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Senior Welder Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

American Welding Society (AWS) Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) * American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Level III certification in one or more of the following areas: Visual ...

American Welding Society (AWS) Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) * American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Level III certification in one or more of the following areas: Visual ...

Senior Welder information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$25.4K

$81.6K

$166.2K

How much do senior welder jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior welder in Rochester, MN is $81,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,200.00 and $104,700.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Welder jobs in Rochester, MN? The most popular types of Welder jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Welder jobs in Rochester, MN? For Senior Welder jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Welder jobs in Rochester, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Welder jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Senior Welder jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Senior Welder job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Welder job openings in Rochester, MN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,611 per year, or $39.2 per hour.
Construction Materials Technician IV

Construction Materials Technician IV

TERRACON

Rochester, MN

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Terracon rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 73 rated business consultants


Job description

Perform field and/or laboratory testing, observation, and inspection of construction materials (e.g. soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, and steel). Communicate with project manager, engineering technicians, client representative, contractor's representative and others as applicable regarding the construction site, project requirements, and testing, observation, and inspection requirements and results. Transport material samples with associated identifying documentation to the laboratory for further testing and analysis. Tabulate, prepare, and submit data and observation in the form of written and digital reports as work is performed for daily transmittal to the Terracon Project Manager. Maintain and clean equipment, vehicles and work areas. May assist with scheduling and dispatch of Technicians to project sites. Adhere to strict safety standards.
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.

Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
The chemistry that holds our materials team together is made of integrity, creativity, and care. We represent Terracon's largest technician and inspection workforce and ensure the materials used to build the nation's roads, bridges, airports, stadiums, and other structures are safe and sound. With our broad range of qualifications, specialized certifications, and building materials professionals, we are on-site, evaluating and testing materials in real-time to keep the pace of our clients' project, collecting and reporting data digitally to deliver critical insights. With our nationwide footprint of offices and laboratories, bench strength, flexibility, and diverse capabilities we identify issues and expedite solutions whenever problems arise.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum 5-10 years of relevant experience or the equivalent in training and related experience.
  • Experience with laptop computer use and Microsoft Word and Excel
  • A valid driver's license with acceptable violation history may be required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Certifications in one or more of the following areas:

  • NICET Level III certification in Construction Materials Testing in two or more of the following categories or NICET Level III in at least one of the following categories: Asphalt, Concrete, Soils.
  • NICET Level III certification in Geotechnical in two or more of the following categories: Construction, Laboratory, Exploration, Generalist
  • ICC certification in two or more of the following categories: Reinforced Concrete, Spray-applied Fireproofing, Structural Masonry, Prestressed/Post-Tensioned Concrete, Structural Steel - Bolting, Structural Steel - Welding.
  • American Welding Society (AWS) Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI)
  • American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Level III certification in one or more of the following areas: Visual Testing (VT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Dye Penetrant Testing (PT), Radiographic Testing (RT), Ultrasonic Testing (UT).
  • Other national, regional, state, and local Materials related certifications requiring experience and written examination will also be considered if deemed appropriate by the Terracon Department Manager.

Required Qualifications:

  • ACI certification in one or more of the following areas:
  • Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I
  • Concrete Strength Testing Technician
  • Certified in radiation safety and Nuclear Density Gauge operation.

Steel

  • American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), or
  • Structural Steel and/or nondestructive testing services: ASNT Level II

Facilities

  • Relevant certification for the services or project requirements (e.g. Registered Roofing Observer (RRO))
  • Performs testing, observation, and inspection as directed in accordance with training and the specified procedures.
  • Provides clear documentation of findings and results.
  • Performs basic analysis of data to verify accuracy before communication and submittal to the Project Manager.
  • Communicates information to Project Manager and other personnel as directed by the PM.
  • Has experience and proficiency in multiple areas of field testing and inspection and or laboratory testing
  • Trains lower level technicians
  • May direct and supervise activities of other engineering technicians in the laboratory or on larger field projects.
  • May interact with client and other site personnel on behalf of the Project Manager when directed
  • May assist Project Manager in development of scope for testing and inspection services
  • Maintains equipment operation and calibration.
  • Performs advanced fieldwork and assists with project management.
  • Plan, schedule and dispatch Technicians to project sites based on technician skill set, certifications, location, project, and priority.
  • Coordinate pre-dispatch activities with Project, Department, and/or Office Managers.
  • Track projects including contractor site data and status into Construction Materials and Laboratory Management System (CMELMS).
  • Communicate with clients to provide up to date information in regard to the company's ability to meet expected project timelines, client needs for projects and project status.
  • Follow safety rules and practices and other safety requirements for all projects. Performs pre-task planning prior to executing work. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
  • Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.

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