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Structural Steel Welding Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Serve as the subject matter expert for structural steel welding and fabrication processes. * Develop, implement, and optimize welding procedures for large weldments and heavy fabricated components.

Welding Manufacturing Engineer

Hazel Crest, IL · On-site

$35 - $48.25/hr

Serve as the subject matter expert for structural steel welding and fabrication processes. * Develop, implement, and optimize welding procedures for large weldments and heavy fabricated components.

$34.50 - $47.50/hr

Serve as the subject matter expert for structural steel welding and fabrication processes. * Develop, implement, and optimize welding procedures for large weldments and heavy fabricated components.

$34.50 - $47.50/hr

Serve as the subject matter expert for structural steel welding and fabrication processes. * Develop, implement, and optimize welding procedures for large weldments and heavy fabricated components.

Concrete Laborer Tech 2

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Structural Steel Welding * Equipment Grouting Successful candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered for this position: * Current Basic and Basic Plus Safety Council Training ...

Concrete Technician 1

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Structural Steel Welding * Equipment Grouting Successful candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered for this position: * 2+ years of experience with a self-performing contractor ...

Experience with structural steel analysis and bolted and welded connection designs. * Active membership in professional organizations such as ASCE, ACI, AMPP, SEI, ICRI. Why Join Us? * Competitive ...

Senior Civil/Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$103K - $140K/yr

Experience working on structural steel analysis, including some bolted and welded connection designs. * Active in professional organizations, such as ASCE, ACI, AMPP, SEI, ICRI Our ideal candidate is ...

Certified Welding Inspector

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$27.50 - $37.50/hr

Testing and inspection of structural steel during erection on general building and pipeline sites, as well as occasional plant inspections * Inspect general construction and structural steel erection ...

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Structural Steel Welding information

See Illinois salary details

$15

$22

$27

How much do structural steel welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for structural steel welding in Illinois is $22.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $23.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is structural steel welding?

Structural steel welding is the process of joining steel components together to form the framework of buildings, bridges, and other large structures. This type of welding uses specialized techniques and equipment to ensure strong, durable connections that can support significant loads. Structural steel welders must follow detailed engineering plans and adhere to strict safety and quality standards. Their work is critical for the stability and safety of many construction projects.

What are some common challenges structural steel welders face on job sites, and how can they be addressed?

Structural steel welders often encounter challenges such as working in adverse weather conditions, maintaining weld quality on large or awkwardly positioned structures, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Overcoming these challenges involves thorough preparation, utilizing proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and consistently following industry-standard welding procedures. Effective communication with engineers and other team members is also crucial to ensure project requirements are met and safety standards are upheld. Ongoing training and certification help welders stay updated on best practices and improve their adaptability on the job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a structural steel welder, and why are they important?

To excel as a Structural Steel Welder, you need expertise in welding techniques, blueprint reading, and a solid understanding of metallurgy and construction safety standards, often supported by a welding certification or apprenticeship. Familiarity with welding equipment, cutting torches, and tools like MIG, TIG, and stick welders, as well as certifications such as AWS (American Welding Society), is typically required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a strong work ethic are crucial soft skills that set top welders apart. These competencies ensure the structural integrity and safety of buildings and infrastructure, meeting project specifications and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Structural Steel Welding vs Structural Fabrication Welding?

AspectStructural Steel WeldingStructural Fabrication Welding
CertificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS)Welding certifications (e.g., AWS)
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial facilitiesFabrication shops, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageBuilding frameworks, bridges, infrastructureCustom metal components, structural parts
Job FocusJoining steel components on-siteCreating and assembling steel structures in shop

While both roles involve welding steel, Structural Steel Welding primarily focuses on on-site assembly of steel frameworks, whereas Structural Fabrication Welding involves manufacturing and assembling steel components in a controlled shop environment. Both require similar certifications and skills but differ in work setting and project scope.

How much do structural steel welders make a year?

Structural steel welders typically earn between $45,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled welders with certifications such as AWS often command higher wages, especially when working on large-scale construction projects or overtime shifts.

Is structural steel welding a good career?

Structural steel welding is a skilled trade that offers steady employment opportunities in construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects. It requires certifications, knowledge of welding techniques, and safety protocols, with potential for advancement and good wages in the industry.

What are popular job titles related to Structural Steel Welding jobs in Illinois?

For Structural Steel Welding jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Structural Steel Welding jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Structural Steel Welding jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Structural Steel Welding job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,674 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Welding Manufacturing Engineer

Lanco

Hazel Crest, IL

$35 - $48.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Why Join Mi-Jack?
This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of manufacturing within a growing organization known for building some of the largest and most complex material handling equipment in the industry. You'll have the ability to influence welding strategy, manufacturing processes, and operational excellence initiatives that directly impact our success.
Position Summary:
The Senior Welding Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing welding and fabrication processes for large structural steel assemblies. This role will provide technical leadership for welding operations, support facility expansion initiatives, drive capital equipment projects, and ensure world-class quality, safety, and productivity standards.
The ideal candidate combines extensive manufacturing engineering experience with deep expertise in structural steel fabrication, welding process development, weld quality systems, and production optimization.
What You'll Do:
Welding & Fabrication:
  • Serve as the subject matter expert for structural steel welding and fabrication processes.
  • Develop, implement, and optimize welding procedures for large weldments and heavy fabricated components.
  • Evaluate and improve welding processes including MIG, Flux-Core, TIG, submerged arc, and robotic welding applications as appropriate.
  • Support weld quality initiatives, defect reduction, and process standardization across manufacturing operations.
  • Partner with quality teams to establish and maintain compliance with AWS standards and welding best practices.

Manufacturing Process Development:
  • Design and optimize fabrication and assembly workflows for large structural steel products.
  • Develop manufacturing standards, routings, work instructions, and process documentation.
  • Improve throughput, labor efficiency, equipment utilization, and process repeatability.
  • Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives in partnership with Product Engineering teams.

Capital Equipment & Facility Expansion:
  • Lead the specification, selection, and implementation of fabrication and welding equipment.
  • Support facility expansion and manufacturing readiness initiatives.

New Product Introduction (NPI):
  • Support the transition of new products from engineering design through production launch.
  • Develop manufacturing processes capable of meeting quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
  • Participate in prototype builds, process validation, and production ramp-up activities.

Quality & Compliance:
  • Establish welding quality control standards and inspection requirements. Develop and maintain: Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Standard work instructions, Manufacturing Bills of Material (MBOM), Process documentation
  • Support root cause investigations and corrective action implementation related to weld quality and fabrication performance.

Multi-Site Technical Support:
  • Provide technical guidance and best practices to fabrication and welding operations across multiple manufacturing locations.
  • Support training, process standardization, and implementation of manufacturing improvements throughout the organization.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, Welding, or related Engineering discipline.
  • 7+ years of Manufacturing Engineering experience in heavy industrial, construction equipment, material handling equipment, agricultural equipment, transportation equipment, or similar manufacturing environments.
  • 5+ years of direct experience in heavy structural steel fabrication and welding operations.
  • Demonstrated expertise developing and implementing welding processes for large fabricated assemblies.
  • Experience supporting capital equipment projects and manufacturing process improvements.
  • Proven success driving measurable improvements in quality, productivity, capacity, safety, or cost.
  • Strong knowledge of AWS welding standards and welding quality systems.
  • Experience developing Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and fabrication process documentation.
  • Experience with ERP systems, Bills of Material, and manufacturing routings.
  • Proficiency with engineering drawings, CAD systems, and manufacturing documentation.

Travel:
Approximately 10-15% travel to manufacturing locations, suppliers, and customer sites.
COMPENSATION/BENEFITS: We foster a collaborative team environment that values innovation and encourages creative solutions to drive positive organizational impact. Our employees are the key to our success and help us stand out from our competitors. The final compensation offer may vary based on factors such as experience, education, skills, and location. We offer competitive pay, paid time off, and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan.
Lanco is an equal opportunity employer. All employment-related decisions, including but not limited to hiring, compensation, promotion, discipline (including termination), evaluation, training and development opportunities, etc., are made without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender-related identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, military status, protected disability, citizenship, genetic information or any other category protected by applicable law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.