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Welding Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IMKO

Robotic Welding Operator

Lincoln, NE · On-site

Robot Welding Operator Robot Welding Operator is to ensure the safe and efficient operation of all robotically automated welding cells at our Air Park location. This shift is intended to help level ...

Carli Suspension

Robotic Welding Operator

Perris, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $25.25/hr

Robotic Welding Operators are responsible for the set-up, maintenance, and operation of robotic welding equipment. Robotic Welding Operators are critical to the fabrication of metallic parts or ...

New

Clow

Robotic Welding Operator

Merrifield, MN

$20.80/hr

Join our team as a Robotic Welding Operator. In this role, you'll operate robotic welding equipment to produce quality metal components for leading manufacturers. You'll load and unload parts ...

Clow

Robotic Welding Operator

Merrifield, MN · On-site

$20.80/hr

Join our team as a Robotic Welding Operator. In this role, you'll operate robotic welding equipment to produce quality metal components for leading manufacturers. You'll load and unload parts ...

Clow

Robotic Welding Operator

Merrifield, MN · On-site

$20.80/hr

Join our team as a Robotic Welding Operator. In this role, you'll operate robotic welding equipment to produce quality metal components for leading manufacturers. You'll load and unload parts ...

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Welding Operator information

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How much do welding operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for welding operator in the United States is $19.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Welding Operator, you need proficiency in various welding techniques, blueprint reading, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by technical training or certification (such as AWS Certified Welder). Familiarity with welding machinery, safety equipment, and quality inspection tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong hand-eye coordination, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure precise, safe, and high-quality work, which is crucial for maintaining structural integrity and meeting industry standards.

Can welding cause floaters?

Welding operators are exposed to bright light and UV radiation, which can contribute to eye strain and potential damage, but floaters in the eye are typically caused by age-related changes in the vitreous humor. There is no direct link between welding and the development of floaters, though proper eye protection and safety measures are essential to prevent eye injuries. Regular eye check-ups are recommended for welders to monitor eye health.

What is the difference between Welding Operator vs Welding Technician?

AspectWelding OperatorWelding Technician
CertificationsTypically requires basic welding certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Welder)Often requires additional technical certifications or diplomas
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, construction sitesManufacturing facilities, quality control labs, research settings
Job FocusPerforming welding tasks according to specificationsInspecting, testing, and troubleshooting welding processes
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, construction, and fabrication industriesFound in quality assurance, R&D, and specialized fabrication sectors

Welding Operators primarily focus on executing welding tasks using established procedures, while Welding Technicians often handle inspection, testing, and process optimization. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments, but Welding Technicians typically require more technical training and certifications.

What welding jobs pay $50 an hour?

Welding operators with specialized skills, certifications, and experience in industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, or construction can earn around $50 an hour or more. High-paying roles often require proficiency in advanced welding techniques, safety standards, and the ability to work in challenging environments or overtime schedules.

What are some common challenges Welding Operators face when working on large-scale projects?

Welding Operators on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent weld quality over extended periods, working in confined or elevated spaces, and adapting to different welding techniques or materials as project requirements change. Effective communication with other team members, such as engineers and inspectors, is crucial to ensure safety protocols and project specifications are met. Additionally, managing fatigue and adhering to strict safety standards are ongoing concerns in these demanding environments.

Can you make $300,000 as a welder?

Welding operators typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, with high-paying specialized roles or those working in hazardous environments potentially earning more. Reaching $300,000 is uncommon and usually requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, working in high-demand industries, or overtime and shift differentials. Such high earnings are rare in the welding profession overall.

Do welders make $100 an hour?

Welders, including welding operators, typically do not earn $100 an hour; their wages vary based on experience, location, and industry. In most regions, average hourly wages range from $15 to $30, with higher pay possible for specialized skills or in high-demand areas, but $100 an hour is uncommon for standard welding roles.

What are Welding Operators?

Welding Operators are skilled professionals who set up, operate, and maintain welding machines and equipment to join metal parts together. They typically work in manufacturing, construction, and repair industries, following blueprints, technical drawings, or specifications to ensure precise welds. Unlike manual welders, Welding Operators often oversee automated or semi-automated welding processes, monitoring machine performance and adjusting settings as needed for quality and safety. Their role is critical in producing strong, reliable metal structures and products.
What cities are hiring for Welding Operator jobs? Cities with the most Welding Operator job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Welding Operator jobs? The top employers for Welding Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Welding Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Welding Operator jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Welding Operator jobs? For Welding Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Welding Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Welding Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,981 per year, or $19.2 per hour.
Robotic Welding Operator

Robotic Welding Operator

IMKO

Lincoln, NE • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

URGENT NEED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Robot Welding Operator
Robot Welding Operator is to ensure the safe and efficient operation of all robotically automated welding cells at our Air Park location. This shift is intended to help level load the welding department to minimize and ultimately eliminate the need for OT. These team members will be responsible for set-up, operation and troubleshooting of all automated cells. Although the shift will start out small, it does have the possibility to develop into a larger team depending on workload and team performance.

The following duties will be required but not limited to:
• Practice smart operating techniques to ensure the safety of the entire team.
• Set-up of new jobs on all cells
• Efficient production operation with ability to meet proven job rates.
• Troubleshooting of faults experienced during automated production.
• Part inspections
• Non-conforming part quarantine and labeling
• Accurate job progress data recording (both handwritten as well as through Metalworks ERP system)
Experience will be necessary for these positions. If you do not have specific experience with the operation of the equipment we are hiring for, general manufacturing experience may be sufficient.



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About IMKO

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1972, IMKO has grown from a single location to several offices. Our current locations are in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Indiana and South Dakota but we go wherever our clients and candidates need us. And every place we set up shop, We become an integral part of the community. That’s what’s helped us to grow and thrive no matter what the Economic Climate. One of our main focuses of service is in the light industrial sector and we can staff the entire organization from temporary line workers and laborers to full time managers and professionals. Our IMKO Pro division offers nationwide executive search to find ideal candidates for your most critical leadership roles. Our Mission is to provide a consistent policy of excellence in providing for our Client companies, Applicants and Employees in a professional manner by always maintaining the highest standards of ethical practice. Most importantly, we want our Candidates, Clients and Employees to be safe and healthy.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Joseph, MO, US

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