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How much do welding machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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.
Automated Welding Machine Operator

Automated Welding Machine Operator

RPM & Associates, Inc.

Rapid City, SD • On-site

$17.50 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Automated Welding Machine Operator
Reports To: Production Manager
An attractive benefits package includes health/dental insurance, a simple IRA program (with employer matching up to 3% of salary), paid holiday/vacation, and an employee assistance program. Competitive wages are being offered, DOE and qualifications.
Primary Duties or Functions:
  • Immediately notify the Production Manager of any safety issue or problem.
  • Weld components as directed and as per company, customer and/or engineering specifications.
  • Safely operate our automated welding systems. Employee training is provided to operate these systems.
  • Maintain all equipment as per manufacturer or company schedules, or as directed. Immediately notify management on any equipment that needs attention.
  • Assist in the development of written process documentation as required and directed.
  • Keep production areas and any other work areas safe, clean, and organized.
  • Make recommendations for tooling, fixturing, process requirements, and/or equipment needs. This will be based on procedures and company or customer requirements.
  • Shift work and/or travel will be required dependent upon customer needs and per company discretion.
  • Safely handle parts and materials with appropriate industrial trucks, hoists, overhead cranes, and associated rigging.
  • All RPM employees will conduct themselves in a mature, respectful and professional manner.
  • Follow all RPM policies, programs, and procedures.

Additional Duties or Functions:
  • Work with production and engineering to determine welding requirements, as required.
  • Keep the Production Manager advised of usage and reorder requirements for consumables and materials utilizing the company purchase order system.
  • Assist management in employee training.
  • Perform other duties as required and directed.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:
  • Experience in a welding environment or trade school preferred.
  • Must be able to understand and accurately follow through on verbal directions.
  • Must be able to read, interpret, and accurately follow through on written work directions.
  • Must be able to read blueprints.
  • Must be able to perform measurements with standard measurement equipment and layout tools.

Work Environment/Physical Requirement:
  • Must be able to frequently lift, carry and/or position up to 50 pounds, as required.
  • Safety glasses, non-marring steel toe boots, and hearing protection are required in production areas.
  • RPM and Associates, Inc. operates a smoke-free and drug-free facility.
  • There may be some bending and crawling. Employees may have to stand on their feet for hours at a time.

Job Type: Full-time
Wage: $17.50 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off

Schedule:
  • 8-12 hour shift depending on workload
  • Monday to Friday normally

Supplemental pay types:
  • Bonus pay
  • Earned Paid Days off

License/Certification:
  • Driver's License (Required)

Shift Availability:
  • Night Shift (Required)
  • Day Shift (Required)
  • Overnight Shift (Required)

Work Location: One location

About RPM & Associates, Inc.:

RPM & Associates, Inc. was founded in 1982 by Rob Mudge, Deb Mudge and Rob's parents, Jim and Phyllis Mudge. RPM & Associates, Inc. is a manufacturing firm located in Rapid City and is a South Dakota corporation. Its core customers are coal fired power plants, mining operations, cement plants, as well as providing solutions for a variety of other customers.RPM’s MISSIONRPM & Associates provides the highest-quality manufactured solutions to valued power, mining, and other diverse customers, while striving to help them reduce their operational life-cycle costs. RPM’s most important resource, our innovative employees, have the opportunity for both personal and professional growth while ensuring RPM remains a world-class problem solver! For RPM, “Being the Best is Barely Good Enough!”