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Senior Welder Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Arcosa LWB, LLC

Sr. Fitter/Welder

Clinton, IL

$26 - $31.50/hr

Meyer Utility Structures, an Arcosa subsidiary, is searching for multiple Sr. Fitter/Welders to join our growing team in our Clinton, IL plant. As a Fitter/Welder at Meyer Utility Structures, you'll ...

Arcosa Lightweight

Sr. Fitter/Welder

Clinton, IL · On-site

$26 - $31.50/hr

Meyer Utility Structures, an Arcosa subsidiary, is searching for multiple Sr. Fitter/Welders to join our growing team in our Clinton, IL plant. As a Fitter/Welder at Meyer Utility Structures, you'll ...

All JobsWelder JobsSenior Welder JobsSenior Welder Jobs in Decatur, IL

Senior Welder information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$24.2K

$77.9K

$158.6K

How much do senior welder jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior welder in Decatur, IL is $77,876.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,300.00 and $99,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid welder job?

The highest paid welding jobs are often in specialized fields such as underwater welding, aerospace welding, or working on large-scale infrastructure projects, with annual salaries exceeding $100,000. These roles typically require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and the ability to work in challenging environments or at great heights.

What is a Senior Welder job?

A Senior Welder is a highly skilled professional responsible for welding, fabricating, and assembling metal components according to specifications. They interpret blueprints, operate advanced welding equipment, and ensure high-quality, durable welds. Additionally, they may train junior welders, inspect finished work for defects, and follow safety regulations. Senior Welders often work in industries like construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding. Their expertise ensures structural integrity and adherence to industry standards.

What types of projects do Senior Welders typically work on, and how is the workload managed?

Senior Welders are usually assigned to complex fabrication, construction, or repair projects, such as building structural frameworks, manufacturing heavy equipment, or performing pipeline welding. The workload often involves interpreting technical blueprints, selecting appropriate welding techniques, and leading or mentoring less-experienced welders on the team. Scheduling is generally coordinated with project managers and engineers to meet strict deadlines while ensuring safety and quality standards. You may find both independent tasks and collaborative projects, so flexibility and teamwork are key to succeeding in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Senior Welder position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Welder, you need advanced welding skills, a solid understanding of metal fabrication, and relevant experience, often backed by a welding certification such as AWS or equivalent. Proficiency in operating welding equipment, reading blueprints, and using measuring tools is essential, and familiarity with automated welding systems can be advantageous. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure high-quality workmanship, workplace safety, and seamless coordination on large-scale fabrication or construction projects.

How to make $100,000 a year as a welder?

Senior welders can earn $100,000 or more annually by gaining extensive experience, specializing in high-demand skills like underwater or aerospace welding, obtaining certifications such as AWS, and working in high-paying industries or locations. Working overtime, taking on supervisory roles, or contracting independently can also increase earnings.

What age do most welders retire?

Most welders retire between ages 60 and 65, which aligns with typical retirement ages in many industries. Physical demands and safety considerations can influence retirement timing for welders, especially those working in physically intensive environments or with specialized certifications.

Can you make $300,000 as a welder?

Senior welders with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications such as ASME or AWS can potentially earn $300,000 annually, especially when working overtime, in high-demand industries, or in remote locations. However, such high earnings are uncommon and typically require advanced expertise, leadership roles, or working in lucrative sectors like oil and gas or aerospace.
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Senior Welder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Welder job openings in Decatur, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $77,876 per year, or $37.4 per hour.
SENIOR WELDING TECHNICIAN

SENIOR WELDING TECHNICIAN

Align Production Systems

Decatur, IL • On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description


ALIGN MANUFACTURING

Senior Fabricator — Job Description

Decatur, IL | Full Time | Direct Hire


About Align Manufacturing

Align Manufacturing is a custom industrial equipment builder located in Decatur, Illinois. We build complex machines and structural assemblies for some of the most recognized names in industry. Our work demands fabricators who can think, adapt, and take ownership of their craft from the first tack to the final inspection. We are growing and we are looking for the right person to grow with us.


What We Are Looking For

This is not an entry-level position and it is not for someone looking to coast. We are looking for a Senior Fabricator who brings real structural fit up experience, a high standard for quality, and the kind of energy and attitude that makes the people around them better. If you take pride in your work, hold yourself to a high standard, and want to be part of a team that is building something worth being proud of — we want to talk.


THE RIGHT FIT

High energy. Positive mindset. Someone who walks into a work cell, owns it, and leaves it better than they found it.


What You Will Do

  • Fabricate and weld structural steel assemblies for custom industrial equipment from engineered prints and detailed drawings.
  • Perform precise fit up on complex assemblies — interpreting multi-view prints, weld symbols, and GD&T callouts with accuracy and confidence.
  • Work from minimal documentation when required, using fabrication experience and mechanical judgment to produce quality work.
  • Execute primary MIG welding with occasional stick welding as required by the job.
  • Identify fit up issues, dimensional discrepancies, and design concerns early and communicate them to the lead or engineer before they become production problems.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work cell throughout the shift.
  • Participate in quality sign-offs, in-process inspections, and continuous improvement activities.
  • Support and mentor less experienced fabricators when the opportunity presents itself.


What You Bring

  • Seven or more years of hands-on structural fabrication experience in a manufacturing environment. Experience over years — if you can do the work we want to see it.
  • Demonstrated fit up experience on complex, custom, or structural assemblies. This is non-negotiable.
  • Strong MIG welding proficiency. Stick welding capability is a plus.
  • Ability to read and interpret complex engineering prints including weld symbols and GD&T callouts.
  • Experience working from minimal documentation and making sound fabrication decisions independently.
  • High energy, positive attitude, and a genuine investment in the quality of the work you produce.
  • Strong attention to detail and a personal standard that does not require someone standing over your shoulder.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, custom build environment where priorities shift and problem solving is a daily expectation.


What Sets You Apart

  • AWS or equivalent weld certification.
  • Experience in heavy structural fabrication — plate steel, structural shapes, and weldment assemblies.
  • Exposure to GD&T on production prints.
  • A track record of identifying and preventing quality issues before they escalate.
  • The kind of person who brings energy to the floor and raises the standard for everyone around them.