1

Pipe Welder Apprentice Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Pipe Welder

Richmond, VA · On-site

$26 - $33/hr

We want someone on our team who can teach, coach, and provide direction to apprentices and helpers ... Weld pipes/metals with various techniques, such as electric, gas, arc, MIG, TIG, or other equipment

We want someone on our team who can teach, coach, and provide direction to apprentices and helpers ... Weld pipes/metals with various techniques, such as electric, gas, arc, MIG, TIG, or other equipment

Pipe Welder

Richmond, VA · On-site

$27 - $34/hr

The Commercial Pipe Welder's role involves assembling, maintaining, and installing structural units ... Access to apprenticeship training programs. * Scholarship opportunities for you and your family.

Pipe Welder

Richmond, VA · On-site

$27 - $34/hr

The Commercial Pipe Welder's role involves assembling, maintaining, and installing structural units ... Access to apprenticeship training programs. * Scholarship opportunities for you and your family.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Pipe Welder Apprentice information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$19

$26

How much do pipe welder apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for pipe welder apprentice in Virginia is $19.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $21.92 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Pipe Welder Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Pipe Welder Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Pipe Welder Apprentice job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,381 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

$26 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


ColonialWebb rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Pipe Welder- Fabrication
ColonialWebb is seeking talented and experienced Pipe Welders to join our Fabrication Team in Richmond, VA. As Pipe Welder, you will layout, fabricate, assemble, install, and weld piping systems, fixtures, and equipment for steam, hot water, heating, cooling, lubricating, and industrial processing systems according to specifications and codes. We want someone on our team who can teach, coach, and provide direction to apprentices and helpers to work safely and deliver quality. We work safely and encourage others to do so at ColonialWebb!
  • Location: 2820 Ackley Avenue Richmond, VA 23228.
  • Environment: Fabrication Shop.
  • Hours: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM, M-F.

Who we are:
At ColonialWebb, we are deeply committed to our people, our culture, and the continued growth of our business. As a full-service MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) contractor, we pride ourselves on the quality and expertise of our teams, who work across a diverse range of specialties, including New Construction, Mechanical Service, Industrial Refrigeration, and Manufacturing. For over 50 years, we've been dedicated to delivering comprehensive solutions and unmatched service to our commercial customers, earning a reputation as a trusted contractor in the industry.
What we will offer you:
  • Competitive salary of $26-33/hr.
  • Career development and progression
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • PTO and paid holidays
  • Excellent medical, dental, life, vision and disability benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee referral incentives

What you will do:
  • Weld pipes/metals with various techniques, such as electric, gas, arc, MIG, TIG, or other equipment
    • Know how to MIG root and fluxcore fill and cap
  • Determine required equipment and welding method, applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry, and welding techniques
  • Weld holding fixtures to structural steel members
  • Remove slag and rough spots with grinder, file, or scraper
  • Select type and size of pipe and related materials according to job specifications
  • Secure pipes to structure with clamps, brackets, and hangers, using hand tools
  • Cut pipe using pipe cutters, port-a-band saw, hammer and chisel, cutting torch, and pipe cutting machine
  • Assemble and install a variety of metal pipe and pipe fittings, including those made of carbon steel and stainless steel
  • Operate shop forklift to lift or transport equipment, material, and supplies as necessary
  • Loads and unloads shop materials from trucks and into buildings
  • Teach, coach, and provide direction to apprentices and helpers to work safely and deliver quality
  • Works safely, encourage others to do so, and complies with applicable health and safety-related rules, regulations, and procedures

What we are looking for:
  • Ability to obtain AWS 6G certification through ColonialWebb
  • Experience roll welding and with a position welder
  • Experience with MIG, TIG, and Stick welding methods
  • Knowledge of properties in various welding rods and fluxes used in welding metal
  • Knowledge of OSHA safety guidelines
  • Able to work with drawings, submittals, and specifications
  • Knowledge of basic construction/shop math (addition, subtraction, division, fraction, and multiplication)
  • Ability to work within precise limits and standards of accuracy
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including unscheduled overtime (nights and weekends).

EOE M/W/Disability/Vets
  • Veterans and those with previous military experience are encouraged to apply

What ColonialWebb employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom