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Welder Apprentice Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Universal Industries

Welder

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$27/hr

This position will weld carbon steel, stainless steel and galvanized material based on predesigned blue prints. Earn up to $27.00/hour- dependent on experience! Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Universal Industries

Welder

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

This position will weld carbon steel, stainless steel and galvanized material based on predesigned blue prints. Earn up to $27.00/hour- dependent on experience! Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Universal Industries

Welder

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

This position will weld carbon steel, stainless steel and galvanized material based on predesigned blue prints.Earn up to $27.00/hour- dependent on experience!Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

TrinityRail

Career Welder

Shell Rock, IA · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

As a Welder at Trinity, you'll apply appropriate welding processes to join, surface, fabricate, and repair parts of metal or other weldable materials according to layouts, work orders, blueprints ...

Trinity Industries

Career Welder

Shell Rock, IA · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

As a Welder at Trinity, you'll apply appropriate welding processes to join, surface, fabricate, and repair parts of metal or other weldable materials according to layouts, work orders, blueprints ...

Trinity Logistics Group

Career Welder

Shell Rock, IA · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

As a Welder at Trinity, you'll apply appropriate welding processes to join, surface, fabricate, and repair parts of metal or other weldable materials according to layouts, work orders, blueprints ...

Trinity Industries

Career Welder, 2nd shift

Shell Rock, IA · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

As a Welder at Trinity, you'll apply appropriate welding processes to join, surface, fabricate, and repair parts of metal or other weldable materials according to layouts, work orders, blueprints ...

TrinityRail

Career Welder, 2nd shift

Shell Rock, IA · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

As a Welder at Trinity, you'll apply appropriate welding processes to join, surface, fabricate, and repair parts of metal or other weldable materials according to layouts, work orders, blueprints ...

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Welder Apprentice information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$9

$19

$26

How much do welder apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for welder apprentice in Waterloo, IA is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a welder apprentice?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a welder apprentice?

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.

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 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.

More about Welder Apprentice jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Welder jobs in Waterloo, IA?

The most popular types of Welder jobs in Waterloo, IA are:

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For Welder Apprentice jobs in Waterloo, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Welder Apprentice jobs in Waterloo, IA are:

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Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Welder Apprentice job openings:

Welder Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Welder Apprentice job openings in Waterloo, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,162 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

MIG Welder I - O'Neal Manufacturing Services

O'Neal Manufacturing Services

Cedar Falls, IA

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

O'Neal Manufacturing Services rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Build A Career That’s Made to Last.

O’Neal Manufacturing Services is one of the largest family-owned metal fabrication companies in the United States. For over 100 years, we’ve built more than just metal – we’ve built trust, careers, and lasting relationships. We are committed to helping every team member grow, learn, and achieve more. Let’s Build Things – Together.

Position: MIG Welder I
Pay: Paid Weekly
Schedule: 2nd shift Monday-Thursday 3:30pm to 2:00am, overtime posted the week prior.
Position Summary: The Mig Welder I is responsible for fabricating, joining, and repairing steel components using advanced gas metal arc welding techniques and equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Safety Commitment:
    • Follow all safety policies, procedures, and guidelines to maintain a safe work environment.
  • Welding Requirements:
    • Join, fabricate, and repair metal and other weldable material by applying appropriate welding techniques.
    • Interpret blueprints, specifications, diagrams, or schematics to determine appropriate welding process.
    • Inspect completed welds to determine structural soundness.
    • Prepare materials and setup for welding equipment or robotic devices as needed.
    • Complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in specialty areas as required.
  • Quality and Accuracy:
    • Ensure error-free work for internal and external customers.
    • Follow established processes to support safety and quality programs.
  • General Duties:
    • Maintain a clean and organized work area.
    • Work under direct supervision.
    • Perform other duties as assigned.

 

 

 

Qualifications and Skills:

·         High School Diploma or equivalent.·         Relevant experience, apprenticeship, or vocational training preferred.·         Must be able to pass and maintain MIG Welder certification.·         Basic critical thinking skills and strong attention to detail.·         Ability to operate forklifts and cranes. Must maintain certifications for required equipment.·         Ability to read and interpret simple blueprints.·         Proficiency in using hand tools (hammer, pliers, screwdriver, wrench, drill, grinder, bander).·         Ability to use measuring tools such as tape measures, box calipers, slide dial calipers, and      micrometers.·         Ability to convert fractions to decimals and metric to English measurements.·         Ability to produce high-quality work.·         Capable of setting up and operating one or more processing machines.·         Ability to speak, write, and comprehend conversational English.

 

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods, including walking 2-5 miles per shift.
  • Ability to bend, sit, stand, twist, and stoop repeatedly for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift and carry items weighing 25lbs – 50lbs from floor to waist and front carry up to 25lbs – 50lbs, repeatedly per shift.
  • Ability to reach overhead, squat, kneel, and climb short ladders or steps.
  • Ability to maintain coordination of hand and finger movements to grasp and manipulate objects with precision.
  • Ability to read labels, follow safety and standard operating procedures, and communicate effectively in an industrial environment.
  • 20/30 vision with the use of corrective lenses.
  • Subject to environmental conditions that occur indoors and outdoors which include, but are not limited to:
    • Exposure to changing temperatures, loud noises, and vibration from use of equipment.
    • Hazards: proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, exposure to high heat, and exposure to chemicals.
    • Atmospheric conditions: fumes, odors, dust, mist, gas, or poor ventilation that may affect the respiratory system or skin.
    • Oils: air and/or skin exposure to oils and other cutting fluids. 

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What O'Neal Manufacturing Services employees say

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About O'Neal Manufacturing Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At O'Neal Manufacturing Services (OMS), we build things! As an O'Neal Industries affiliate company, we are a leader in the fabrication of steel and metal products that shape the world in which we live in. Our culture is driven by honesty, integrity and respect. We set high expectations for ourselves in providing a safe and diverse work environment. If you are looking to be part of a dynamic company to build your career, visit onealmfg.com/careers to learn more!

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Vestavia Hills, AL, US

Year founded

1921

Social media

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