentice vs Pipe Fitter Apprentice?

AspectPipe Welder ApprenticePipe Fitter Apprentice
CertificationsBasic welding certifications, OSHA safety trainingBasic pipe fitting and safety certifications
Work EnvironmentWelding in construction, industrial, or manufacturing settingsAssembling and installing piping systems in similar environments
Job FocusLearning welding techniques for pipesLearning pipe fitting and assembly skills

Both Pipe Welder Apprentices and Pipe Fitter Apprentices work in industrial and construction settings, often overlapping in work environments. The main difference lies in their focus: welders specialize in welding pipes, while fitters focus on pipe assembly and installation. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path within the piping industry.

How much do pipe welder apprentices make?

Pipe welder apprentices typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and union status. Apprenticeship programs often include paid on-the-job training and may lead to higher wages as skills improve and certifications are obtained.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pipe Welder jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Pipe Welder jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Pipe Welder Apprentice jobs in Iowa?

For Pipe Welder Apprentice jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pipe Welder Apprentice jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Pipe Welder Apprentice jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Pipe Welder Apprentice job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,257 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Berkshire Hathaway Energy rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Under general supervision, performs a variety of semi-skilled duties and may act as helper to higher-level occupations engaged in various phases of electric and gas distribution, transmission, or any other utility work. Performs the duties of Laborer. MidAmerican Energy Company, a Midwest utility, provides regulated electric and natural gas service to more than 1.6 million customers in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company owns and operates a portfolio of power-generating assets, approximately 61% of which is wind generation.MidAmerican Energy Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

- CDL required at time of or within six months of hire   - Pipeline Alcohol and Drug Testing   Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Typical Duties  - Performs all work in a safe manner. Complies with all applicable safety rules, regulations and procedures. Performs all work that they are qualified and trained to do in a manner to protect themselves, their fellow employees and the public from injury. - Assists crews or qualified people to set or remove poles. - Assists in installing transformers on poles, platforms and pads. Loads and unloads all forms of electric transmission and distribution materials and assists in installation. - Keeps stock of construction materials in truck or on job as instructed. - Drives truck to and from job and transfers required employees, materials and equipment. - Cleans and maintains truck, mechanized equipment, regulator stations, town border stations, pole yards, substation yards, and construction sites. - Operates air tools such as paving breakers, tampers, drills, and air compressors; operates pumps, augering equipment, pushing machines, directional drilling units, and other similar equipment. - Aids and assists employees in higher classifications in connection with welding, plastic pipe joining, pipe fitting, main tapping, making main connections, operating power equipment, installing leak clamps, cleaning and coating joints, performing routine leak survey work and with other gas distribution work. - Aids and assists workmen in other classifications installing electric, gas, and other utility equipment for a project where facilities are installed in a common or non-common trench. Installs electric and gas equipment, (i.e. transformer pads, transformers, secondary enclosures, and other facilities. - Aids and assists in patrolling overhead and underground circuits onfoot, by air, or as otherwise directed to inspect as routine patrol or for damage due to storm, electrical failure, and sabotage. - Operates winch line and boom and any other mechanical driven equipment to perform any operations for which equipment is suited. Operates power-driven crane, digger, trencher, plow, backhoe, or any piece of power-driven equipment to which the employee is assigned. - Performs restoration and clean up. - Performs public contacts when necessary. - Aids and assists higher classifications in underground fault detection where applicable. - Leads, trains and instructs employees in their work.   


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