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Top Welding Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Certified Welding Inspector

Paducah, KY ยท On-site

$50 - $75/hr

We were incubated by Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by top-tier ... About This Role The Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is responsible for performing visual and ...

We were incubated by Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by top-tier ... About This Role The Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is responsible for performing visual and ...

S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering ... Provide welding engineering services to products produced in Mount Vernon, Indiana. * Assist ...

$70K - $103K/yr

S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering ... Provide welding engineering services to products produced in Mount Vernon, Indiana. * Assist ...

$70K - $103K/yr

S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering ... Provide welding engineering services to products produced in Mount Vernon, Indiana. * Assist ...

$70K - $103K/yr

S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering ... Provide welding engineering services to products produced in Mount Vernon, Indiana. * Assist ...

Welding - 3rd

Georgetown, KY ยท On-site

$16.75 - $20.50/hr

Uphold a commitment to delivering top-notch welds and finished products. Perform routine maintenance on welding equipment to ensure optimal functionality and longevity. What Are the Requirements of ...

Welding - 2nd

Lexington, KY ยท On-site

$18.25 - $22.50/hr

Uphold a commitment to delivering top-notch welds and finished products. Perform routine maintenance on welding equipment to ensure optimal functionality and longevity. What Are the Requirements of ...

Welding - 3rd

Lexington, KY ยท On-site

$18.25 - $22.50/hr

Uphold a commitment to delivering top-notch welds and finished products. Perform routine maintenance on welding equipment to ensure optimal functionality and longevity. What Are the Requirements of ...

Welding 3rd

Richmond, KY ยท On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Uphold a commitment to delivering top-notch welds and finished products. Perform routine maintenance on welding equipment to ensure optimal functionality and longevity. What Are the Requirements of ...

Welding - 3rd

Lexington, KY ยท On-site

$18.50 - $22.50/hr

Uphold a commitment to delivering top-notch welds and finished products. Perform routine maintenance on welding equipment to ensure optimal functionality and longevity. What Are the Requirements of ...

Welding - 2nd

Lexington, KY ยท On-site

$18.50 - $22.50/hr

Uphold a commitment to delivering top-notch welds and finished products. Perform routine maintenance on welding equipment to ensure optimal functionality and longevity. What Are the Requirements of ...

Welding - 2nd

Richmond, KY ยท On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Uphold a commitment to delivering top-notch welds and finished products. Perform routine maintenance on welding equipment to ensure optimal functionality and longevity. What Are the Requirements of ...

Welding - 3rd

Georgetown, KY ยท On-site

$16.75 - $20.50/hr

Uphold a commitment to delivering top-notch welds and finished products. Perform routine maintenance on welding equipment to ensure optimal functionality and longevity. What Are the Requirements of ...

Welding - 3rd

Richmond, KY

$17 - $21/hr

Uphold a commitment to delivering top-notch welds and finished products. Perform routine maintenance on welding equipment to ensure optimal functionality and longevity. What Are the Requirements of ...

Welding - ALL Shift

Richmond, KY ยท On-site

$18 - $23.75/hr

Uphold a commitment to delivering top-notch welds and finished products. Perform routine maintenance on welding equipment to ensure optimal functionality and longevity. What Are the Requirements of ...

Welding - 1st Shift

Georgetown, KY

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

Uphold a commitment to delivering top-notch welds and finished products. Perform routine maintenance on welding equipment to ensure optimal functionality and longevity. What Are the Requirements of ...

Welding - All shift

Lexington, KY ยท On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

Uphold a commitment to delivering top-notch welds and finished products. Perform routine maintenance on welding equipment to ensure optimal functionality and longevity. What Are the Requirements of ...

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Showing results 1-20

Top Welding information

See Kentucky salary details

$12

$25

$39

How much do top welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for top welding in Kentucky is $25.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $29.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a top welder?

Top welders are highly skilled professionals who specialize in joining metal parts together using various welding techniques, such as MIG, TIG, or arc welding. They are often recognized for their expertise in producing strong, precise, and high-quality welds, often in challenging environments or on critical projects. Top welders may work in industries like construction, manufacturing, automotive, or shipbuilding, and are expected to have a thorough understanding of welding safety, materials, and blueprints. Their skills are crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and durability of metal structures and products.

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

To thrive as a Top Welder, you need advanced welding skills, a solid understanding of metallurgy, blueprints, and safety standards, typically supported by a welding certification (such as AWS or equivalent) and relevant experience. Familiarity with various welding processes (MIG, TIG, Stick), welding machines, and quality inspection tools is essential. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and strong problem-solving abilities are critical soft skills for this role. These skills ensure high-quality, precise welds and safe, efficient work in demanding industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by top welders in high-precision projects, and how can they overcome them?

Top welders often work on projects that require exceptional accuracy and adherence to strict safety and quality standards, such as those in aerospace or pipeline construction. Challenges include working with complex materials, maintaining weld integrity under pressure, and interpreting detailed blueprints. Overcoming these challenges involves continuous skills development, meticulous attention to detail, and effective communication with engineers and project managers. Staying updated on the latest welding technologies and safety protocols is also essential for success in this demanding role.

What is the difference between Top Welding vs Pipe Welding?

AspectTop WeldingPipe Welding
CertificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Welder)Welding certifications, often including specialized pipe welding certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, manufacturing plants, fabrication shopsOil & gas, plumbing, industrial piping projects, often in confined spaces
Industry UsageGeneral metal fabrication, structural steel, manufacturingPipeline construction, refineries, power plants

Top Welding and Pipe Welding share similar certifications and work environments, but Pipe Welding specializes in joining pipes for industrial applications, often requiring additional certifications and working in confined spaces. Both roles are essential in construction and manufacturing industries, with distinct focus areas.

What type of top welding is most in demand?

In top welding, the most in-demand techniques are GTAW (TIG) and GMAW (MIG) welding due to their precision and versatility. These methods are widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction, often requiring certifications and skilled operators. The demand for skilled welders proficient in these techniques remains high across various manufacturing sectors.

What are popular job titles related to Top Welding jobs in Kentucky?

For Top Welding jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Top Welding jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Top Welding jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Top Welding jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Top Welding job openings:

Infographic showing various Top Welding job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,815 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Certified Welding Inspector

General Matter

Paducah, KY โ€ข On-site

$50 - $75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform welding inspections to verify workmanship, weld quality, and conformance to applicable specifications and acceptance criteria.

  • Evaluate welding processes and support the development, qualification, and improvement of WPS/PQR documentation.

  • Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to resolve welding issues and implement process improvements.


Job description

About the Company
General Matter is enriching uranium in America.
Our goal is to design, build, and operate the world's lowest-cost enrichment services in the United States.
Our mission is to restore America's ability to produce nuclear fuel-fuel that will power AI, advanced manufacturing, critical industries, and the next generation of nuclear reactors.
Ultimately, our work will help power national ambitions and enable a high-energy society.
We were incubated by Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by top-tier investors. Our lean, world-class team of engineers and operators is applying a first-principles approach to solving the problem of nuclear fuel production.
We are a mission-driven company with a culture of urgency, accountability, and transparency.
Help us build a high-energy society by making the cleanest, safest form of baseload energy the most affordable.
About This Role
The Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is responsible for performing visual and dimensional inspections of welds, weldments, and welding operations to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, and quality requirements. This position requires interpretation of welding procedures, engineering drawings, and specifications, as well as coordination with welding personnel, engineers, and other quality professionals to maintain the highest standards of weld quality and workmanship.
Responsibilities
  • Perform welding inspections to verify workmanship, weld quality, and conformance to applicable specifications and acceptance criteria.
  • Evaluate welding processes and support the development, qualification, and improvement of WPS/PQR documentation.
  • Mentor welders and support training initiatives to strengthen technical skills, consistency, and adherence to best practices.
  • Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to resolve welding issues and implement process improvements.
  • Verify compliance with applicable welding codes, standards, procedures, and customer requirements.
  • Improve manufacturing quality by identifying defects, addressing root causes, and driving continuous improvement opportunities.

Basic Qualifications
  • Evidence of exceptional ability (prior projects, portfolio of work, completed products, etc).
  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals.
  • Ability to perform trade studies and make clear recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals even with partial information.
  • Education requirement - High School Diploma and Professional Certifications or demonstration of ability.
  • 4 years of work experience in welding.

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Experience working in a fast-paced engineering or highly technical environment, with a resourceful approach to delivering results under tight timelines and budget constraints.
  • AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification.
  • Strong hands-on fabrication and technical experience.
  • Experience with structural and piping fabrication and welding applications.
  • Strong knowledge of welding processes, procedures, and industry best practices.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, and production teams.

Additional Requirements
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer
General Matter is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with General Matter is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Compensation and Benefits
The hourly rate for this role is $50 to $75 per hour.
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.