1

Union Welding Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Able to perform basic metal fabrication, welding, soldering, and brazing. Demonstrates ability to ... hour based upon union contract Benefits Eligible Yes Schedule Full Time Hours/Pay Period 80 ...

General Maintenance B

Rochester, MN · On-site

$31.11 - $39.99/hr

Able to perform basic metal fabrication, welding, soldering, and brazing. Demonstrates ability to ... hour based upon union contract Benefits Eligible Yes Schedule Full Time Hours/Pay Period 80 ...

Union Welding information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$15

$30

$46

How much do union welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for union welding in Rochester, MN is $30.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.70 and $34.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges union welders face on job sites, and how can they effectively address them?

Union welders often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, adapting to strict safety protocols, and managing tight project deadlines. To address these, it's important to stay updated on safety standards, communicate proactively with supervisors and team members, and participate in ongoing union-led training. Building strong relationships within your crew and leveraging the union’s support resources can also help you navigate job site difficulties and maintain high-quality work.

Can you make $300,000 as a welder?

Union welders can potentially earn $300,000 annually, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-demand industries like oil and gas or construction. Achieving this level of income often requires overtime, certifications, and working in remote or hazardous environments. Most welders earn significantly less, with top earners reaching high six-figure salaries through advanced skills and union benefits.

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 technical welding skills, a solid understanding of blueprints and safety protocols, and usually completion of an apprenticeship or vocational training with applicable certifications like AWS. Proficiency in using welding equipment, tools, and safety systems is expected, along with knowledge of various welding techniques such as MIG, TIG, and arc welding. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for ensuring project accuracy and collaborating with diverse crews. These competencies are crucial to ensure high-quality, safe, and efficient workmanship on complex construction and industrial projects.

Do welders make $100 an hour?

Union welders can earn $100 an hour or more, especially with specialized skills, certifications, and experience in high-demand industries or locations. However, typical wages vary widely based on factors such as geographic area, type of welding, and union agreements, with many earning between $20 and $50 per hour. High-paying roles often require advanced certifications and the ability to work in challenging environments.

Can you join the union as a welder?

Yes, welders can join unions such as the United Association or the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, which represent skilled trades including welding. Union membership often requires completing an apprenticeship, demonstrating welding skills, and meeting specific experience or certification requirements. Being part of a union can provide benefits like collective bargaining, job security, and access to training programs.

What is the difference between Union Welding vs Non-Union Welding?

AspectUnion WeldingNon-Union Welding
CredentialsTypically requires union certifications and training programsMay require similar certifications but less standardized
Work EnvironmentOften in unionized shops, construction sites, or industrial settings with collective bargainingVaries widely; includes private companies, freelance, or non-union shops
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects with union contractsPrevalent in private sector, small businesses, or freelance work
Work Conditions & BenefitsTypically better benefits, job security, and adherence to union standardsBenefits vary; may lack union protections and standardized wages

Union Welding involves working under union contracts with standardized wages and benefits, often in industrial or construction settings. Non-Union Welding offers more flexibility but may lack the same level of job security and benefits. The choice depends on career goals, desired work environment, and industry preferences.

What union is best for welders?

The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry (UA) is a prominent union for welders, especially those working in construction and industrial settings. Other notable unions include the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and the United Steelworkers, which also represent welders in various sectors. Joining a union can provide benefits such as better wages, training, and job security, often requiring certification and apprenticeship programs.

What is union welding?

Union welding refers to welding jobs where the welder is a member of a labor union. These unions represent welders and negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions on their behalf. Union welders often work on large-scale construction projects, such as bridges, buildings, and pipelines, and they must usually meet certain qualification standards set by the union. Being part of a union can offer job security, training opportunities, and legal support for welders.
What are the most commonly searched types of Welding jobs in Rochester, MN? The most popular types of Welding jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What are popular job titles related to Union Welding jobs in Rochester, MN? For Union Welding jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Union Welding jobs in Rochester, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Union Welding jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Union Welding jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Union Welding job openings:
Infographic showing various Union Welding job openings in Rochester, MN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,983 per year, or $30.3 per hour.
Maintenance Mechanic 3rd Shift- Rochester

Maintenance Mechanic 3rd Shift- Rochester

Cross Resource Group

Rochester, MN

$30.68 - $37.38/hr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Maintenance Mechanic, Night Shift

Location: Rochester, MN

Employment Type: Direct Hire, Full-Time

Schedule: Night Shift, Monday-Friday, 10:00pm-6:30am

Training/Evaluation Schedule: Day shift, Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm during the evaluation period

Pay: $30.68-$36.63/hr base, plus $0.75/hr night shift differential

Night Shift Pay Range: $31.43-$37.38/hr, depending on classification

Union Status: Union, UFCW Local 663

Job Overview

A frozen food repack and cold storage operation in Rochester, MN is hiring a Maintenance Mechanic for night shift. This is a hands-on industrial maintenance role supporting high-volume packaging lines, cold storage operations, and equipment reliability in a fast-paced production environment.

This facility does not manufacture product onsite. The operation repackages and packages frozen vegetables into retail and food service formats and stores large volumes of finished goods. Maintenance plays a critical role in keeping packaging lines running safely, efficiently, and consistently.

This is a strong opportunity for a mechanically skilled technician who enjoys troubleshooting, repairing equipment, supporting production uptime, and working in a cold-storage and packaging environment.

Schedule

Regular Shift:

Monday-Friday, 10:00pm-6:30am

Evaluation Period:

Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm on day shift

Weekends:

Weekend work may be required based on production needs.

Compensation

This is a union hourly role with skill-based classifications.

  • Mechanic B: $30.68/hr
  • Mechanic A: $33.79/hr
  • Metal Fabricator: $35.27/hr
  • Master Mechanic: $36.63/hr
  • Night shift differential: $0.75/hr

Most new hires begin as a Mechanic B or Mechanic A, depending on experience. After the evaluation period, employees are placed into the appropriate classification based on skills and evaluation results.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on packaging and support equipment.
  • Troubleshoot mechanical failures and restore production safely and efficiently.
  • Repair, replace, and rebuild components such as motors, gearboxes, bearings, conveyors, drives, and related mechanical systems.
  • Support equipment reliability on vertical baggers, corn-on-the-cob lines, and bulk packaging lines.
  • Assist with maintenance needs in production and cold storage areas.
  • Follow lockout/tagout procedures, PPE requirements, and safe work practices.
  • Complete maintenance documentation accurately.
  • Communicate equipment issues, downtime priorities, and repair updates with maintenance and production teams.
  • Help maintain a clean, safe, and reliable production environment.
  • Learn unfamiliar equipment and processes as needed.

Required Qualifications

  • Strong hands-on mechanical troubleshooting and repair ability.
  • Experience repairing or maintaining industrial, production, packaging, automotive, agricultural, or mechanical equipment.
  • Ability to work safely around moving equipment and cold-storage environments.
  • Comfort working in production areas typically in the low 40s°F to near 50°F, with periodic freezer work around -5°F to -15°F.
  • Basic electrical comfort, including lockout/tagout, local disconnects, and simple motor replacement work.
  • Reliable attendance and steady work history.
  • Strong communication skills and willingness to ask questions early.
  • Ability to work night shift and weekends as production needs require.
  • Willingness to learn new equipment, systems, and plant processes.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Industrial maintenance experience.
  • Packaging equipment maintenance experience.
  • Cold storage, distribution, food manufacturing, or frozen food experience.
  • Welding or fabrication experience.
  • Experience with motors, gearboxes, bearings, conveyors, drives, and mechanical rebuilds.
  • Basic PLC awareness.
  • Food safety, GMP, or regulated production experience.
  • Technical training in industrial maintenance, welding, machining, automotive technology, diesel, HVAC, or related mechanical fields.

Work Environment

This role is based in a frozen repack, packaging, and cold storage facility. Most work is performed in production areas, with periodic freezer tasks as needed.

Employees should be comfortable working around production equipment, packaging lines, cold temperatures, moving machinery, and required PPE. Freezer work is typically completed in shorter blocks rather than continuous full-shift freezer exposure.

Why This Role

This is a strong fit for someone who takes pride in hands-on mechanical work, values steady employment, and wants to build long-term stability in an essential food operation.

The role offers competitive union wages, night shift differential, skill-based progression, and the opportunity to work on a variety of mechanical systems in a high-volume packaging and cold storage environment.

Benefits

Eligible full-time employees may have access to a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

  • Medical plan options
  • Dental coverage
  • Vision coverage
  • Health Savings Account options
  • Flexible Spending Account options
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid time off
  • Life insurance options
  • Short-term disability
  • Long-term disability options
  • Accident insurance
  • Critical illness insurance
  • Hospital indemnity options
  • Employee assistance program
  • Legal insurance
  • Identity protection options
  • Group home and auto insurance options

Benefit eligibility, union details, plan options, rates, and effective dates should be confirmed during the hiring process.