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Welding Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Welding Engineer

Elizabethtown, KY

$32.75 - $45.25/hr

Role Welding Engineer ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION Metalsa Structural Products, Inc. is part of a global company that manufactures structural components for light and heavy vehicles. Our mission is to help ...

Welding Engineer

Elizabethtown, KY · On-site

$32.75 - $45.25/hr

Role Welding Engineer ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION Metalsa Structural Products, Inc. is part of a global company that manufactures structural components for light and heavy vehicles. Our mission is to help ...

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Welding Supervisor

Louisville, KY · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

This position is responsible for supervising welders, coordinating workflow, troubleshooting welding issues, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives throughout the department.

Welding Instructor

Pine Knot, KY · On-site

$47K - $61K/yr

Vocational/Technical Training (PSC U006)Position Summary The Welding Instructor provides hands-on vocational training to students ages 16-24 at the Pine Knot Job Corps Center. The instructor delivers ...

Welding Instructor

Pine Knot, KY · On-site

$47K - $61K/yr

Vocational/Technical Training (PSC U006) Position Summary The Welding Instructor provides hands-on vocational training to students ages 16-24 at the Pine Knot Job Corps Center. The instructor ...

We're looking for a dependable Maintenance Welding Technician to support equipment repairs, fabrication projects, and maintenance operations in a fast-paced industrial environment. This role is ...

Welding

Georgetown, KY · On-site

$16 - $23/hr

This job involves weld and assembling metal components according to blueprints and project specs, ensuring all welds meet strength and precision standards. You'll inspect parts before assembly ...

Welding

Georgetown, KY · On-site

$16 - $23/hr

This job involves weld and assembling metal components according to blueprints and project specs, ensuring all welds meet strength and precision standards. You'll inspect parts before assembly ...

Welding

Georgetown, KY · On-site

$16 - $23/hr

This job involves weld and assembling metal components according to blueprints and project specs, ensuring all welds meet strength and precision standards. You'll inspect parts before assembly ...

About the Role The Certified Weld Inspector plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, safety, and compliance of welded components and fabrications in our manufacturing operations. This position ...

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Welding information

See Kentucky salary details

$12

$25

$39

How much do welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for welding in Kentucky is $25.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $29.66 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 Kentucky? The most popular types of Welding jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Welding jobs in Kentucky? For Welding jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Welding jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Welding job openings:
Infographic showing various Welding job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $53,815 per year, or $25.9 per hour.
Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer

Metalsa

Elizabethtown, KY

$32.75 - $45.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Metalsa rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

347th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

Role

Welding Engineer  

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Metalsa Structural Products, Inc. is part of a global company that manufactures structural components for light and heavy vehicles. Our mission is to help our customers move the world more efficiently, while protecting the environment and ensuring long term economic and social value generation for our stakeholders. We provide our customers innovative solutions focused on safe and sustainable product and process technologies, exceeding quality and service at a competitive cost. While serving both the automotive and commercial vehicle market we strive to make sure 'Quality is a Way of Life' at Metalsa.  

EOE STATEMENT

We are 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.  

DESCRIPTION

The Welding Engineer is a valuable role responsible for providing support in welding-related technical questions. Tasks include reviewing customer and standard requirements as well as managing and improving welding data to optimize productivity.

Weld Engineer is responsible for developing welding techniques, procedures, and application of welding equipment to problems involving fabrication of metals, utilizing knowledge of production specifications, properties and characteristics of metals and metal alloys, and engineering principles. Conducts research and development investigations to develop and test new fabrication processes and procedures, improve existing or developing new welding equipment, develop new or modify current welding methods, techniques, and procedures.

Essential Functions and Key Accountability

  • Develop and validate weld process sheets and welding parameters for each production welding station.
  • Develop a thorough understanding of the shielding gas system and track consumption rates and mixture.
  • Monitor welding consumables and weld wire and identify and implement cost saving opportunities.
  • Monitor and control gas consumption mix and welding wire.
  • Develop, conduct, and coordinate welder training classes for support technicians in application and validation of weld process.
  • Provide technical support for robotic programs on assembly processes.
  • Facilitate the analysis of weld coupons and provide technical assistance to the assembly areas.
  • Ensure the customer welding specifications on cut & etch test and welding defect process.
  • Implement process improvements due to weld failures and defects.
  • Ensure accurate documentation of all manual and robotic weld parameters and weld audit reports and develop and maintain a welding reference library.
  • Develop and administer preventive maintenance program consistent with maintenance department.
  • Proactive involvement in the innovation and application of new technologies to improve the welding process.
  • Attention to special requirements of operational employees, quality staff, and engineering changes.
  • Participate in training at the vocational school and work to develop in-house training needs.
  • Management of financial resources of the welding equipment and attention to the needs of technical staff.
  • Additional responsibilities as required - this position is subject to change as the needs of the department change.
  • Developing welding techniques and procedures for robotic welding operations.
  • Inspects weld joints and conducts tests to ensure welds meet company standards, national code requirements, and customer job specifications.
  • Conducts certification tests for qualification of personnel with national code requirements.
  • Organizes and plans the development of welding procedure specifications (WPS) and welding programs for the automated welding systems, with established timelines for each development.
  • Ensures all programs for automated welding systems have all critical documents developed and approved prior to release of profiles to production.
  • Evaluates new developments in welding field for possible application to current welding problems or processes.
  • Assist or perform welding equipment setup and communication.
  • Assist or perform robotic weld gun calibration.
  • Perform verification of weld equipment performance.
  • Report on all unsafe acts and conditions immediately.
  • Use our Innovation process and the team concept to improve safety in the plant.
  • Be proactively involved with improving working conditions Work in a safe manner and encourage others to do so.
  • Offer ideas for improvement of all systems and help implement them.
  • Lead area in achieving plant quality objectives/goals.
  • Understand customer needs and work towards meeting and exceeding them.
  • Maintain the appearance of a World Class Facility.
  • Actively support full implementation of the 5S's, using it to approach and keep all areas clean, neat and properly maintained.
  • Actively involved with the Metalsa Model practices.

.POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Academic and Experience

  • Required
    • B.S. in Welding Engineering or 3-year equivalent experience in the field of welding.
  • Desired
    • Robot programming experience. (Fanuc preferred)
    • Certified Weld Inspector (CWI) and American Weld Society (AWS) preferred.
    • Experience developing weld parameters, process sheets, training modules and analysis of weld sections.
    • Project experience from concept to installation is considered a plus
    • Automotive experience is a plus.

Technical Skills

  • Proficient computer skills/Microsoft suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and Power Point).
  • Fundamental understanding of inverter based power supplies and robotic interfacing.
  • Thorough understanding of AWS and GMAW principals
  • Demonstrated welding proficiency.
  • Welding knowledge of advanced high strength steels, aluminum alloys and magnesium alloys.
  • Ability to spot and diagnose problems, as well as engineer solutions.
  • Knowledge of welding systems and software.
  • Ability to self-learn a new system.

Key Success Factors: Leadership Competencies

  • Business Acumen.
  • Problem Solving.
  • Building effective teams.
  • Customer Focus.
  • Perseverance.
  • Drive for Results.
  • Conflict management.
  • Priority Setting.
  • Learning on the fly.
  • Motivating others.
  • Excellent communication, analytical, problem solving, planning, team orientation and presentation skills.
  • Good organizational and time management skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with a positive attitude.
  • Excellent control of stress and proactively.

Physical Requirements

  • While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.
  • The employee frequently is required to use hands to handle or touch.
  • The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to visually focus.

All employees are responsible for understanding and complying with applicable policies, procedures, and internal controls; executing assigned control activities; maintaining appropriate supporting evidence; and promptly reporting any identified deviation, risk, or control deficiency to the direct leader.


What Metalsa employees say

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