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Union Welder Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Production Associate

Hartselle, AL · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

The roles performed are MIG welding steel together to form the finished product. Sheet material ... S. or global), or if you are a union employee. Benefits * Medical, dental, and vision coverage for ...

Union Welder information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$13

$20

$29

How much do union welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for union welder in Decatur, AL is $20.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $23.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Union Welder?

A union welder performs welding duties for a company. You may work in the construction, shipbuilding, or manufacturing industries or any other industry that requires welding. You may weld steel skeletons or frames, rebar, or metal parts for products, machinery, or engineering projects. Your responsibilities can vary depending on where you work, but a union welder is always a union member. To become a union welder, you must join and pay dues to a workers’ union.

Can you make $100,000 as a welder?

Union welders can potentially earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries or locations. Factors such as certifications, overtime, and working in hazardous environments can also increase earning potential.

What are union welders?

Union welders are skilled tradespeople who join, shape, and repair metal pieces using various welding techniques while being members of a labor union. Being part of a union provides welders with benefits like collective bargaining for wages, job security, training opportunities, and workplace protections. Union welders often work on large-scale construction projects, shipbuilding, manufacturing, or infrastructure repair, ensuring high standards of safety and workmanship.

What is the top pay for union welders?

Union welders typically earn between $25 and $50 per hour, with top pay reaching around $60 or more in high-demand industries or regions. Experienced welders with certifications and specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially when working overtime or in hazardous environments.

What are some common challenges Union Welders face when working on large-scale construction projects?

Union Welders on large-scale construction projects often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, adhering to strict safety protocols, and meeting tight project deadlines. Coordination with other trades and teams is essential, as welders may need to adjust their schedules based on site progress or material availability. Additionally, staying updated with evolving welding techniques and certifications can be demanding, but union support and ongoing training help address these challenges. Collaboration and adaptability are key to succeeding in this dynamic environment.

What union is best for welders?

The best union for welders depends on the region and specific industry, but nationally recognized unions include the United Association (UA) and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. These unions offer apprenticeship programs, collective bargaining, and benefits tailored to welders' needs. Joining a union can provide job security, training opportunities, and improved wages.

What is the difference between Union Welder vs Commercial Welder?

AspectUnion WelderCommercial Welder
CertificationsOften requires union certifications and credentialsMay require similar certifications but less likely union-specific
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in unionized shops, construction sites, or industrial facilitiesWorks in various settings including construction, manufacturing, and repair shops
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by unionized companies in construction, shipbuilding, and heavy industryEmployed by private companies, contractors, or as independent contractors

Union Welders typically work in unionized environments with specific certifications and benefits, focusing on large-scale projects. Commercial Welders work across diverse settings, often with similar skills but may not be unionized. Both roles require welding certifications, but union welders often have additional union-specific credentials and protections.

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

To thrive as a Union Welder, you need strong welding skills, a solid understanding of blueprints, and completion of an apprenticeship or relevant certification such as AWS (American Welding Society) credentials. Familiarity with welding tools, safety equipment, and fabrication machines is essential, along with adherence to industry safety standards. Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are critical soft skills for this role. These qualifications ensure welds meet strict quality and safety requirements, supporting the reliability and safety of structures in construction and manufacturing.

How to get into a union as a welder?

To join a union as a welder, you typically need to complete an apprenticeship program or have relevant work experience, pass a skills test, and meet age and safety requirements. Contact local union chapters or training centers to learn about membership applications and required certifications such as OSHA safety training or AWS welding certifications.
What are the most commonly searched types of Welder jobs in Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Welder jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What are popular job titles related to Union Welder jobs in Decatur, AL? For Union Welder jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Union Welder jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Union Welder job openings:
Infographic showing various Union Welder job openings in Decatur, AL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,405 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Production Associate

Production Associate

Sonoco

Hartselle, AL • On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Sonoco rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 112 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

From a small family business to a multi-billion dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 - all while keeping the heart of "People Build Businesses" alive. Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people.

While reporting to the shift supervisor you will work in production for our Wood Reels division and be responsible for working in a quick and safe manner. Excellent attendance is crucial for the team to achieve success. You must have a proven record of success in a fast-paced environment. You must have the ability to work with various teams and have a good eye to spot defects in the packing line. You will take pride in your personal hands-on and analytical abilities, organizational skills and attention to detail.

The roles performed are MIG welding steel together to form the finished product. Sheet material range from 16GA - " thick with occasional " plate. Flat Bar 3/16" - 1 thick, 3" I-Beam @ 7.5 pounds per foot, and structural tubing ranging from 1 " Square - 3" x 4" Rectangle. Fitting and forming parts for welding is required in certain jobs. Inspection and grinding is also required in certain jobs. Ability to lift 30-50 pounds is required. Product produced can be viewed at https://www.sonoco.com/products/industrial-products/reels-spools/steel-reels

What you'll be doing:

  • Collaborating closely with other departments and teams
  • Responsible for general housekeeping (5S) of work area and department

  • Mig Welding with .045 wire and perform fillet and butt joints.

  • Ability to read drawings and Route Sheets to determine the proper job requirements.

  • Having the ability to think on your feet and troubleshoot problems and situations
  • Making incremental process adjustments, monitor and report quality of manufactured product
  • Learn to set up new jobs, train on other lines and in other departments
  • Maintaining a safe, clean and organized work area
  • Performing all duties as designated by supervisor/manager
  • Performing all duties in support of Sonoco's quality and safety policies
  • Helping out other departments as needed
  • Downtime is cleaning and straightening time

We'd love to hear from you if:

  • You are Sonoco mission driven.
  • You have at least 1 year in a manufacturing/warehouse environment.
  • You have to have a "get it done" attitude and an urgency to resolve problems/tasks.
  • You can easily lift up to 50 lbs. as needed.
  • Working independently and managing multiple tasks simultaneously is needed.
  • You need to have working knowledge of our products and their quality requirements.
  • Being reliable, having good initiative, being committed, and being quality focused is a must.
  • Having the ability to effectively work with a team in a fast-paced environment is crucial to success.
  • You will need to have the ability to read and understand manufacturing instructions.
  • You will need to able to perform repetitive duties, including going up and down stairs and standing for long periods of time.
  • You will need to have the ability to work quickly while maintaining a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

At Sonoco Products Company, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive pay and benefits. *Benefits listed below are for employees located in the U.S. Specific benefits and wellbeing programs may vary depending on your location (within the U.S. or global), or if you are a union employee.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services
  • Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family
  • Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.


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About Sonoco

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sonoco is a $5 billion global provider of consumer packaging, industrial products and packaging supply chain services. When collaborating with our customers, we leverage our deep knowledge of material science, our i6 Innovation ProcessTM, and our industry-leading packaging and services portfolio to create impactful customized solutions that build stronger brands. We produce packaging for many of the world's most recognized brands, in markets such as appliances and electronics, automotive, beverages, confection, construction, converted paperboard, fresh and natural food, frozen and refrigerated food, shaving, home, lawn and garden, medical/pharmaceutical, pet care, powdered beverages, recycling and snacks. Sonoco's operations consist of our global consumer packaging businesses (rigid paper and closures, flexibles and plastics); our display and packaging division (high-impact retail displays and packaging supply chain management); our industrial businesses (tubes and cores, reels and spools, uncoated recycled paperboard and Sonoco Recycling, one of the world's largest recyclers); and our Protective Solutions division (custom-designed protective, temperature-assurance and retail security packaging solutions and highly engineered components). From our headquarters in Hartsville, S.C., and more than 300 operations in 33 countries, we serve customers in 85 nations.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Hartsville, SC, US