1

Refinery Welding Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Construction Manager/Inspector

Algona, IA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Two-year Vocational Technical (Mechanical or Welding) or Construction Science Degree For this role ... Who We Are As a Koch company, Flint Hills Resources is an industry-leading refining company making ...

Cultivate and refine appropriate cylinder and hard goods inventory levels for the branch ... welding industry . * Experience with inventory cultivation and vendor relationship support.

Refinery Welding information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$21

$32

How much do refinery welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery welding in Iowa is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a refinery welder?

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 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.

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.

How to get into refinery welding?

To become a refinery welder, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or an apprenticeship in welding techniques such as SMAW, GTAW, or GMAW. Certification from organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) is often required, and experience working with industrial equipment and safety protocols is essential in refinery environments.

What are popular job titles related to Refinery Welding jobs in Iowa?

For Refinery Welding jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Refinery Welding jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Refinery Welding jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Refinery Welding job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $43,991 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Certified Tank Inspector

Interstate Companies Inc

Cedar Rapids, IA

$16.25 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Certified Tank Inspector
Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Company: Interstate Power Systems

Interstate Power Systems is looking for a Certified Tank Inspector at our Cedar Rapids, Iowa location.

The ideal candidate will be tank certified on refined fuels, LP tanks and 407 trailers among others. Responsible to perform visual, internal, pressure and leak testing on truck and trailer mounted tanks. Also responsible for testing on hazardous material certified tanks. The preferred person must have welding experience as well.

Responsibilities:

  • Include but are not limited to perform VIPK inspections, timely and accurate completion of paperwork, assist with other repairs and PM’s in shop as required. Helping order parts and maintaining inventory, perform necessary tank and trailer test on units, and ensure they comply with all government and company standards and regulations. Perform repairs to tanks

Position Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • OSHA 10 and MSHA certifications strongly preferred
  • 3+ years as a Tank Inspector (Must be Certified)
  • Must have basic tools up to 1”
  • Valid Driver’s License is required, CDL is an asset but not required

Employee Benefits:

  • Competitive Wages – Be paid your worth!
  • Uniforms - fully supplied by Interstate!
  • Tool program - available
  • Tuition assistance - for educational and ongoing career growth
  • Health, dental and vision coverage - begins on the first day of the following month.
  • Paid Time Off - (PTO) starts accruing day one of your full-time employment.
  • Holidays - 6 Holidays and 2 Floating Holidays per year
  • 401(K) - with company matching.
  • Long Term Disability - Supplied
  • Short Term Disability - Supplied
  • Life Insurance - Supplied
  • Healthiest You - Virtual Health Care paid by Interstate.
  • PPE Reimbursement- Safety Glasses and Safety Boot Reimbursement
  • Pet InsuranceWe care about our furry friends!
  • Employee Discounts - available on products and services
  • Paid Employee Assistance Program - Free 24/7 Access to a guidance consultant regarding life challenges you or family member may face.
  • Paid Health and Well-being screening - for employees and their spouse

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.


Interstate Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage all qualified and interested persons to apply for this position by submitting a resume for consideration.

Military Friendly Hiring