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Refinery Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Welding Engineer

Palmdale, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

The Welding Engineer will apply expertise in stainless steel welding and resistance welding daily to develop and refine welding procedures that ensure product durability and compliance. Strong ...

... refine welding processes that increase efficiency, quality, and production output. Working closely with the Weld Supervisor and Engineering support, this role is responsible for creating and ...

Weld Specialist - Ventrac

Orrville, OH ยท On-site

$28 - $34/hr

... refine welding processes that increase efficiency, quality, and production output. Working closely with the Weld Supervisor and Engineering support, this role is responsible for creating and ...

Weld Specialist - Ventrac

Orrville, OH ยท On-site

$28 - $34/hr

... refine welding processes that increase efficiency, quality, and production output. Working closely with the Weld Supervisor and Engineering support, this role is responsible for creating and ...

Welding Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$34.25 - $47/hr

Develop and refine motion paths for the welding humanoid robot. * Optimize weld parameters (voltage, amperage, shielding gas) to minimize thermal distortion and maximize penetration. * Collaborate ...

Collaborate with the engineering and fabrication teams to plan, execute, and refine welding projects. * Ensure compliance with all safety guidelines and maintain a clean and organized work ...

Welding Robot Operator 1pm-930pm

Glendale, AZ ยท On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

Collaborate with the engineering and fabrication teams to plan, execute, and refine welding projects. * Ensure compliance with all safety guidelines and maintain a clean and organized work ...

Certified Welding Inspector

Benicia, CA ยท On-site

$33 - $44.50/hr

The successful candidate will verify weld quality through visual inspection and nondestructive ... Previous inspection experience in refinery, power, chemical, or infrastructure settings. * Current ...

Certified Welding Inspector

Milwaukee, WI ยท On-site

$26.75 - $36.25/hr

... the refining, petrochemical, power, pipeline, aerospace, and other industrial sectors. We are ... The successful candidate will verify weld quality through visual inspection and nondestructive ...

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Refinery Welding information

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$15

$23

$34

How much do refinery welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery welding in the United States is $23.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Refinery Welder, you need expertise in welding techniques, blueprint reading, and metal fabrication, typically supported by a welding certification and relevant safety training. Familiarity with tools such as MIG, TIG, and stick welding equipment, as well as compliance with OSHA regulations and API standards, is vital. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and a strong commitment to safety are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure high-quality, safe welds in hazardous refinery environments, reducing risks and maintaining operational integrity.

What do welders do in refineries?

Refinery welders perform tasks such as welding, cutting, and repairing pipes, tanks, and pressure vessels using techniques like arc, TIG, or MIG welding. They work in hazardous environments, often requiring certifications and adherence to safety standards to ensure the integrity of refinery equipment.

What is the highest paid welding position?

In refinery welding, the highest paid positions are often supervisory or specialized roles such as welding inspectors, welding engineers, or senior welders with advanced certifications like ASME or AWS. These roles typically require extensive experience, technical skills, and sometimes additional safety or leadership certifications, leading to higher compensation compared to entry-level welding jobs.

What are some common challenges refinery welders face, and how can they overcome them?

Refinery welders often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, exposure to hazardous materials, and strict adherence to safety protocols. These environments require welders to be highly attentive to detail and follow safety regulations closely. Overcoming these challenges involves consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE), ongoing safety training, and effective communication with team members to ensure tasks are completed safely and efficiently. Additionally, refinery welders should stay up to date with certification requirements and best practices to maintain high-quality work standards.

How much do oil rig welders earn?

Oil rig welders, a specialized type of refinery welder, typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, with experienced workers and those working offshore earning higher wages. Compensation often includes overtime pay, hazard pay, and benefits due to the demanding environment and required certifications such as ASME or AWS welding standards.

Can you make 300k as a welder?

Refinery welders with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications such as ASME or AWS can potentially earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-demand regions or with overtime and union benefits. However, such high earnings are typically reserved for senior or highly skilled welders working in hazardous environments or on complex projects.

What is refinery welding?

Refinery welding involves joining metal components in oil refineries to build, repair, or maintain equipment such as pipelines, pressure vessels, and structural supports. Welders in refineries work with various welding techniques, including arc welding, TIG, and MIG, to ensure strong, leak-proof joints that can withstand high pressures and temperatures. They must adhere to strict safety and quality standards due to the hazardous environment and the critical nature of refinery infrastructure.

What is the difference between Refinery Welding vs Pipefitting?

AspectRefinery WeldingPipefitting
CertificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS, ASME)Pipefitting certifications (e.g., NCCER, API)
Work EnvironmentRefineries, chemical plants, industrial sitesConstruction sites, industrial plants, maintenance
Industry UsageHeavy industry, oil & gas refineriesOil & gas, water treatment, power plants

Refinery Welding and Pipefitting both require specialized certifications and often overlap in industrial settings. Refinery Welders focus on welding metal components in refineries, while Pipefitters install and maintain piping systems. Both roles are essential in the oil and gas industry and share similar work environments, but their primary skills differ: welding versus pipe installation.

More about Refinery Welding jobs
What cities are hiring for Refinery Welding jobs? Cities with the most Refinery Welding job openings:
What states have the most Refinery Welding jobs? States with the most job openings for Refinery Welding jobs include:
Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer

Aero Bending Company

Palmdale, CA โ€ข On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

About the Role:

The Welding Engineer will play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, quality, and efficiency of welding processes within manufacturing operations, particularly focusing on stainless steel and pressure vessel fabrication. This position involves designing, developing, qualifying, and optimizing welding procedures to meet stringent industry standards and regulatory requirements. The engineer will manage welding-related projects from concept through completion, ensuring work is delivered on time, within budget, and in full compliance with applicable codes and safety standards.

The Welding Engineer will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including fabrication, machining, production, and quality assurance to implement best practices, troubleshoot welding-related issues, and improve existing processes. This role also includes oversight of welding personnel, training, and technical guidance to ensure proper execution of procedures. A key outcome of this position is to enhance production reliability, prevent defects through strong quality control measures, and maintain compliance with quality systems and safety protocols. Ultimately, the Welding Engineer will contribute to delivering high-quality, durable products that meet customer specifications and industry certifications while driving continuous improvement initiatives within welding operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelorโ€™s degree in Welding Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
Proven experience with stainless steel welding techniques, including TIG and resistance welding.
Strong knowledge of pressure vessel codes and standards such as ASME Section VIII.
Familiarity with manufacturing processes, fabrication, and machining as they relate to welding operations.
Experience with quality systems, inspection processes, and documentation in a manufacturing environment.
Experience preparing and maintaining Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Welding Procedure Qualification Records (WPQR).

Preferred Qualifications:

Certified Welding Engineer (CWE) or equivalent professional certification.
Experience working in regulated industries such as aerospace, energy, or heavy manufacturing.
Proficiency with welding simulation software and metallurgical analysis tools.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
Advanced training in non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques.
Experience leading or supervising welding teams.

Responsibilities:

Develop, qualify, and document welding procedures (WPS, WPQR) for stainless steel and other materials used in pressure vessel manufacturing.
Design and improve welding techniques tailored to specific production and project requirements.
Manage welding-related projects and coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution.
Conduct resistance welding and TIG welding process optimization to improve efficiency, reduce defects, and enhance product quality.
Collaborate with manufacturing and fabrication teams to resolve welding-related production challenges and implement corrective actions.
Perform inspections and oversee final inspection and non-destructive testing activities to verify weld integrity and compliance with applicable codes and standards.
Implement and maintain quality control measures to prevent defects and ensure consistent welding performance.
Prepare and maintain technical documentation to support compliance, audits, and regulatory requirements.
Research and evaluate new welding technologies and techniques to enhance operational effectiveness.
Train and supervise welding personnel to ensure adherence to procedures, safety standards, and best practices.

Skills:

The Welding Engineer will apply expertise in stainless steel welding and resistance welding daily to develop and refine welding procedures that ensure product durability and compliance. Strong knowledge of metallurgy and fabrication processes enables effective troubleshooting and process improvement. TIG welding knowledge is used to specify and optimize welding parameters for critical joints.

The engineer will utilize quality systems expertise to maintain documentation, conduct inspections, and support internal and external audits, ensuring all welding activities meet regulatory and customer standards. Strong project management, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills are essential for preventing defects and improving production efficiency. Additionally, effective communication and leadership skills are vital for coordinating cross-functional teams, supervising welding personnel, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.