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Small Welding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Westar Marine Services

Lead Welder

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$23 - $30.25/hr

Prior experience leading or supervising a small welding/fabrication crew. * Comfortable working at heights, in confined spaces, and on the water. * Physically able to lift 50+ lbs, stand for extended ...

SpaceX

Welding Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

$115K - $140K/yr

WELDING ENGINEER This position will support manufacturing and development of SpaceX's Falcon 9 and ... positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand * Strong ability to multi-task and ...

SpaceX

Welding Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

WELDING ENGINEER This position will support manufacturing and development of SpaceX's Falcon 9 and ... positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand * Strong ability to multi-task and ...

SpaceX

Sr. Welding Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

$135K - $190K/yr

SR. WELDING ENGINEER This position will support manufacturing and development of SpaceX's Falcon 9 ... in small openings and climbing hand over hand COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay Range: Level 3: $135 ...

SpaceX

Sr. Welding Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$135K - $190K/yr

The welding engineer in this role will interface daily with design and manufacturing engineers to ... in small openings and climbing hand over hand COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay Range: Level 3: $135 ...

Hermeus

Senior Welding Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$140K - $200K/yr

The welding engineer in this role will interface daily with design and manufacturing engineers to ... positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand * Strong ability to multi-task and ...

Hermeus

Senior Welding Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

The welding engineer in this role will interface daily with design and manufacturing engineers to ... positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand * Strong ability to multi-task and ...

Hermeus

Senior Welding Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$140K - $200K/yr

The welding engineer in this role will interface daily with design and manufacturing engineers to ... positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand * Strong ability to multi-task and ...

APM Manufacturing

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

Orange, CA · On-site

$30.25 - $40.75/hr

Certified Welder must have certification to AWS D17.1_D17.1M _D1.1 or equivalent Fusion Welding for ... Effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients and ...

APM Manufacturing

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

Orange, CA · On-site

$30.25 - $40.75/hr

Certified Welder must have certification to AWS D17.1_D17.1M _D1.1 or equivalent Fusion Welding for ... Effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients and ...

L3HHCM20

$31.81 - $55.87/hr

Inspector - Welding Job Code: 39740 Job Location: Canoga Park Job Schedule: 2nd shift 9/80 ... and small propulsion components and systems for NASA, Military and Commercial contracts. The ...

L3Harris Technologies

Weld Inspector

Canoga Park, CA

$31.81 - $55.87/hr

Inspector - Welding Job Code: 39740 Job Location: Canoga Park Job Schedule: 2nd shift 9/80 ... and small propulsion components and systems for NASA, Military and Commercial contracts. The ...

JENSEN ENTERPRISES INC

Welder

CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

This role applies appropriate welding processes to join, surface, fabricate, and repair metal parts ... Reporting to the Production Supervisor, you'll primarily work with a small team of machine ...

JENSEN INFRASTRUCTURE

Welder

Ontario, CA

$20 - $25/hr

This role applies appropriate welding processes to join, surface, fabricate, and repair metal parts ... Reporting to the Production Supervisor, you'll primarily work with a small team of machine ...

Advastar, Inc

Fabricator Welder

San Diego, CA

$29 - $40/hr

The shop is busy, growing, and looking for someone ready to become a key player on a small, tight ... Welding certification(s) preferred; must be able to pass a U.S. government background check * Valid ...

Advastar, Inc

Fabricator Welder

San Diego, CA

$29 - $40/hr

The shop is busy, growing, and looking for someone ready to become a key player on a small, tight ... Welding certification(s) preferred; must be able to pass a U.S. government background check * Valid ...

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All JobsSmall Welding JobsSmall Welding Jobs in California

Small Welding information

See California salary details

$14

$29

$44

How much do small welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for small welding in California is $29.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.03 and $33.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Small Welding job?

A Small Welding job typically involves performing welding tasks on small-scale projects, components, or delicate metal structures. This may include repairing, assembling, or fabricating metal parts using various welding techniques such as TIG, MIG, or spot welding. Small welders often work in industries like manufacturing, automotive, or custom metalwork, requiring precision and attention to detail.

What are common challenges faced by Small Welders on the job?

Small Welders often encounter challenges such as working in confined or awkward spaces, maintaining consistent weld quality on intricate or delicate components, and adhering to strict safety standards. Tasks may require problem-solving on the fly due to variations in project specifications or unexpected material issues. Additionally, Small Welders must regularly inspect their work and equipment to ensure compliance with safety and industry standards. Adapting to rapidly shifting workloads and collaborating with other tradespeople or supervisors is also common. These challenges make the role dynamic and rewarding for those who enjoy hands-on, detail-oriented work.

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

To thrive as a Small Welder, you need proficiency in various welding techniques, attention to detail, and experience with materials such as steel, aluminum, and other metals, often gained through a vocational program or apprenticeship. Familiarity with welding machines, safety equipment, and industry certifications like AWS (American Welding Society) certification is typically expected. Strong problem-solving, manual dexterity, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure high-quality, precise welds and promote safety and efficiency in small-scale fabrication or repair projects.

What are popular job titles related to Small Welding jobs in California? For Small Welding jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Small Welding jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Small Welding jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Small Welding jobs? Cities in California with the most Small Welding job openings:
Small Welding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Small Welding job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,149 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Lead Welder

Westar Marine Services

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$23 - $30.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Salary: DOE

We are seeking an experienced Lead Welder to direct welding and fabrication work across our fleet and shop. The Lead Welder is responsible for executing high-quality marine welds, fabricating and repairing steel and aluminum structures, and leading a small team of welders and fabricators. This is a hands-on leadership role: you will be on the tools, setting the standard for workmanship, safety, and productivity, while planning jobs and mentoring less experienced crew members.



Key Responsibilities


  • Perform structural and repair welding on vessels, barges, tugs, and shoreside equipment using SMAW, FCAW, GMAW (MIG), and GTAW (TIG) processes.
  • Fabricate, modify, and install steel and aluminum components, including hull plating, frames, brackets, piping supports, deck fittings, and railings.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and fabrication drawings; lay out and prep material to spec.
  • Lead day-to-day welding operations: assign tasks, set priorities, and ensure jobs are completed on schedule and to specification.
  • Inspect welds and finished work for compliance with ABS, USCG, and company quality standards; identify and correct defects.
  • Mentor and train junior welders and fabricators; promote a culture of safety, accountability, and craftsmanship.
  • Maintain welding equipment, consumables, and the work area in safe, organized, ready-to-work condition.
  • Work in marine environments: shipyards, drydocks, on vessels afloat, and in confined spaces, often in variable weather.
  • Follow all Westar Marine Services safety procedures, USCG requirements, OSHA standards, and applicable hot-work permitting practices.


Required Qualifications


  • 5+ years of professional welding and fabrication experience, with significant time in a marine, shipyard, or offshore environment.
  • ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) welder certification.
  • Proficiency in multiple welding processes: SMAW (stick), FCAW (flux core), GMAW (MIG), and GTAW (TIG).
  • Demonstrated ability to weld and fabricate in both steel and aluminum.
  • Strong blueprint reading and layout skills.
  • Prior experience leading or supervising a small welding/fabrication crew.
  • Comfortable working at heights, in confined spaces, and on the water.
  • Physically able to lift 50+ lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in all weather conditions.
  • Valid drivers license and reliable transportation to Bay Area job sites.
  • Eligible to work in the United States.


Preferred Qualifications


  • Additional certifications such as AWS (American Welding Society) D1.1 (steel) and/or D1.2 (aluminum).
  • Experience working to USCG and ABS repair standards on commercial vessels.
  • TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential).
  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
  • Experience with pipe welding and shipboard piping system repairs.


What We Offer


  • Competitive hourly pay of $, based on experience and certifications.
  • Full-time, year-round work with a stable, established Bay Area marine operator.
  • Health, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Paid time off and holidays.
  • Opportunity to lead and grow a skilled fabrication team.
  • Varied, hands-on work across a diverse fleet no two days are the same.