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Welding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Welding Engineer

Palmdale, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

The Welding Engineer will play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, quality, and efficiency of welding processes within manufacturing operations, particularly focusing on stainless steel and ...

WELDING ENGINEER This position will support manufacturing and development of SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Starship launch vehicles, Dragon spacecraft, and Starlink satellites alongside a strong group of ...

Welding Inspector

Alhambra, CA ยท On-site

$85K/yr

Current American Welding Society Certification as a Certified Welding Inspector, or Senior Certified Welding Inspector, with a minimum of 10 years experience, and holds a current International Code ...

Welding Engineer

Hawthorne, CA ยท On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

WELDING ENGINEER This position will support manufacturing and development of SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Starship launch vehicles, Dragon spacecraft, and Starlink satellites alongside a strong group of ...

Welding Supervisor

Tustin, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Welding Supervisor to oversee the daily welding operations, perform inspections to ensure product quality, and lead a team of skilled welders across multiple shifts. The ...

Welding Supervisor

Tustin, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Welding Supervisor to oversee the daily welding operations, perform inspections to ensure product quality, and lead a team of skilled welders across multiple shifts. The ...

Welding Inspector

Alhambra, CA ยท On-site

$85K/yr

Current American Welding Society Certification as a Certified Welding Inspector, or Senior Certified Welding Inspector, with a minimum of 10 years experience, and holds a current International Code ...

Welding Technician

Madera, CA ยท On-site

$32 - $42/hr

Description Are you an experienced welder who takes pride in clean, high-quality work--and wants to be part of a team that builds products that last? B-K Lighting is seeking a Welding Technician to ...

We are seeking a skilled Welding Specialist to help establish and scale a high-performance fabrication and automation operation. This is a hands-on, technical role designed for a welding expert who ...

Sr. Welding Engineer

Hawthorne, CA ยท On-site

$135K - $190K/yr

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 ...

SR. WELDING ENGINEER This position will support manufacturing and development of SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Starship launch vehicles, Dragon spacecraft, and Starlink satellites alongside a strong group of ...

Welding Engineer, Capabilities

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $250K/yr

The Role We are seeking a Welding Engineer to support the development of Hadrian's next-generation automated factory systems for mission-critical aerospace and defense components. You will work ...

Principal Welding Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA ยท On-site

$190K - $225K/yr

Principal Welding Engineer Department: Manufacturing Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach Compensation: $190,000 - $225,000 / year Description As a Principal Weld Engineer at Impulse ...

Principal Welding Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA

$37.75 - $52.25/hr

As a Principal 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 ...

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Welding information

See California salary details

$14

$29

$44

How much do welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for welding in California is $29.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.03 and $33.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do welders do?

Welders are skilled tradespeople who join metal parts together using high heat and specialized equipment. They work on construction sites, in manufacturing plants, shipyards, and many other settings to build or repair metal structures and products. Welders must be knowledgeable about different welding techniques, safety protocols, and the properties of various metals. Their work is essential in industries like automotive, aerospace, and infrastructure.

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

To thrive as a Welder, you need strong technical skills in metal fabrication, blueprint reading, and welding techniques, typically backed by a welding certification or completion of a technical program. Familiarity with tools like MIG, TIG, and arc welders, as well as safety equipment and quality inspection systems, is essential. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and effective problem-solving are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure precise, safe, and durable work that meets industry standards and project requirements.

Can welders get paid $50 an hour?

Welders can earn $50 an hour or more, especially those with specialized skills, certifications, and experience in high-demand industries like construction, manufacturing, or aerospace. Pay rates vary by location, type of welding, and complexity of the work, with experienced welders often earning higher wages. Entry-level positions typically pay less, but skilled welders with certifications such as AWS can command higher hourly rates.

What Are Welding Jobs?

Welding jobs are any jobs that include metal welding as a significant part of the work. There are many different fields that require welders, including manufacturing and construction. As a welder, you are trained to use a number of hand-held and automated tools to complete jobs. You use these tools to cut or fuse together metal parts. Other related positions include cutting, soldering, and brazing jobs. Other fields that have a significant welding component include ironwork and sheet metal work.

What's the highest paying welder job?

The highest paying welding jobs are often in specialized fields such as underwater welding, aerospace welding, or working as a pipeline welder, especially in remote or hazardous environments. These roles typically require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and the ability to work in challenging conditions, with salaries reaching over $100,000 annually in some cases.

Can you make $100,000 as a welder?

Welders can earn $100,000 or more annually with experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries such as oil and gas or aerospace. Achieving this salary often requires certifications, advanced welding techniques, and working in regions with higher wage rates or overtime opportunities.

Do welders make $100 an hour?

Welders can earn $100 an hour in certain high-demand industries, specialized skills, or with extensive experience and certifications, especially in roles such as pipeline or industrial welders. However, the average hourly wage for welders typically ranges from $15 to $30, with top earners in specialized fields making higher wages. Factors like location, type of welding, and work environment influence earning potential.

What is the difference between Welding vs Pipefitting?

AspectWeldingPipefitting
CertificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS)Pipefitting certifications (e.g., NCCER)
Work EnvironmentFabrication shops, construction sites, manufacturingConstruction sites, industrial plants, maintenance
Job FocusJoining metal parts through weldingAssembling and installing piping systems
Tools & EquipmentWelding machines, torches, safety gearPipes, fittings, wrenches, threading tools

Welding and pipefitting share overlapping skills and certifications, often working together in construction and manufacturing. While welders focus on joining metal components through welding techniques, pipefitters specialize in installing and maintaining piping systems. Both roles require safety training and certifications, but their daily tasks and work environments differ slightly, making each role unique within the industry.

What are some common safety challenges welders face on the job, and how are these typically addressed in the workplace?

Welders regularly encounter safety challenges such as exposure to intense heat, ultraviolet light, fumes, and the risk of burns or electrical shock. Most workplaces address these risks by enforcing strict safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like helmets, gloves, and flame-resistant clothing. Additionally, employers often provide regular safety training and ensure proper ventilation systems are in place to minimize exposure to hazardous fumes. Team discussions and safety briefings are also common to keep everyone aware of best practices and recent safety updates.
What are the most commonly searched types of Welding jobs in California? The most popular types of Welding jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Welding jobs in California? For Welding jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Welding jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Welding jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Welding jobs? Cities in California with the most Welding job openings:
Infographic showing various Welding job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $61,149 per year, or $29.4 per hour.
Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer

Aero Bending Company

Palmdale, CA โ€ข On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

About the Role:

The Welding Engineer will play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, quality, and efficiency of welding processes within manufacturing operations, particularly focusing on stainless steel and pressure vessel fabrication. This position involves designing, developing, qualifying, and optimizing welding procedures to meet stringent industry standards and regulatory requirements. The engineer will manage welding-related projects from concept through completion, ensuring work is delivered on time, within budget, and in full compliance with applicable codes and safety standards.

The Welding Engineer will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including fabrication, machining, production, and quality assurance to implement best practices, troubleshoot welding-related issues, and improve existing processes. This role also includes oversight of welding personnel, training, and technical guidance to ensure proper execution of procedures. A key outcome of this position is to enhance production reliability, prevent defects through strong quality control measures, and maintain compliance with quality systems and safety protocols. Ultimately, the Welding Engineer will contribute to delivering high-quality, durable products that meet customer specifications and industry certifications while driving continuous improvement initiatives within welding operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelorโ€™s degree in Welding Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
Proven experience with stainless steel welding techniques, including TIG and resistance welding.
Strong knowledge of pressure vessel codes and standards such as ASME Section VIII.
Familiarity with manufacturing processes, fabrication, and machining as they relate to welding operations.
Experience with quality systems, inspection processes, and documentation in a manufacturing environment.
Experience preparing and maintaining Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Welding Procedure Qualification Records (WPQR).

Preferred Qualifications:

Certified Welding Engineer (CWE) or equivalent professional certification.
Experience working in regulated industries such as aerospace, energy, or heavy manufacturing.
Proficiency with welding simulation software and metallurgical analysis tools.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
Advanced training in non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques.
Experience leading or supervising welding teams.

Responsibilities:

Develop, qualify, and document welding procedures (WPS, WPQR) for stainless steel and other materials used in pressure vessel manufacturing.
Design and improve welding techniques tailored to specific production and project requirements.
Manage welding-related projects and coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution.
Conduct resistance welding and TIG welding process optimization to improve efficiency, reduce defects, and enhance product quality.
Collaborate with manufacturing and fabrication teams to resolve welding-related production challenges and implement corrective actions.
Perform inspections and oversee final inspection and non-destructive testing activities to verify weld integrity and compliance with applicable codes and standards.
Implement and maintain quality control measures to prevent defects and ensure consistent welding performance.
Prepare and maintain technical documentation to support compliance, audits, and regulatory requirements.
Research and evaluate new welding technologies and techniques to enhance operational effectiveness.
Train and supervise welding personnel to ensure adherence to procedures, safety standards, and best practices.

Skills:

The Welding Engineer will apply expertise in stainless steel welding and resistance welding daily to develop and refine welding procedures that ensure product durability and compliance. Strong knowledge of metallurgy and fabrication processes enables effective troubleshooting and process improvement. TIG welding knowledge is used to specify and optimize welding parameters for critical joints.

The engineer will utilize quality systems expertise to maintain documentation, conduct inspections, and support internal and external audits, ensuring all welding activities meet regulatory and customer standards. Strong project management, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills are essential for preventing defects and improving production efficiency. Additionally, effective communication and leadership skills are vital for coordinating cross-functional teams, supervising welding personnel, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.