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Welding Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Crucible

Welding Instructor / TA

Oakland, CA

$25 - $27.50/hr

Welding Instructor / TA Status: Non-Exempt, hourly, part-time Reports to: Welding Department Head, Director of Programs Pay: $19.95--$27.50 per hour A Welding Teacher at The Crucible is responsible ...

The Crucible

Welding Instructor / TA

Oakland, CA · On-site

$25 - $27.50/hr

Welding Instructor / TA Status: Non-Exempt, hourly, part-time Reports to: Welding Department Head, Director of Programs Pay: $19.95-$27.50 per hour A Welding Teacher at The Crucible is responsible ...

Rio Hondo College

Welding Instructor, Part-Time

Whittier, CA · On-site

$52K - $67K/yr

Position Information Job Number FAC00315P Position Title Welding Instructor, Part-Time Position Type Faculty Part Time Pool Percentage Employee Not to exceed 60% Number of Months Assignment Starting ...

Rio Hondo College

Welding Instructor, Part-Time

Whittier, CA · On-site

$52K - $67K/yr

Posting Details Position Information Job Number FAC00315P Position Title Welding Instructor, Part-Time Position Type Faculty Part Time Pool Percentage Employee Not to exceed 60% Number of Months ...

Cabrillo College

Welding - Associate Instructor

Aptos, CA · On-site

$55K - $71K/yr

Welding - Associate Instructor at Cabrillo College Share on X Print Application Deadline 7/11/2027 11:59 PM Pacific Date Posted 8/6/2026 Contact Human Resources Number of Openings Not Specified ...

Mt. San Jacinto College

Associate Instructor (Welding)

CA · On-site

$80 - $90/hr

No JOB SUMMARY We have an exciting opportunity for an Associate Instructor (Welding) . Mt. San Jacinto Community College District accepts Associate Faculty (Part-time) Faculty applications on an on ...

Canyons School District

$79K - $126K/yr

Qualifications and Minimum Requirements MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: • Possession of a California Community College Instructor Credential in Welding Technology. OR • Bachelor's degree or higher plus ...

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Welding Instructor information

See California salary details

$37K

$60.7K

$105.1K

How much do welding instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for welding instructor in California is $60,743.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $63,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a welding instructor?

Welding Instructors are professionals who teach students the skills and safety procedures needed for welding. They develop lesson plans, demonstrate various welding techniques, and supervise hands-on practice in classroom or workshop settings. Instructors also assess students’ progress, provide feedback, and ensure that all training adheres to industry standards. Their goal is to prepare students for careers in welding and related fields by imparting both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

What does a welding instructor do?

A welding instructor is a master welder who provides training for students who want to become welders. As a welding instructor, your primary responsibilities involve teaching your craft to students by demonstrating welding techniques, tools, and skills. You need an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in welding technology to become a teacher of welding techniques. You also need experience with arc welders, welding shields, automated cutting torches, computerized welding software, and other welding tools.

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

To thrive as a Welding Instructor, you need expert welding skills, in-depth knowledge of safety protocols, and a relevant certification such as AWS Certified Welding Educator (CWE) or Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). Familiarity with various welding equipment, instructional technology, and curriculum development tools is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to motivate and mentor students are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for effectively teaching safe and high-quality welding techniques, preparing students for industry standards, and ensuring a productive learning environment.

What are some common challenges welding instructors face when training students with varying skill levels?

Welding Instructors often work with students who have a wide range of experience, from complete beginners to those with some hands-on practice. Balancing lesson plans to ensure everyone progresses can be challenging, as some students may need extra guidance on safety protocols or technique, while others may be ready for advanced projects. Instructors must adapt their teaching style, provide individualized feedback, and foster an inclusive environment where all students feel comfortable asking questions. Effective communication and patience are key to helping every student build confidence and competence in welding.

What is the difference between Welding Instructor vs Welding Technician?

AspectWelding InstructorWelding Technician
CredentialsWelding certification, teaching credentials (if required)Welding certification, technical training
Work EnvironmentClassroom, training labs, workshopsManufacturing, construction sites, repair shops
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, vocational schoolsManufacturers, construction companies, repair services

Welding Instructors primarily teach welding techniques and safety in educational settings, focusing on training students. Welding Technicians perform hands-on welding work in industrial environments, applying their skills to manufacturing or construction projects. While both roles require welding certifications, instructors focus on education, whereas technicians focus on practical application.

How much do welding instructors make in the US?

Welding instructors in the US typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of institution. Those with certifications in welding and teaching skills may earn higher salaries, especially at technical colleges or vocational schools.
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Welding Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Welding Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,743 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Welding Instructor

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC
Industrial Machinery Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY GROUP INCexternal

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Description:

DESCRIPTION 

Urban Workshop is looking for a skilled welder with a passion for teaching to lead our welding classes. This is a part-time, flexible role ideal for someone who has built a career or lifelong practice in the trade and now wants to share it. Many of our best instructors are accomplished fabricators and welders who've spent years honing their skills and are now looking for a meaningful way to pass them on. If teaching the next generation of makers sounds more rewarding than another shop job or contract, we'd love to talk.

This role is for our recreational class program. We teach hobbyists and home fabricators the skills they need to confidently tackle their own projects, from basic MIG and TIG fundamentals to metal art and small fabrication builds. (Our professional CTE and workforce development program hires separately.)

Our welding instructors teach safe and proper use of professional-grade welding and fabrication equipment including MIG, TIG, and stick welders, plasma cutters, oxy-fuel, chop saws, grinders, shears, and brakes. You'll be joining a community of working professionals, retired tradespeople, and lifelong hobbyists who teach because they love it. A complimentary membership is included, use the shop for your own projects whenever you're not teaching.


TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Start each class fully prepared and on time
  • Conduct thorough safety demonstrations before any tool or torch use, with zero shortcuts
  • End class once each student has achieved success, then clean up and store materials with consideration to the next class and teacher
  • Teach class content as directed, but always looking for ways to improve it
  • Teach and demonstrate Urban Workshop safety rules, policies, and etiquette
  • Inspire and encourage Urban Workshop members, students, and each other
  • Promote Urban Workshop special offers and up-sells at the end of class

COMPENSATION AND PERKS

  • $20 to $25/hr. DOE
  • Complimentary Urban Workshop membership: full access to our 30,000 sq ft facility and all shop areas during open hours, so you can keep working on your own projects between classes
  • Extensive training on all equipment
  • The opportunity to work alongside an amazing group of peers and Members

Send resume, photos of past welding and fabrication projects, and any relevant teaching experience to info@urbanworkshop.net

Requirements:

REQUIREMENTS The ideal candidate will have substantial welding and fabrication experience, prior teaching or mentoring experience, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with students of varying skill levels, from absolute beginners to experienced fabricators. Hours are limited (typically 12 to 20 per month) and scheduled around your availability, not ours. This is not a full-time position and is best suited as a supplemental role alongside other work, retirement, or personal projects.

  • Strong hands-on experience with at least one welding process (MIG, TIG, or Stick); comfort with multiple processes is a plus
  • Working knowledge of metal cutting and forming equipment: plasma cutter, chop saw, bandsaw, shear, brake, angle grinder
  • Solid understanding of metal types (mild steel, stainless, aluminum), joint preparation, weld positions, and how each      process behaves on different materials
  • Deep familiarity with shop safety: PPE, ventilation, fire prevention, hot work protocols, and gas cylinder handling
  • Experience with metal art, sculpture, or custom fabrication is a plus
  • Portfolio of completed projects required. Please include photos with your application
  • Inspire and encourage students of all skill levels
  • Teach and demonstrate shop rules, etiquette, fire and safety protocols, clean up and organization, and equipment check-out      procedures
  • Must present a professional image, be courteous and organized, and reliable
  • Start and end class on time and teach prescribed content
  • Inform shop or management team of any equipment, materials, or documentation issues