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Welding Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Metalworks Inc.

Robotic Welding Operator

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

PAID-TIME OFF Robot Welding Operator First Shift: Monday-Thursday 6A-4:30 PM with mandatory OT when applicable Compensation: From $18/hr. DOE Description: The purpose of a Robot Welding Operator is ...

Metalworks, Inc.

Robotic Welding Operator

Lincoln, NE

$18/hr

PAID-TIME OFF Robot Welding Operator First Shift: Monday-Thursday 6A-4:30 PM with mandatory OT when applicable Compensation: From $18/hr. DOE Description: The purpose of a Robot Welding Operator is ...

Great Dane LLC

Robotic Welding Operator

Terre Haute, IN · On-site

$17 - $23.50/hr

A Robotic Welding Operator performs multiple tasks using a variety of general and specialized equipment. Typical equipment used consists of Fanuc Robots and positioners, Lincoln Welding equipment ...

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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All JobsWelding Operator Jobs

Welding Operator information

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$14

$19

$24

How much do welding operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 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.

What is the highest paid welding job?

The highest paid welding jobs typically involve specialized roles such as underwater welding, pipeline welding, or aerospace welding, which require advanced skills, certifications, and safety training. These positions often offer higher salaries due to the technical expertise and risks involved, with underwater welders earning some of the top wages in the industry.

Can welding cause floaters?

Welding operators are exposed to bright light and UV radiation, which can damage the eyes and potentially lead to floaters or other vision issues if proper eye protection is not used. Wearing appropriate safety gear, such as welding helmets and safety glasses, helps prevent eye injuries related to welding activities.

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 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.

How to make $100,000 as a welder?

Welders can earn $100,000 by gaining advanced certifications, specializing in high-demand areas like underwater or aerospace welding, and working in high-paying industries such as oil and gas or construction. Increasing experience, working overtime, and relocating to regions with higher wages can also boost earnings.

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.

Why do welders age so fast?

Welders age faster due to exposure to intense heat, ultraviolet radiation, and hazardous fumes, which can accelerate skin aging and cause health issues. The physically demanding nature of welding, including repetitive motions and heavy protective gear, also contributes to physical wear over time.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,981 per year, or $19.2 per hour.
Welding Operator

Welding Operator

Kulite Semiconductor Products

Leonia, NJ • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description
Perform Laser, TIG, EB and/or Micro-TIG Welding. Check equipment calibration through performance of daily samples. Inspection of welds. Perform a small amount of machine maintenance and operate safety equipment. Perform all other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
High School Degree or GED
Technical School Degree a plus
Familiarity with microscope and computerized equipment a plus
Rate: 17.00 hr
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, 401k w/Match, FSA, Bonus, PTO
Position Requirements
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time
Compensation:
17.00 hr
Benefits:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, 401k w/Match, FSA, Bonus, PTO
Req Number
EB -26-00001
Location
Kulite Leonia, NJ
EOE Statement
Kulite Semiconductor Products Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
M/F/Disabled/Veterans/AA/EOE/LGBT
Accessibility notice: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a disability, please send an email to hr@kulite.com or call 201-461-0900 ext. 512. Reasonable accommodation requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
This position is currently accepting applications.

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