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Welding Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gulf Island

Sub Arc Machine Operator

Harvey, LA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Certified Sub Arc Machine Operator performs job functions required and/or assigned in the ... Set and operate welding machine for applicable welding processes (SAW, automatic, etc.) * Perform ...

Gulf Island

Sub Arc Machine Operator

Houma, LA

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Certified Sub Arc Machine Operator performs job functions required and/or assigned in the ... Set and operate welding machine for applicable welding processes (SAW, automatic, etc.) * Perform ...

Gulf Island

Sub Arc Machine Operator

Houma, LA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Certified Sub Arc Machine Operator performs job functions required and/or assigned in the ... Set and operate welding machine for applicable welding processes (SAW, automatic, etc.) * Perform ...

Gulf Island

Sub Arc Machine Operator

Houma, LA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Certified Sub Arc Machine Operator performs job functions required and/or assigned in the ... Set and operate welding machine for applicable welding processes (SAW, automatic, etc.) * Perform ...

Gulf Island

Sub Arc Machine Operator

Houma, LA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Certified Sub Arc Machine Operator performs job functions required and/or assigned in the ... Set and operate welding machine for applicable welding processes (SAW, automatic, etc.) * Perform ...

Gulf Island

Sub Arc Machine Operator

Houma, LA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Certified Sub Arc Machine Operator performs job functions required and/or assigned in the ... Set and operate welding machine for applicable welding processes (SAW, automatic, etc.) * Perform ...

Gulf Island

Sub Arc Machine Operator

Houma, LA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Certified Sub Arc Machine Operator performs job functions required and/or assigned in the ... Set and operate welding machine for applicable welding processes (SAW, automatic, etc.) * Perform ...

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Welding Machine Operator information

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$15

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How much do welding machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 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.

Do welders make $100 an hour?

Welders, including welding machine operators, typically earn less than $100 an hour, with average wages ranging from $15 to $30 per hour depending on experience, location, and industry. Highly skilled or specialized welders working in certain high-demand sectors or with advanced certifications may approach or exceed this rate, but it is uncommon for most to regularly earn $100 an hour.

What welding jobs pay $50 an hour?

Welding machine operators with advanced skills, certifications, and experience can earn around $50 an hour, especially in specialized fields such as industrial fabrication, underwater welding, or working in high-demand industries like oil and gas. Salaries vary based on location, certification level, and the complexity of the work performed.

What is the highest paid welding job?

The highest paid welding jobs typically involve specialized skills such as underwater welding, aerospace welding, or working in the oil and gas industry, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. These roles usually require advanced certifications, safety training, and experience in challenging environments. Skilled welders in these fields are compensated for their expertise and the risks involved.

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.

Can you make $300,000 as a welder?

Welding machine operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, with higher salaries possible for those with specialized skills, certifications, or experience in high-demand industries like oil and gas or aerospace. Earning $300,000 is uncommon and usually requires advanced expertise, supervisory roles, or working in high-paying sectors over many years.

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
Welder Machine Operator Trainee - 1st shift & 2nd shift

Welder Machine Operator Trainee - 1st shift & 2nd shift

Riverdale Mills Corporation

Northbridge, MA • On-site

$19.27 - $20.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Description

1st shift (6:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) 

2nd shift (3:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.)


As a Welding Machine Operator, you will perform a variety of standard operations to operate a computer-controlled welding machine to produce welded wire mesh to meet production schedule requirements, meet all quality specifications, perform set-ups, changeovers and assist with routine maintenance. The Welding Machine Operator does not physically perform the welding, the machine does.

Requirements

  •  High School Diploma required or its equivalent with 2-5 years of experience as a machine operator or very good mechanical aptitude
  • Must be able to work independently
  • Must be detail oriented and organized
  • Maintain a clean work area
  • Lifting requirements up to approximately 50 lbs.
  • Maintain high levels of efficiency and quality
  • Good mechanical aptitude

Essential duties and responsibilities:

  • Work from specification sheets, job orders and verbal instructions
  • Ensure that all wires are properly positioned for feeding into the welder
  • Maintain continual visual inspection of product and process for proper positioning, welding, and cutting
  • Clean and maintain welding electrodes on a regular basis and make minor adjustments to machine as needed
  • Perform and record prescribed quality checks
  • Inform supervisor of any processing or operating problems
  • Remove welded rolls of mesh from rollers
  • Palletize finished rolls
  • Monitor wire field
  • Perform general preventative maintenance task
  • Help other machine operators as needed

Benefits:

We offer a competitive & market salary and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, STD, LTD, 401(k), profit sharing. Riverdale Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Employment is conditioned upon successful completion of a background check and upon having the appropriate legal right to work. 


About Us:

Riverdale Mills Corporation is one of the largest manufacturers of galvanized and PVC coated welded wire mesh in the world. A privately held company based in Northbridge, MA. Riverdale Mills specializes in the design and manufacturing of commercial, industrial and consumer wire products, tools and accessories for the marine, aquaculture, security, and construction and farming industries. The company's exemplary quality and manufacturing expertise is known worldwide.   

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