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Shielded Metal Arc Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chipton Ross

Structural Welder (Pulse Arc)

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$55/hr

SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding) and GMAW-P (Pulse Arc Welding). 2. Heating - Oxygen/Propane Heating Torch. 3. Experience working in a ...

TNT Crane & Rigging

Welder

Houston, TX

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

... shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment. • Weld separately or in combination, using aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, and other alloys. • Clamp, hold, tack-weld, heat-bend ...

TNT Crane & Rigging

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

... shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment. • Weld separately or in combination, using aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, and other alloys. • Clamp, hold, tack-weld, heat-bend ...

TNT Crane & Rigging, Inc.

Welder

Houston, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

... shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment. • Weld separately or in combination, using aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, and other alloys. • Clamp, hold, tack-weld, heat-bend ...

Chipton Ross

Structural Welder (Pulse Arc)

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$55/hr

SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding) and GMAW-P (Pulse Arc Welding). 2. Heating - Oxygen/Propane Heating Torch. 3. Experience working in a ...

LEAD Staff

Shipyard Structural Welder

Marinette, WI

$35 - $40/hr

SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding) and GMAW-P (Pulse Arc Welding). 2. Heating - Oxygen/Propane Heating Torch. 3. Experience working in a ...

Torrey Holistics

Shipyard Structural Welder

Marinette, WI · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding) and GMAW-P (Pulse Arc Welding). 2. Heating - Oxygen/Propane Heating Torch. 3. Experience working in a ...

New

Aerotek

Welder

Cinnaminson, NJ

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Recognize, set up, and operate hand and power welding tools, including shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment, in accordance with job requirements. * Lay out and measure dimensions ...

MUM INDUSTRIES INC

Welder (1st shift) - TX

Dallas, TX

$24 - $27/hr

Recognize, set up, and operate hand and power tools common to the welding trade, such as shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment. * Weld separately or in combination, using aluminum ...

MUM INDUSTRIES INC

TIG Welder-OH

Mentor, OH · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Recognize, set up, and operate hand and power tools common to the welding trade, such as shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment. * Weld separately or in combination, using aluminum ...

Aerotek

Structural Welder (Pulse Arc)

Charleston, SC

$45/hr

Perform multi-pass, all-position fillet and butt welds using SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding), and GMAW-P (Pulse Arc Welding). * Execute ...

MUM INDUSTRIES INC

Welder- TX (2nd shift)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Recognize, set up, and operate hand and power tools common to the welding trade, such as shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment. * Weld separately or in combination, using aluminum ...

MUM INDUSTRIES INC

TIG Welder (2nd shift)- OH

Mentor, OH · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Recognize, set up, and operate hand and power tools common to the welding trade, such as shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment. * Weld separately or in combination, using aluminum ...

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Shielded Metal Arc Welding information

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How much do shielded metal arc welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for shielded metal arc welding in the United States is $24.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $27.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)?

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), also known as stick welding, is a manual arc welding process that uses a consumable electrode coated in flux to lay the weld. An electric current is used to create an arc between the electrode and the metals being joined, which melts both the electrode and the workpiece to form a strong joint. The flux coating on the electrode produces a protective gas and slag, shielding the weld from atmospheric contamination. SMAW is widely used due to its versatility, portability, and effectiveness on various metals and thicknesses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a shielded metal arc welder?

To thrive as a Shielded Metal Arc Welder, you need strong manual dexterity, knowledge of welding techniques, and typically a high school diploma or welding certification. Familiarity with welding equipment, safety gear, and industry standards such as AWS certification is highly valuable. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are important soft skills. These abilities ensure high-quality welds, workplace safety, and efficient project completion in industrial and construction environments.

What are some common challenges faced by shielded metal arc welding professionals, and how can they be managed on the job?

Shielded Metal Arc Welding professionals often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent weld quality, managing electrode consumption, and working in difficult positions or environments. Weather conditions, especially when working outdoors, can affect the stability of the arc and the quality of the weld. To manage these challenges, welders should stay current with safety practices, be diligent in equipment maintenance, and communicate effectively with team members to coordinate tasks and troubleshoot issues. Continuous practice and on-the-job training also help improve skills and adaptability.

What is the difference between Shielded Metal Arc Welding vs Gas Metal Arc Welding?

FeatureShielded Metal Arc WeldingGas Metal Arc Welding
CredentialsWelding certification, often AWS certifiedWelding certification, often AWS certified
Work EnvironmentIndoor/outdoor, portable, construction sitesIndoor, factory, construction
Industry UsageHeavy industries, construction, repairManufacturing, automotive, construction

Both Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) require similar certifications and are used in similar work environments. SMAW is versatile and portable, ideal for outdoor and repair work, while GMAW offers faster welding in controlled settings. Understanding their differences helps in choosing the right welding method for specific projects.

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Shielded Metal Arc Welding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shielded Metal Arc Welding job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,730 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

GMAW-P (Pulse arc welding)

Integrity Staffing

Newport News, VA

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Four years of NNS or naval shipyard experience as a first class Welder. Required Skills:

  • Multi-pass. All position fillet and butt welds using the following processes: SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding) and GMAW-P (Pulse Arc Welding).
  • Heating - Oxygen/Propane Heating Torch.
  • Experience working in a physically demanding environment (shipboard, sub-assemblies, ladders, staging, etc.).
  • Familiarity with OSHA regulations relative to the shipbuilding industry.
  • Air Carbon Arc Gouging.
  • Ability to properly use fillet and butt weld gauges.

All Welders will be required to pass all position, Multi-pass Butt Weld, Welder Qualification Tests prior to reporting for the first day of productive work. These tests will be in accordance with MIL-STD-248D Paragraph 5.3.3 and the following:

  • All position (Horizontal (2G), Vertical (3G), and Overhead (4G)) SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) process.
  • All position (Horizontal (2G), Vertical (3G), and Overhead (4G)) FCAW (Flux Core Arc Welding) process.
  • Horizontal (2G) position GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) process.
  • All position (Horizontal (2G), Vertical (3G), and Overhead (4G)) GMAW-P (Pulse Arc Welding) process.
  • Air Carbon Arc Gouging proficiency test.

The Welding School will administer the following tests:

  1. All Welding Qualification Tests in “A” (6 hours), “B” (12 hours), “C” (4 hours) above.
  2. Visual Inspection of Welds Level I (4 hours).
  3. Welders Vision Test (5 minutes).
  4. Air Carbon Arc Gouging Proficiency Test (1 hour)

Apply