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Welder Apprentice Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Express Employment

Welder Fabricator

Springfield, IL

$23 - $26/hr

Experienced Welder & Fabricator Company: Local, Highly Respected Manufacturing & Industrial Firm Location: Springfield, IL area Pay Range: $23.00 - $26.00 / hour (Depending on experience) Job Type ...

Express Employment

Welder Fabricator

Springfield, IL

$23 - $26/hr

Experienced Welder & Fabricator Company: Local, Highly Respected Manufacturing & Industrial Firm Location: Springfield, IL area Pay Range: $23.00 - $26.00 / hour (Depending on experience) Job Type ...

PremiStar

Apprentice - Commercial Service

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Training Located in our Springfield, IL facility and reporting to the Service Manager, the HVAC Apprentice will assist with installing and maintaining heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and ...

Airmasters

Apprentice - Commercial Service

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Training Located in our Springfield, IL facility and reporting to the Service Manager, the HVAC Apprentice will assist with installing and maintaining heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and ...

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All JobsWelder Apprentice JobsWelder Apprentice Jobs in Springfield, IL

Welder Apprentice information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$9

$19

$26

How much do welder apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for welder apprentice in Springfield, IL is $19.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $21.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Welder Apprentice vs Welder?

AspectWelder ApprenticeWelder
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training; sometimes certifications in welding safetyCompleted apprenticeship or training; certifications like AWS welding certification often required
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, construction, manufacturing facilities, shipyardsManufacturing plants, construction sites, repair shops
Job RoleLearning welding techniques under supervision, assisting experienced weldersPerforming welding tasks independently, ensuring quality and safety

The main difference between a Welder Apprentice and a Welder is experience and responsibility. An apprentice is in training, gaining skills under supervision, while a welder works independently with more advanced skills and certifications. Both roles are essential in the welding industry, with apprentices progressing toward becoming certified welders.

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

To thrive as a Welder Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of welding techniques, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with welding equipment such as MIG, TIG, and arc welders, as well as safety certifications like OSHA 10, is typically required. Attention to detail, strong hand-eye coordination, and a willingness to learn from experienced welders are critical soft skills. These skills and qualifications ensure quality workmanship, personal safety, and steady progression within the skilled trades.

How much does an apprentice welder get?

An apprentice welder typically earns between $10 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the employer. As they gain skills and certifications, their wages usually increase, and some programs offer additional benefits or stipends during training.

What are some common challenges faced by welder apprentices during their training period?

Welder apprentices often encounter challenges such as mastering precise welding techniques, adapting to different types of metals and welding processes, and maintaining strict safety standards in potentially hazardous environments. Balancing on-the-job training with classroom instruction can also be demanding, as apprentices must quickly absorb technical knowledge while developing hands-on skills. Additionally, working in various conditions—indoors, outdoors, or in confined spaces—requires adaptability and physical endurance. Supportive mentors and a collaborative team environment can help apprentices overcome these hurdles as they gain experience.

What Is an Apprentice Welder?

As an Apprentice Welder, you will work alongside experienced Welders and gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in your welding career. You will become familiar with various types of welding and equipment, learn about safety and quality standards, and develop your welding technique all under the supervision of a seasoned professional or team of welders. As your skills increase, so will your responsibilities, giving you the hands-on experience you need to enter this career.

How to get into a welding apprenticeship?

To enter a welding apprenticeship, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic math skills, and may be required to pass a skills assessment. Many programs require a minimum age of 18 and may include physical fitness tests; some also prefer candidates with prior experience or certifications in safety or basic welding techniques. Applying through local trade schools, unions, or employers offering apprenticeship programs is common, and completing related coursework can improve chances of acceptance.

Can welders get paid $50 an hour?

Welder apprentices typically earn less than $50 an hour, as this rate is usually associated with experienced or certified welders. Entry-level apprentices often start at lower wages, but wages can increase with skill development, certifications, and experience in specialized welding techniques or industries. Factors such as location, employer, and the complexity of projects also influence pay rates.

Do welders make $100 an hour?

Welder apprentices typically do not earn $100 an hour; their wages are usually lower as they are in training. Experienced welders with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher wages, sometimes approaching or exceeding $50 to $70 per hour, depending on the industry and location. Earning $100 an hour is uncommon for most welding roles, especially for those still in apprenticeship programs.

What are welder apprentices?

Welder apprentices are individuals who are learning the trade of welding through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. They work under the supervision of experienced welders to develop skills in joining metal parts using various welding techniques. Typically, a welder apprenticeship program lasts 2-4 years and includes both practical experience and theoretical education. Upon completion, apprentices are usually eligible to become certified welders and pursue full-time positions in the field.
More about Welder Apprentice jobs
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Welder Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Welder Apprentice job openings in Springfield, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $40,368 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
Welder Fabricator

Welder Fabricator

Express Employment

Springfield, IL

$23 - $26/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Top Job
Located in Springfield IL, IL
Salary: $23 to $26 an hour
Job Opportunity: Experienced Welder & Fabricator
Company: Local, Highly Respected Manufacturing & Industrial Firm
Location: Springfield, IL area
Pay Range: $23.00 - $26.00 / hour (Depending on experience)
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Description
Are you a master of the torch and a wizard with raw steel? A premier, well-established local company in the Springfield area is looking for a high-caliber, Experienced Welder & Fabricator to join our team.
This is not a simple production line welding job. We need someone who is heavy on the fabrication side-someone who can look at complex blueprints, envision the final product, layout the materials, and execute flawless welds from start to finish. If you take pride in precision craftsmanship and want to work for a great local company that values its crew, we want to talk to you.
Key Responsibilities
  • Custom Fabrication: Read and interpret complex blueprints, engineering drawings, and sketches to plan, layout, and fabricate components from scratch.
  • Precision Welding: Perform high-quality structural and cosmetic welds using MIG, TIG, and Stick processes on various materials (steel, aluminum, stainless steel).
  • Material Preparation: Cut, reshape, bend, and align metal parts using shears, saws, torches, and grinders.
  • Quality Control: Inspect finished workpieces to ensure they meet strict blueprint specifications, tolerances, and quality standards.
  • Equipment Maintenance: Maintain a clean, safe work area and perform basic preventative maintenance on welding rigs and fabrication machinery.

Qualifications & Requirements
  • Proven Fabrication Experience: Deep, hands-on experience in custom metal fabrication is a must. You must be highly proficient with layout, fitting, and manual fabrication tools.
  • Advanced Welding Skills: Strong proficiency in MIG and TIG welding (Stick is a plus). Ability to pass a weld test.
  • Blueprint Literacy: Must be able to seamlessly read and interpret complex industrial blueprints and weld symbols.
  • Tools of the Trade: Experience operating shop equipment such as brake presses, ironworkers, band saws, and grinders.
  • Strong Math Skills: Ability to accurately measure, calculate angles, and determine material dimensions.
  • Reliability: Solid work ethic, strong attention to detail, and dependable transportation to our Springfield-area facility.

What We Offer
  • Competitive pay ($23.00 to $26.00/hr based on your skill and depth of experience).
  • A stable, positive shop environment with a great local reputation.
  • Opportunity to work on diverse, engaging projects-no mind-numbing repetition here.
  • Comprehensive benefits package (details provided upon interview).

How to Apply
If you are a skilled craftsman who is heavy on fabrication and ready to build a great career locally, reply to this posting with your updated resume, or stop by our office to fill out an application!
#1044ST
Express Office: Springfield
3000 Professional Drive
Springfield, IL 62703
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About Express Employment Professionals

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Express Employment Professionals, based in Oklahoma City, OK, USA, operates in the staffing industry and is renowned for providing robust and reliable staffing solutions. Their official website - expresspros.com - details their variety of services, which include temporary and full-time staffing, human resources services, and professional search. The company was established in 1983 with the aim of helping as many people as possible to find good jobs, and since then, it has grown exponentially, expanding its reach to various domains within the job market.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Oklahoma City, OK, US

Social media

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