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Welding Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vantedge Medical - VDB

Robotic Welding Engineer

Stockton, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

With a steadfast commitment to advancing technology, we take immense pride in the work we do - and have a lot of fun doing it. About this Role: The Robotic Welding Engineer serves as the technical ...

ElDorado National California, Inc

Be Seen First

Weld Shop Supervisor

Riverside, CA · On-site

$84K - $95K/yr

Associate or bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering, Welding Technology, or a related field, plus 3-5 years of front-line supervisory or leadership experience in a manufacturing ...

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All JobsWelding Tech JobsWelding Tech Jobs in California

Welding Tech information

See California salary details

$15

$22

$33

How much do welding tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for welding tech in California is $22.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a welding tech do?

A Welding Tech, or Welding Technician, is responsible for joining metal parts using various welding techniques such as MIG, TIG, or arc welding. They read and interpret blueprints, set up and operate welding equipment, and inspect finished welds for quality and safety standards. Welding Techs may also perform repairs, maintain equipment, and ensure compliance with safety regulations in industrial, manufacturing, or construction settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a welding tech?

To thrive as a Welding Tech, you need proficiency in welding techniques, blueprint reading, and a high school diploma or GED, often supplemented by technical training or certification. Familiarity with welding equipment, safety protocols, and industry certifications such as AWS (American Welding Society) are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong manual dexterity are key soft skills that set top welders apart. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, precise, and high-quality work in manufacturing, construction, and repair environments.

What are some common challenges welding techs face on the job and how can they be addressed?

Welding Techs often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, exposure to high temperatures, and the need for precise attention to detail to ensure weld quality and safety. Managing these challenges involves adhering strictly to safety protocols, using proper personal protective equipment, and continually updating skills to keep up with evolving welding technologies. Collaboration with team members and effective communication with supervisors also play crucial roles in overcoming obstacles and maintaining a safe, productive work environment.

What is the difference between Welding Tech vs Welding Inspector?

AspectWelding TechWelding Inspector
CertificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Welder)Welding inspection certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Welding Inspector)
Work EnvironmentFabrication shops, construction sites, manufacturing plantsInspection sites, quality control departments, construction projects
Job FocusPerforming welds, operating welding equipmentInspecting welds for quality, ensuring compliance with standards
Industry UsageManufacturing, construction, repairQuality assurance, safety compliance, project oversight

Welding Techs focus on executing welds and operating welding equipment, while Welding Inspectors evaluate weld quality and ensure standards are met. Both roles require specific certifications and are vital in manufacturing and construction industries, but their responsibilities differ significantly.

How much do welding technicians make?

Welding technicians typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled welders with certifications such as AWS often command higher wages, especially in industrial or construction environments.

What jobs can you get with welding tech?

A welding technician can find employment in industries such as manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, aerospace, and oil and gas. They typically work on fabricating, repairing, and maintaining metal structures using various welding techniques and may require certifications like AWS or ASME. Job roles include welding inspector, pipe welder, structural welder, and maintenance technician.

What are popular job titles related to Welding Tech jobs in California?

For Welding Tech jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Welding Tech jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Welding Tech jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Welding Tech jobs?

Cities in California with the most Welding Tech job openings:

Welding Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Welding Tech job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,756 per year, or $23 per hour.

Welding Engineer (All Levels)

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA

$37.75 - $52.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

As a Weld Engineer at Impulse you will help develop, qualify and optimize welding designs and processes with both laser beam, gas tungsten arc welding, friction stir welding, and orbital tube welding. This role will integral to performing weld developments on Helios' main structural tank, Deneb's thrust chamber and preburner assemblies, and valve components across all of our vehicles. The welding engineer in this role will interface daily with design and manufacturing engineers to make welding judgment calls and improvements and will enforce standardized practices and procedures on multiple welded assemblies.
Helios is Impulse's new vehicle, a 3rd stage/kick stage. Launching in 2026, it is designed to take satellites & payloads to GEO for 1/3rd of today's current cost. Deneb is Impulse's 15k lb thrust lox methane staged combustion engine.
Additional Note: Leveling will be commensurate with experience. 
  • Develop, optimize, and qualify weld processes and parameters for multiple welding processes including but not limited to: laser beam welding, friction stir welding, gas tungsten arc welding, orbital tube welding.
  • Work closely with design, tooling, automation, and development engineers to improve welded designs for manufacturing
  • Develop and implement improved process control where possible using test and NDE results as feedback loop
  • Support production operations on full scale welded assemblies, providing direction to manufacturing engineers and welders on correct techniques in a fast paced manufacturing environment
  • Support on-site manufacturing and development of Helios tank, Deneb engine weldments, and Mira components.
  • Set up welding qualification test campaigns and interpret mechanical testing and NDE results
  • Work closely with NDE personnel to interpret weld quality on development and flight hardware in addition to developing and implementing innovative state-of-the-art NDE techniques
  • Set up automated welding solutions in an effort to drive process consistency
  • Scope out new welding technologies that may be employed to improve rate/quality/efficiency
  • Support design, manufacturing, and materials engineering with root cause analysis

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or related field 
  • 2+ years of experience with hands-on fabrication, manufacturing, or testing experience of welded assemblies

  • Master's degree in welding engineering or related technical program
  • 3+ years' of demonstrated hands-on welding experience of aluminum, nickel-based, stainless steel, titanium, and copper alloys.
  • 2+ years' of demonstrated experience with brazing, joining, and metallographic interpretation
  • Fundamental understanding of welding processes including, but not limited to, laser beam, friction stir, gas tungsten arc, gas metal arc, electron beam, plasma arc, and resistance welding
  • Robot programming experience for automated welding solutions
  • Tooling design experience for welded assemblies to reduce part distortion and improve part consistency
  • Understanding of weld strength testing methodologies, standards, and data acquisition systems used to make informed welding decisions (ASTM E8, E399, E740, ISO 15653, AWS D17.X, AWS C7.X, thermos-couples, strain gages, etc.)
  • Experience with root cause analysis and corrective actions including, but not limited to, optical and SEM fractography/metallography, hardness, chemical analysis, and mechanical testing
  • Self-motivated, driven and high attention to detail

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

Impulse Space's spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.  
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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