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Welding Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Metals USA

Welding Machine Operator

Waggaman, LA · On-site

$21/hr

Welding Machine Operator - 2nd Shift Metals USA has an immediate opening for a Welding Machine Operator in the Waggaman, LA location. The Welding Machine Operator performs advanced production ...

Metals USA

Welding Machine Operator

Westwego, LA

$21/hr

Welding Machine Operator - 2nd Shift Metals USA has an immediate opening for a Welding Machine Operator in the Waggaman, LA location. The Welding Machine Operator performs advanced production ...

Metals USA

Welding Machine Operator

Westwego, LA

$21/hr

Welding Machine Operator - 2nd Shift Metals USA has an immediate opening for a Welding Machine Operator in the Waggaman, LA location. The Welding Machine Operator performs advanced production ...

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Welding Machine Operator information

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How much do welding machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for welding machine operator in the United States is $15.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $15.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Welding Machine Operator do?

A Welding Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining welding machines used to join metal parts together. They read blueprints or work orders, adjust machine settings, monitor the welding process, and inspect finished products for quality. Operators must ensure safety protocols are followed and may also perform basic machine maintenance or troubleshooting. This role is essential in manufacturing, construction, and repair industries where precise metalwork is required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Welding Machine Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Welding Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of welding techniques, blueprint reading, and safety procedures, usually supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with welding machines, tools like calipers and micrometers, and certifications such as AWS Certified Welder are typically required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and strong problem-solving skills make an operator stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing precise welds, ensuring workplace safety, and maintaining high-quality standards in manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Welding Machine Operator vs Welder?

AspectWelding Machine OperatorWelder
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA safety training, possibly AWS certificationRequires welding certifications like AWS Certified Welder
Work EnvironmentOperates machinery in manufacturing or fabrication settingsPerforms manual welding in various settings, including construction and repair
Job ResponsibilitiesSets up and operates welding machines, monitors welding processPerforms manual welding tasks, joins metal parts

While both roles involve working with metal and welding equipment, Welding Machine Operators focus on operating and monitoring welding machinery, whereas Welders perform manual welding tasks. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in the level of manual skill and machine operation focus.

What are some common challenges faced by Welding Machine Operators on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Welding Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent weld quality, managing equipment malfunctions, and working in environments with high temperatures or confined spaces. These challenges can be addressed through regular equipment maintenance, strict adherence to safety protocols, and continuous training to stay updated on new welding techniques and technologies. Additionally, effective communication with supervisors and team members helps ensure that any issues are quickly identified and resolved, contributing to a safer and more productive work environment.
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Welding Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Welding Machine Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,500 per year, or $15.6 per hour.
Welding Machine Operator

Welding Machine Operator

Metals USA

Waggaman, LA • On-site

$21/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Metals USA rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 336 rated retail wholesalers

Job description

Welding Machine Operator - 2nd Shift
Metals USA has an immediate opening for a Welding Machine Operator in the Waggaman, LA location. The Welding Machine Operator performs advanced production activities requiring a demonstrated high level of skill and proficiency in material handling, production processes and multiple machine operation acquired through extended experience and training.
Starts at $21/hour plus shift differential
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Positions work pieces for welding
  • Experience using an automated system preferred
  • Determines processing specifications such as materials, cutting tools, location of cutting lines, dimensions, tolerances, and operational sequences by reviewing blueprints, work orders, tooling instructions or other written specifications
  • Performs quality control inspections on finished product; for ISO-certified locations, performs In Process Quality Inspections
  • Coordinates and executes material handling of all inventories to be processed including operation of overhead crane
  • May train less experienced workers and perform as lead in absence of group leader
  • May restock material
  • Completes work order paperwork/documentation
  • Performs other related duties as assigned or requested

Metals USA offers a competitive starting salary and benefits plus upward mobility professional growth.
Metals USA provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees w/o regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.
Metals USA is committed to protecting our employees by creating and maintaining a workplace free of substance abuse.
  • High School diploma or GED
  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • Minimum of one year welding experience
  • Must pass a welding test
  • Reading and writing comprehension in English (to read work order instructions, safety, CAD blueprints, and policy manuals)
  • Measuring skills to read English & Metric systems and a tape measure, caliper, gauges, or micrometer or ability to learn additional measuring mechanisms
  • Must have mechanical aptitude and arithmetic skills to calculate and convert decimals and fractions
  • Experience operating an overhead crane / forklift operator
  • Must be proficient in the use of hand tools including grinder
  • Demonstrated manual dexterity, finger dexterity, arm-hand steadiness, and multi-limb coordination
  • Computer Literacy; Microsoft Products, CAD Programming and ERP
  • Must be organized with attention to detail
  • Candidate must pass a pre-employment drug screening.

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