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Welding Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Elite Staffing

Spot Welding Operator

Glendale Heights, IL · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

Spot Welding Operator Min. Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent preferred Basic knowledge of spot welding processes. Strong attention to detail. Ability to follow instructions and work ...

M.H. Eby, Inc.

Robotic Welding Operator

Ephrata, PA

Eby, Inc .- a leading manufacturer of aluminum trailers and truck bodies is looking for Robotic Welding Operators to work in our fast-growing company. Candidates must be trainable and willing to ...

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Welding Operator information

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$14

$19

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How much do welding operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 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?

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 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.

How much do welding operators make?

Welding operators typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled welders with certifications and experience in specialized techniques can earn higher wages, especially in manufacturing, construction, or heavy industry environments.

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.

What is a welding operator?

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.
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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 August 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.

2nd Shift - Welding Operator Setup

Fairbanks Morse Defense

Beloit, WI • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it's the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We're one of the nation's leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it's like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers
2nd Shift Welder Operator Setup - Fairbanks Morse Engine
Build Power That Supports Critical Missions
At Fairbanks Morse Engine, your work directly supports some of the most demanding and mission-critical operations in the world.
Based in Beloit, Wisconsin, Fairbanks Morse Engine (FME) manufactures, assembles, tests, and distributes heavy-duty, medium-speed reciprocating engines under the Fairbanks Morse® and ALCO® brand names. As a trusted supplier to the U.S. Navy, Military Sealift Command, U.S. Coast Guard, and Canadian Coast Guard, FME delivers reliable marine power solutions that keep fleets operating worldwide.
FME is a division of Fairbanks Morse Defense, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment, and a recognized leader in marine propulsion and power systems.
If you take pride in craftsmanship, precision welding, and working on large-scale industrial equipment that makes a real impact, this is an opportunity to join a highly skilled manufacturing team where quality, safety, and expertise matter.
Position Summary
Primary Function
Perform assigned welding functions using a variety of welding procedures.
Shift Information
This position is assigned to 2nd shift after training is completed. Training will be conducted on 1st shift, followed by transition to 2nd shift assignment.
Security / Citizenship Requirement
Due to NOFORN policy, U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and cannot hold dual citizenship.
Tools & Equipment
  • Arc and gas welding and cutting equipment
  • Manual, semi-automatic welding systems
  • Welding stands, benches, positioning equipment, jigs, and fixtures
  • Measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, levels, protractors)
  • Standard hand tools (grinders, hammers, wire brushes, chisels)
  • Protective equipment, blueprints, WPS, engineering drawings, and process documentation

Materials
  • Ferrous and non-ferrous materials

Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Receive job assignments, verbal instructions, sketches, blueprints, and welding procedures
  • Work to codes requiring third-party inspection verification
  • Perform setup operations on sub-assemblies and production parts
  • Perform welding on experimental jigs and fixtures
  • Plan, layout, and assemble work with or without fixtures
  • Weld in all positions as required
  • Cut, trim, grind, fit, tack weld, weld, solder, flame cut, and anneal components
  • Select filler metals and welding variables to control distortion and shrinkage
  • Read and interpret welding drawings and specifications
  • Determine weld size/type when not specified
  • Complete setup and welding operations as assigned
  • Operate magnaflux equipment and identify defects for Quality Control review
  • Maintain tolerances up to 1/64"
  • Support changeovers or modifications on semi-automatic welding systems

Qualifications, Skills & Educational Requirements
  • Proven welding experience or technical welding knowledge
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings
  • Understanding of quality control principles
  • Strong hand-eye coordination and physical capability for manufacturing work
  • High school diploma required; technical training preferred
  • Ability to work in a team-based manufacturing environment
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Strong attention to detail and confidentiality
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
  • Strong time management and organizational skills
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Customer-service mindset in a manufacturing/support environment
  • Forklift and Large Overhead crane experience preferred

Why Join Fairbanks Morse Engine?
  • Work on mission-critical products supporting U.S. and allied defense operations
  • Join a respected manufacturer with a long-standing industry reputation
  • Hands-on work with advanced welding equipment and complex assemblies
  • Collaborative, skilled manufacturing environment focused on quality and safety
  • Stable organization with continued investment in U.S. manufacturing excellence

Equal Opportunity Employer
Fairbanks Morse is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, national origin, marital status, citizenship status (unless required by applicable law or government contract), disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected status.
Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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