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Weld Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Associates Degree in a related vocational program, Applied Science in Welding Technology, or Applied Industrial Technology preferred, equivalent professional experience accepted. Certifications also ...

Welding Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21 - $35/hr

Associates Degree in a related vocational program, Applied Science in Welding Technology, or Applied Industrial Technology preferred, equivalent professional experience accepted. Certifications also ...

Associate's Degree in a vocational arts field with a certificate in Welding; Bachelors degree in Engineering Technology or related field preferred Experience: Three years' experience working in a ...

Certificate or Associate degree in welding * Minimum 1 year experience in welding Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements: * Good mechanical aptitude * Ability to read blueprints * Knowledge of ...

1st Shift Welder

Hobart, IN · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Certificate or Associate degree in welding * Minimum 1 year experience in welding Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements: * Good mechanical aptitude * Ability to read blueprints * Knowledge of ...

1st Shift Welder 2

Hobart, IN · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Certificate or Associate degree in welding * Minimum 3-5 years experience in welding * AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Certification Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements: * Good mechanical ...

Team Leader II

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$38 - $42/hr

Possible certification in machining and welding. Associate degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year College or technical school; 4 to six years related experience and/or training; or equivalent ...

Showing results 21-40

Weld Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27.8K

$145.5K

$319.9K

How much do weld associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for weld associate in Chicago, IL is $145,466.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $218,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a weld associate?

Weld Associates are skilled workers responsible for joining metal parts together using various welding techniques such as MIG, TIG, or arc welding. They read blueprints or technical drawings, set up and operate welding equipment, and inspect their work for quality and safety. Weld Associates often work in manufacturing, construction, or repair industries and may also assist with fabricating and finishing metal structures. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and a strong understanding of safety protocols are important for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a weld associate?

To thrive as a Weld Associate, you need proficiency in welding techniques, blueprint reading, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with formal welding training often preferred. Familiarity with welding equipment, safety protocols, and certifications such as AWS (American Welding Society) credentials are commonly required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and strong teamwork skills help set candidates apart in this role. These competencies are crucial to ensure high-quality welds, workplace safety, and efficient collaboration on manufacturing or construction projects.

What are some common challenges a weld associate may face during collaborative projects, and how are they typically addressed?

Weld Associates often work as part of a team, collaborating closely with engineers, fabricators, and quality control personnel. A common challenge is ensuring that welds meet both design specifications and safety standards, especially when working on complex assemblies or tight deadlines. Effective communication and attention to detail are essential to avoid errors and rework. Teams usually address these challenges through regular project meetings, thorough review of blueprints, and adherence to standardized welding procedures. Proactive problem-solving and a willingness to seek guidance from experienced colleagues can help Weld Associates thrive in collaborative environments.

What is the difference between Weld Associate vs Welder?

AspectWeld AssociateWelder
CertificationsTypically holds basic welding certifications, such as AWS Certified WelderRequires specific certifications based on welding type, often similar to Weld Associate
Work EnvironmentOften works in manufacturing, construction, or fabrication settingsWorks in similar environments, performing welding tasks
Job RoleAssists in welding tasks, prepares materials, and supports welding operationsPerforms actual welding, cutting, and fabrication tasks

The main difference between a Weld Associate and a Welder is that the Weld Associate typically supports welding operations and may have basic certifications, while the Welder performs the actual welding tasks. Both roles often work in similar environments and require comparable certifications, but the Welder's focus is on executing welds directly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Weld jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Weld jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Weld Associate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Weld Associate job openings:

Welding Instructor

After School Matters

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago


After School Matters rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 223 rated education and training


Job description

Summary of Position:  After School Matters is seeking committed, part-time instructors to teach Welding programs for 12-14 high school participants (12:1, instructor: teen ratio) between the ages of 14 to 20 for Summer 2026. The program will allow students to learn and engage in activities specific to the content area. An instructor will expose teens to a wide range of activities and concepts to meet measurable program outcomes. The instructor will recruit, teach, and mentor teens and manage operational pieces such as program planning and budget creation. 

This part-time position is scheduled for approximately 20-30 hours per week per program session.  

Program times for Summer 2026 will follow the schedule below:  
June 22 – August 7 
Monday - Thursday 
8:30am to 12:30pm and/or 1:30pm – 5:30pm 

Instructors must have a program curriculum plan. See ASM Program Planner 

Major Duties and Responsibilities

  • Guide 7 week session for teens offering an introduction to welding in a fabrication setting  

  • Instructors will be responsible for educating a diverse population of teenagers methods of GMAW, SMAW and GTAW, with a strong coinciding element of welding sciences and associated skills  

  • The instructor will develop, plan and implement high quality content related field trips, master classes, events and guest visits to enhance instruction and training.  

  •  Instructors will be expected to participate in the recruitment, interview and selection process of teen program participants. 

  • Instructors will also be expected to participate in planning and program dates such as instructor orientation, professional development workshops, meetings and other required sessions. 

  • Supervise teens at an average of 12:1, instructor: teen ratio 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

  • Comprehensive knowledge of safety guidelines in a weld shop 

  • A thorough understanding of combination welding processes and associated prep/finishing skills 

  • Knowledge of aluminum, steel and stainless welding processes 

  • An understanding of the science of welding 

  • Ability to read and understand technical drawings or blueprints 

  • Familiarity with schools and career pathways in welding industries and an interest in working with teens 

Qualifications

  • Associates Degree in a related vocational program, Applied Science in Welding Technology, or Applied Industrial Technology preferred, equivalent professional experience accepted. Certifications also accepted in lieu of a university degree. Experience working in a field relevant to the content area is required. 

  • Familiarity with specific Chicago neighborhoods is required. 

  • Experience teaching, specifically teenagers, is highly preferred. 

  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion is required. 

Program Sessions and Schedules

The typical schedule for program sessions are as follows: 

  • Summer: 6 to 7 weeks, daily Monday through Thursday/Friday (based on the program model), four instructional hours daily in the afternoon. Additional hours are allotted for planning, recruitment, professional development and meetings. Exact program meeting days/times are flexible, with some restrictions, so long as instructional hours are met. 

  • After School Matters has four program branches: North/Northwest, South/Southwest, Downtown, and Program Supports (special initiatives). Please note that Interstate-55 is an approximate dividing line between our North/Northwest and South/Southwest branches.  This role is for the North/Northwest Branch at the 3435 N. Cicero Ave location. 

Compensation: The pay rate is typically between $21-35 per hour based on experience and education. 

About Us: After School Matters is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that annually offers after-school and summer programs to nearly 19,000 Chicago high school teens to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills that will set them up for success in college and beyond.
Thirty-five years later, now known as After School Matters, our program has engaged more than 450,000 Chicago teens and is the nation’s largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school teens. No other organization offers programs to high school students at the scale and quality that we do.
We offer paid apprenticeships led by professionals in the fields of arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Our nationally respected youth development model has been replicated in cities across the country and earned us the City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Programs take place at community locations throughout the city, including four ASM buildings: downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts and Orleans, the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center in Belmont Cragin, and the Pullman community at Gately Park. Currently, After School Matters' annual operating budget is approximately $48M and employs approximately 500 staff across the organization. For more information, visit www.afterschoolmatters.org.

EEO:  After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.

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