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Refinery Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TIG Welder (Aerospace)

Kent, WA ยท On-site

$23.25 - $30/hr

Works well as a team member and seeks clarification to refine welding techniques. Functions, Responsibilities and Required Experience * Completes routine and some advanced welding tasks while ...

Tig Welding Mentor

Londonderry, NH ยท On-site

$21 - $27/hr

The mentor works directly with students in welding booths, helping them refine TIG welding techniques, improve weld quality, develop efficiency, and build the confidence needed for real-world ...

Tig Welding Mentor

Londonderry, NH

$21.50 - $27.75/hr

The mentor works directly with students in welding booths, helping them refine TIG welding techniques, improve weld quality, develop efficiency, and build the confidence needed for real-world ...

Certified Welding Inspector

Great Falls, MT ยท On-site

$25.75 - $34.75/hr

Background in handling Structural Steel/Pipe Welding/Refineries * Extensive working knowledge and experience with D1.1....D1.5 * Certification of understanding of NDE methods including MT/PT/Phased ...

Aerospace TIG Welder

Airway Heights, WA ยท On-site

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

Works well as a team member and seeks clarification to refine welding techniques. Functions and Responsibilities * Completes routine and some advanced welding tasks while applying standard practices.

FCAW Welder/Fabricator

Merritt Island, FL ยท On-site

$18.25 - $23.50/hr

Collaborate with engineering to refine welding processes and weldment designs. * Design support and fabrication tooling required for welding and assembly * Excellent communication skills * Provide ...

New

Tig Welding Mentor

Londonderry, NH ยท On-site

$28 - $32/hr

The mentor works directly with students in welding booths, helping them refine TIG welding techniques, improve weld quality, develop efficiency, and build the confidence needed for real-world ...

Engineering, mechanical, pipe welding, environmental, instrumentation, refining experience or construction skills are beneficial but not required. * Good math skills. * Basic computer skills.

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Refinery Welding information

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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:
Technician II - Friction Stir Welding

Technician II - Friction Stir Welding

Quantum Space

Rockville, MD โ€ข On-site

$24 - $48/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Who We're Looking For
Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.
We are seeking a Technician II - Friction Stir Welding to fabricate novel spacecraft propellant tanks. This role is ideal for a technician with several years of experience in friction stir welding or a CNC operator that has experience with welding.
You will work closely with propulsion, manufacturing, mechanical, and test engineering teams to develop and refine friction stir welding processes for spacecraft propellant tanks. This is a hands-on role focused on execution, troubleshooting, hardware fabrication, and flight-critical manufacturing operations.
Where You'll Make an Impact
  • Work with engineers to develop friction stir welding processes for novel spacecraft propellant tanks
  • Provide manufacturing feedback to engineers to improve weld quality, repeatability, and production efficiency
  • Support engineers in the development and refinement of friction stir welding processes for spacecraft propellant tanks
  • Perform and own friction stir welding operations on development and flight spacecraft propellant tanks
  • Assist in pressure and leak testing of spacecraft propellant tanks
  • Assist in the integration of spacecraft propellant tanks into spacecraft propulsion systems

What It Takes
  • High school diploma or GED
  • 3+ years of relevant experience with friction stir welding, or CNC operation and welding experience
  • Demonstrated ability to own completion of tasks with minimal oversight
  • Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot
  • Demonstrated ability to understand drawings and CAD models

Nice-to-Have Experience
  • 1+ years performing friction stir welding on spacecraft propulsion tanks or other pressure vessels
  • Friction stir weld certification and/or other weld certifications
  • Demonstrated experience with pressure testing and leak testing
  • Demonstrated experience in machining aerospace grade parts with CNC equipment
  • Demonstrated experience with the assembly, integration, and test of propulsion systems and components
  • Demonstrated experience creating and interpreting CAD models and engineering drawings
  • Experience with nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods and weld inspection

What You'll Get
Ownership - Contribute directly to the fabrication of mission-critical spacecraft hardware
Innovation - Support advanced manufacturing technologies enabling next-generation spacecraft mobility
Impact - Help deliver reliable spacecraft systems supporting national security, civil, and commercial missions
Growth - Join a cross-functional engineering and manufacturing team operating at the center of spacecraft development, integration, and mission execution
Compensation - Technician II Maryland Hourly rate range: $24 - $48/hr; Senior Technician Maryland salary range: $100,000-$130,000; equity participation opportunities and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation
Additional Requirements
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. ยง 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Apply now. Join us in building the spacecraft hardware powering the next generation of spacecraft mobility and mission capability.