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Top Welding Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Pipe Welding Lead

Paducah, KY ยท On-site

$45 - $60/hr

We were incubated by Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by top-tier ... About This Role The Pipe Welding Lead is responsible for overseeing all pipe welding operations ...

Pipe Welding Lead

Paducah, KY ยท On-site

$45 - $60/hr

We were incubated by Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by top-tier ... About This Role The Pipe Welding Lead is responsible for overseeing all pipe welding operations ...

Welding - 1st 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 - All shift

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 - 1st Shift

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 ...

$66 - $90/hr

At 20/20, we are leaders in Special inspections & Testing across the Tri-State area, offering top ... Conduct welding inspections to a variety of code standards. * Prepare daily field reports and ...

Posted today

Welder

Glasgow, KY ยท On-site

$27/hr

Prior welding experience Tradesmen International not only offers consistent work, top pay, and employment opportunities, we also provide a benefits package that is among the best in the industry. Our ...

MIG Welder

Louisville, KY ยท On-site

$24/hr

... top manufacturing partner in Louisville, KY. This direct hire opportunity is a great fit for a ... Use gauges, MIG-welding equipment, jigs, fixtures, grinders, and measuring tools * Set machines for ...

... top manufacturing partner in Louisville, KY. This direct hire opportunity is a great fit for a ... Use gauges, MIG-welding equipment, jigs, fixtures, grinders, and measuring tools * Set machines for ...

Prior welding experience Company Details Tradesmen International not only offers consistent work, top pay, and employment opportunities, we also provide a benefits package that is among the best in ...

Welder

Glasgow, KY ยท On-site

$27/hr

Prior welding experience Qualifications Tradesmen International not only offers consistent work, top pay, and employment opportunities, we also provide a benefits package that is among the best in ...

$23.83 - $29.81/hr

S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering ... As an intern, you will assist the Welding Engineering Team with a range of responsibilities ...

$23.83 - $29.81/hr

S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering ... As an intern, you will assist the Welding Engineering Team with a range of responsibilities ...

Welder

Glasgow, KY ยท On-site

$27/hr

Prior welding experience Company Details Tradesmen International not only offers consistent work, top pay, and employment opportunities, we also provide a benefits package that is among the best in ...

$23.83 - $29.81/hr

S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering ... As an intern, you will assist the Welding Engineering Team with a range of responsibilities ...

$100 - $127/hr

Leverage existing welding, machining, and other industrial processes to support repair technology ... As a perennial Washington Post Top Workplace, we prioritize the well-being and success of our team ...

New

$89 - $134/hr

Welding Engineering Support * Product Development * Automation * Supplier Quality Support What You ... You'll gain access to top-tier mentorship, technical resources, and real ownership of your work ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

Pipe Welding Lead

General Matter

Paducah, KY โ€ข On-site

$45 - $60/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

About the Companyย 

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.ย 

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.ย 

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 Roleย 

The Pipe Welding Lead is responsible for overseeing all pipe welding operations, including process plumbing systems and structural pipe assemblies. This position supervises pipe welders and fitters, ensures compliance with welding procedures and specifications, maintains quality standards, and coordinates welding activities to meet project schedules. The lead is responsible for technical guidance, supervision, quality control, safety enforcement, and continuous improvement of pipe welding operations.

Responsibilities

  • Lead daily pipe welding, fitting, and fabrication activities.
  • Assign work, set priorities, and coordinate labor, equipment, and materials.
  • Train, mentor, and provide technical direction to welders and fitters.
  • Interpret engineering drawings, piping isometrics, weld maps, and specifications.
  • Ensure welding is completed in accordance with approved procedures, project requirements, and applicable codes.
  • Monitor fit-up, joint preparation, materials, consumables, and overall workmanship.
  • Coordinate with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Project teams to resolve technical issues and maintain schedules.
  • Support weld procedure development, qualification, and implementation.
  • Understand NDT methods, inspection requirements, and acceptance criteria.
  • Troubleshoot weld defects, distortion, fit-up issues, and other fabrication challenges.
  • Maintain welder qualifications, weld records, and required documentation.
  • Enforce safe work practices and maintain a clean, organized fabrication area.
  • Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost.

Basic Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent, plus professional certifications, trade training, or demonstrated equivalent experience.
  • 7+ years of experience in pipe welding, fitting, fabrication, or a related industrial trade.
  • Prior experience leading or supervising welders, fitters, or fabrication personnel.
  • Strong knowledge of pipe welding, fit-up, joint preparation, sequencing, and distortion control.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, weld symbols, specifications, and fabrication documentation.
  • Working knowledge of common welding processes, welding procedures, welder qualifications, and weld inspection.
  • Strong technical judgment and ability to solve problems with incomplete information.
  • Evidence of exceptional ability through prior projects, completed work, certifications, or technical accomplishments.
  • Strong communication, leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • AWS Certified Welding Inspector, Certified Welding Supervisor, or equivalent certification.
  • Experience in nuclear, chemical processing, power generation, aerospace, defense, or heavy manufacturing.
  • Strong background in process piping, pressure piping, and structural fabrication.
  • Familiarity with ASME Section IX, ASME B31, AWS standards, or similar codes.
  • Experience supporting welding procedure and qualification development.
  • Experience with carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, or other specialized materials.
  • Experience coordinating NDT, inspection, pressure testing, and material traceability.
  • Ability to lead effectively in a fast-paced, highly technical environment.

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.ย 

Equal Opportunity Employerย 

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.ย 

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly rate range for this role is $45-$60/hour.ย 

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.