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Weld Instructor Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Weld Instructor information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$37.1K

$60.9K

$105.4K

How much do weld instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for weld instructor in Detroit, MI is $60,931.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $63,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a welding instructor?

To become a welding instructor, you typically need to have several years of professional welding experience, obtain a welding certification such as the Certified Welding Inspector or Certified Welding Educator, and complete a teaching or instructor training program. Some employers also require a high school diploma or equivalent and strong communication skills, with many programs requiring a minimum of 2,000 hours of welding experience before certification or teaching eligibility.

How much does a certified welding instructor make?

A certified welding instructor typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of institution. Salaries can vary based on certifications, teaching environment, and additional skills such as proficiency with welding equipment and safety standards.

Can you make $300,000 as a welder?

Weld instructors typically do not earn $300,000 annually, as their salaries are generally lower than those of experienced welders in high-paying industries. Highly skilled welders working in specialized fields such as oil and gas, aerospace, or underwater welding can reach high six-figure incomes, but this usually requires extensive experience, certifications, and often hazardous work conditions. Achieving a $300,000 salary as a welder is uncommon and usually involves advanced skills and niche markets.

What is the difference between Weld Instructor vs Welding Technician?

AspectWeld InstructorWelding Technician
CertificationsWelding certifications, teaching credentialsWelding certifications, technical licenses
Work EnvironmentClassrooms, training labs, workshopsManufacturing plants, construction sites, repair shops
Primary FocusTeaching welding skills, curriculum developmentPerforming welding tasks, troubleshooting, maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageVocational schools, community colleges, training centersManufacturers, construction companies, repair services

Weld Instructors primarily focus on teaching welding techniques and safety in educational settings, requiring teaching credentials alongside welding certifications. Welding Technicians perform hands-on welding work in industrial environments, emphasizing technical skills and practical experience. While both roles require welding certifications, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are Weld Instructors?

Weld Instructors are professionals who teach students the principles and techniques of welding in educational or vocational settings. They develop lesson plans, demonstrate proper welding methods, ensure safety protocols are followed, and assess students' skills through practical and theoretical evaluations. Weld Instructors often have extensive hands-on welding experience and certifications, enabling them to train future welders for careers in various industries. Their role is essential in preparing students for certification exams and employment opportunities in welding.

What welding jobs pay $50 an hour?

Welding instructors, pipe welders, and industrial welders with specialized skills and certifications can earn around $50 an hour or more, especially with experience in pipeline, structural, or underwater welding. High-demand environments and overtime opportunities often contribute to higher pay rates for skilled welders.

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

To thrive as a Weld Instructor, you need advanced welding expertise, knowledge of various welding techniques, and typically a welding certification or relevant teaching credentials. Familiarity with industry-standard welding equipment, safety protocols, and instructional tools is essential. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to mentor and motivate students are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure effective teaching, student safety, and the development of competent and confident future welders.

What are some common challenges a Weld Instructor faces when training students with varying skill levels?

A common challenge for Weld Instructors is adapting teaching methods to accommodate students with diverse backgrounds and experience levels. Instructors must balance hands-on demonstrations, safety instruction, and individualized feedback to ensure all students progress effectively. Managing classroom safety while supervising multiple welding stations is also critical. Patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to quickly identify and address students' unique learning needs are essential for success in this role.
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Infographic showing various Weld Instructor job openings in Detroit, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,931 per year, or $29.3 per hour.
Instructor - Welding

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Position Type:

Full time

Remote Type:

Salary Range:

$65,000 - $75,000

Job Shift:

Job Description:

Primary Objective

Welding instructors are responsible for initiating the teaching and learning process with a focus on continuous improvement; creating an environment in which students can accomplish the learning competencies of the course of

instruction; maintaining, updating, designing and developing new curriculum.

The result should be students' abilities to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, ethics, and use of proper tools to strengthen the profession.

Position Responsibilities

-Maintain curriculum within the college's worldwide instructional design system.

-Instill professional principles, skills, and work ethics.

-Work with students both in theory and lab to fabricate parts to print specifications.

-Monitor and assess technical and academic progress and performance through college attendance and grading

recording systems.

-Assist with the maintenance of shop equipment when required.

-Other duties as assigned

Sample Course Descriptions

WELD1110 - Introduction to Welding Lab

Perform welding of standard joint designs on various thicknesses of steel plate. Practice oxyacetylene welding and cutting (OAW), stick welding (SMAW), and wire feed welding (GMAW). Introduction to tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding. Demonstrate shop safety, setup and troubleshooting of welding equipment and applications.

WELD1120 - Introduction to Welding Theory

Identification, recognition and calculations associated with weld joint designs and weld materials. Examine various weld processes: oxyacetylene welding and cutting (OAW), stick welding (SMAW), wire feed welding (GMAW). Introduction to tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding. Examine shop safety, setup and troubleshooting of welding equipment and applications.

WELD1130 - Welding Math, Prints & Symbols

Principles of weld print reading, measuring systems, decimal/fraction conversions, dimensioning, layout, orthographic views, technical math, and section views

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES/FUNCTIONS

Facilitates learning activities so that students learn the principles, theory, skills, and work ethic necessary to

become proficient for entry level positions.

Creates a positive learning environment.

Monitors, assesses and advises learner on technical and academic progress and performance.

Uses current academic and industry practices in assigned courses of instruction.

Develops and upgrades lesson material, training aids and maintains equipment within assigned course of

instruction.

Assists in the recruitment and placement of learners.

Leads the process of maintaining equipment and recommends new equipment purchases within assigned

program.

As a part of a team, designs and develops new curriculum within assigned program.

Provides support, coaching, and guidance to faculty members.

Participates in industry and/or professional organizations in order to maintain and enhance program health and

academic integrity.

Other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Builds effective relationships; seeks out and responds to others appropriately; communicates clearly and

succinctly with peers and leadership; builds trust with others and establishes rapport.

Executes change; demonstrates flexibility, is adaptable to change, strives for continuous improvement; works

with a sense of urgency.

Demonstrates accountability; takes ownership of personal performance and development.

Supports the school-wide commitment; supports the mission and vision of Dunwoody; meets or exceeds

customer and stakeholder expectations; supports a college environment that encourages and nurtures

diversity; focuses on quality and continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS

Technical degree in related field

Minimum of 6000 hours industry experience

1-3 years teaching experience (preferred)

Strong PC skills, including experience with Microsoft Office suite programs; database management skills

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.