Discover certified welder jobs near you, learn key certifications, pay, industries, and expert tips to boost your welding career today.
Certified welder jobs are everywhere - from $97,000 municipal positions in Los Angeles to $122,000+ roles with the Department of Water and Power. Here's what you need to know:
Top Industries Hiring:- Oil & gas pipelines- Aerospace (SpaceX paying $18-28/hour)- Municipal infrastructure- Heavy manufacturing- Marine/shipbuilding
Common Requirements:- High school diploma + 3 years experience- AWS certifications (D1.1, D17.1)- Ability to pass weld tests (6G pipe, ASME)- Physical demands: lift 50-100+ lbs, work at heights
Salary Range by Sector:- Municipal: $97,000-$122,000- Traveling positions: $22-35/hour- Aerospace: $18-28/hour + stock options- Oil & gas: Varies by location + per diem
The welding trade is booming. Infrastructure bills, retiring baby boomers, and America's push to rebuild are creating massive demand. But here's the catch - not all welders are created equal. Employers want certified welders who can read blueprints, work multiple processes (SMAW, GTAW, FCAW), and pass rigorous weld tests.
Whether you're looking locally or willing to travel nationwide, certified welder jobs offer solid pay, job security, and room to grow into inspector or supervisor roles.
I'm William "Stick" Mank, a second-generation welder with over 20 years in oil and gas, and I've seen how the right certifications open doors to the best certified welder jobs. Through building tools for real welders and running our job board, I know what employers actually want when they're hiring.
Let me tell you something that took me years to fully understand: there's a world of difference between someone who can stick two pieces of metal together and a certified welder. When employers post certified welder jobs, they're looking for welders who've proven their skills through rigorous testing and carry the paperwork to back it up.
Most certified welder jobs require either completion of a recognized apprenticeship program or four solid years of hands-on welding experience. But here's the kicker - experience alone won't cut it anymore. You need those official certifications that tell an employer you can deliver consistent, code-quality work when it matters most.
Think of certification as your professional passport. It opens doors to the best-paying positions and gives you credibility that self-taught welders simply can't match. When a pipeline company needs someone to weld a critical joint or an aerospace firm needs precision TIG work, they're calling certified welders.
The AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) sits at the top of the welding food chain. These folks command serious respect and serious money - I've seen CWI contract positions offering six months of work at 50+ hours per week with premium pay rates. Getting your CWI means you understand multiple welding processes like SMAW, GTAW, FCAW, and GMAW, plus non-destructive testing methods including visual, ultrasonic, radiographic, magnetic particle, and penetrant testing.
For construction and infrastructure work, AWS D1.1 Structural Steel certification is your bread and butter. Most municipal jobs and state positions require this certification, and you'll need to prove you can pass structural welding tests under pressure. This is the certification that gets you onto bridge projects, high-rise construction, and those solid-paying government jobs.
If you're eyeing the aerospace industry, AWS D17.1 certification is your ticket in. Companies like SpaceX specifically require passing their D17.1 weld test for TIG welding positions on cutting-edge projects. The precision required here is intense, but the career opportunities are incredible.
ASME Section IX certification becomes essential when you're dealing with pressure vessels, boilers, and critical piping systems. Some marine positions also require Coast Guard Welder's Certification Tests, especially for shipyard work where safety standards are absolutely critical.
Don't overlook journeyman certification through state apprenticeship programs either. This validates your overall trade knowledge beyond just welding skills - blueprint reading, metallurgy, safety protocols, and project management basics that make you a well-rounded tradesperson.
When it comes to proving your skills, weld tests separate the real welders from the wannabes. That infamous 6G pipe position test is standard for oil and gas certified welder jobs - it's challenging, but passing it opens doors to some of the highest-paying positions in the industry.
Your work will face bend tests, x-ray inspections, and visual testing to ensure it meets code requirements. I've seen welders with years of experience fail these tests because they got sloppy with their technique or didn't understand the specific requirements for different materials and applications.
Most certifications require renewal every two to three years, and some employers have strict standards - maintaining a weld repair rate below 0.5% isn't uncommon for critical work. Keep detailed logbooks of every project you complete. Employers love seeing documentation of your work history, pass rates, and the variety of projects you've tackled successfully.
The renewal process isn't just paperwork either. You'll often need to demonstrate that you've stayed current with new techniques, materials, and safety standards. The welding industry evolves constantly, and certified welders need to evolve with it.
So what's it really like working in certified welder jobs? Forget the Hollywood version - this is skilled craftwork that requires your brain as much as your hands.
Your morning starts with blueprint reading. You're not just following orders - you're interpreting engineering drawings, selecting the right welding procedures, and choosing material types and rod sizes. This isn't grunt work; it's technical problem-solving.
Arc setup comes next. You'll prepare your welding equipment based on job specs, verify that your base materials and consumables meet standards, and make sure your procedures are qualified for the work ahead. Getting this right prevents headaches later.
The actual welding involves mastering multiple processes. You might cut and fit using plasma cutting in the morning, then switch to TIG welding stainless steel in the afternoon. SMAW, MIG, TIG, FCAW - modern welders need them all. You'll work in every position too: flat, horizontal, vertical, and the dreaded overhead.
Joint inspection wraps up each weld. You're checking for flaws, ensuring assemblies meet acceptance criteria, and maintaining quality standards. Many positions combine welding with quality control duties, so attention to detail matters.
Don't forget the safety PPE requirements. Respirators for confined spaces, fall protection for heights, and proper gear for whatever environment you're working in.
Oil and gas leads the charge for traveling positions. Pipeline welders, storage tank specialists, and combination welder-pipefitters are in huge demand across Texas, Louisiana, Colorado, and Alaska. The work's demanding, but the pay reflects it.
Construction and infrastructure offer the most stability. Municipal jobs like those following the State of Washington Class Specification require knowledge of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, heat treatment, and welding standards for high-pressure equipment. These positions value experience with fabrication and repair work.
Aerospace is where the future lives. Companies are hiring TIG welders to work on spacecraft at heights up to 200 feet, welding exotic materials like Inconel, titanium, and specialized aluminum alloys. The precision requirements are intense, but so are the opportunities.
Power plants and shipyards round out the major employers. These facilities need welders who understand pressure boundary work, marine applications, and the specialized codes that govern critical infrastructure.
Manufacturing covers everything from railcar services to heavy fabrication. These jobs often require journeyman-level certification and experience with both precision welding and flame-cutting operations.
Modern certified welder jobs demand versatility. SMAW (stick welding) remains king for field work and repairs - it's tough, portable, and works in challenging conditions where other processes fail.
TIG (GTAW) welding is your ticket to aerospace, food-grade, and precision work. You'll work with exotic alloys and maintain class A weld standards that can handle extreme conditions.
MIG and flux core (GMAW/FCAW) dominate production welding and structural work. Speed matters here, but so does consistency - you're often welding the same joints repeatedly.
Oxy-fuel and plasma cutting handle fabrication and demolition tasks. These aren't just cutting tools - they're precision instruments for shaping metal before welding.
Beyond welding processes, you'll use NDT methods like visual testing, magnetic particle testing, and dye penetrant testing to verify your work meets code. Modern welding isn't just about laying down metal - it's about proving that metal will perform when lives depend on it.
Landing the best certified welder jobs isn't just about your welding skills - though those better be solid. It's about packaging yourself as a complete professional who can handle the real demands of modern industrial work.
Your journey starts with a high school diploma or equivalent. That's the entry ticket everywhere. From there, you've got choices: dive into a trade school program, find an apprenticeship, or grind through four years of hands-on experience to prove your worth.
The smart money says go the apprenticeship route if you can swing it. You're earning while learning, and employers respect that journeyman card. Trade schools give you concentrated knowledge fast, but nothing beats learning from seasoned welders who've been there.
Here's where you separate yourself from the weekend warriors. Blueprint reading is your secret weapon. When you can look at engineering drawings and immediately understand what needs to happen, you become invaluable. Estimating materials and time accurately? That's what turns you from a hired hand into someone management trusts with important projects.
Multi-process proficiency isn't optional anymore. You might be a stick welding wizard, but modern certified welder jobs demand flexibility. Master SMAW, GTAW, FCAW, GMAW, and SAW processes, and you'll never struggle to find work. Each process you add to your toolkit opens new doors.
The real money comes from specialized skills. Advanced alloys work pays premium because most welders won't touch it. Robotic welding programming and CNC plasma operation are the future - learn these now while the field isn't crowded.
Don't sleep on NDT knowledge either. Understanding visual, ultrasonic, radiographic, magnetic, and penetrant testing makes you valuable for quality control roles. Some of the highest-paid welders I know started as welders and moved into inspection.
Your soft skills matter more than you think. Can you show up on time? Communicate clearly with supervisors? Work well with a crew? These basics eliminate half your competition right there. Build a portfolio with photos of your best work, and keep your resume focused on results, not just duties.
Let's talk reality. Certified welder jobs will test your body and your commitment to staying safe. You'll regularly lift and carry 50 to 100 pounds - sometimes more. Your back, shoulders, and knees need to be up for the challenge.
Working at heights over 100 feet isn't uncommon, especially in construction and aerospace. Confined spaces are part of the deal in shipyards and industrial facilities. If tight spaces make you panic, this might not be your path.
Respirator use is mandatory in most industrial settings. You'll work in extreme heat and cold, wear heavy PPE for hours, and handle hazardous materials following strict procedures. The gear keeps you safe, but it makes everything harder.
The mental demands are real too. Many positions run 50+ hour weeks, and traveling jobs mean weeks away from family. But here's the thing - if you can handle the physical and mental challenges, you're looking at a career that pays well and always has openings.
The welding trade rewards those who take it seriously. Get your certifications, build your skills, and show up ready to work safely. Do that, and the best certified welder jobs will find you.
Let's cut through the BS and talk real numbers. Certified welder jobs pay well - better than most people think - but the money varies wildly depending on where you work and what you're willing to do.
Municipal positions are the steady money makers. Los Angeles pays $97,029 annually for general welders, bumps that up to $98,950 for Harbor Department welders, and hits $116,948-$122,649 for Department of Water and Power positions. These jobs come with benefits, pension plans, and job security that's hard to beat.
Traveling positions are where the hustle pays off. You're looking at $22-35 per hour plus per diem that covers your hotel and meals. Work a full year with overtime, and you can easily clear six figures. The catch? You're living out of a suitcase and working long hours in places that aren't always pretty.
Aerospace might start lower at $18-28/hour, but companies like SpaceX sweeten the deal with stock options, health coverage, and three weeks paid vacation. When that stock takes off, your total compensation can skyrocket.
Oil and gas work varies by project and location, but it often includes serious overtime opportunities and hazard pay for offshore or remote assignments. These jobs can be feast or famine, but the feast periods make it worthwhile.
The numbers don't lie - certified welder jobs are booming. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth, driven by massive infrastructure spending and baby boomers heading for retirement. That generational handoff creates opportunities for younger welders who know their stuff.
Regional hotspots are lighting up across the country. Texas and Louisiana dominate oil and gas work. California offers those high-paying municipal positions we mentioned. Alaska pays premium rates for pipeline and mining operations. The Northeast has strong demand for infrastructure and bridge work as America rebuilds.
Infrastructure bills are pumping billions into roads, bridges, and power grids. The retiree gap is real - experienced welders are hanging up their hoods, and companies need certified replacements fast.
Here's where smart welders separate themselves from the pack. Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) roles can pay $80,000-$120,000+ annually. Instead of laying beads all day, you're inspecting other people's work and ensuring quality standards.
NDT Level II certifications in ultrasonic, radiographic, or magnetic particle testing open specialized inspection roles that command premium pay. These positions require sharp eyes and attention to detail, but they're easier on your body than hands-on welding.
Welding Engineer positions require additional education but can lead to six-figure salaries designing welding procedures and managing quality programs. You're using your field experience to solve problems from the engineering side.
QA Manager and Welding Supervisor roles let you leverage years of torch time into management positions. You're training the next generation while earning more money and working in better conditions.
The welding trade offers real career progression. Start with your hood down, work your way up to inspector or supervisor roles, and maybe even start your own shop. The skills you build in certified welder jobs today become the foundation for tomorrow's opportunities.
The best certified welder jobs aren't sitting on Monster or Indeed waiting for you to stumble across them. You need to know where the real opportunities hide.
LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for serious welding positions. The platform hosts everything from $122,000 Department of Water and Power jobs to specialized aerospace roles. Set up alerts for "certified welder," "pipe welder," "TIG welder," and your specific location. Many employers use LinkedIn's "Be an early applicant" feature, which means the first few applicants get priority review. Speed matters here.
Union halls remain the backbone for construction and municipal work. Those high-paying government positions? Most go through union referrals first. Stop by in person - relationships still matter in the trades, and a handshake beats a resume sometimes.
Company websites are where you'll find the hidden gems. Municipal water departments, aerospace companies, and oil & gas contractors often post openings on their sites before anywhere else. The Welder 3796 | City of Los Angeles position is a perfect example - these municipal jobs offer incredible benefits and job security.
Here at Tentacle Tools, we run a job board specifically for skilled trades. No retail jobs, no office work - just real welding opportunities for real welders. We filter out the noise so you can focus on positions that actually match your skills.
Smart welders use specific keywords in their job alerts. "AWS certified," "pipe welder," "structural welder," and "TIG welder" pull better results than generic "welder" searches. Set your geographic radius for local work, but don't ignore national searches if you're willing to travel.
Mobile apps are crucial for quick applications. The best certified welder jobs get dozens of applications within hours of posting. Having alerts push to your phone means you can apply from the job site during lunch break.
Use multiple platforms with different search terms. What LinkedIn calls a "certified welder" might be listed as "journeyman welder" on union sites or "welding specialist" on company websites.
Don't just look at the hourly rate and hit apply. Per diem allowances can add $50-100 per day to traveling positions. Overtime policies matter - some jobs guarantee 50+ hour weeks, which dramatically changes your take-home pay.
Check the travel percentage. Positions listing 75%+ travel mean you'll live in hotels most of the year. That's fine if you're single and want to see the country, but tough if you've got family at home.
Benefits packages vary wildly. Municipal jobs offer incredible health insurance and retirement plans. Aerospace companies like SpaceX throw in stock options that could be worth serious money down the road.
Watch for red flags like vague job descriptions, no mention of required certifications, or companies asking for five years of experience but offering entry-level pay. Trust your gut - if something feels off, it probably is.
Drug testing and background check requirements are standard, but some positions require security clearances or specialized medical exams. Know what you're signing up for before you apply.
Starting pay for certified welder jobs depends heavily on where you're willing to work and what certifications you bring to the table. Entry-level aerospace positions with companies like SpaceX start around $18 per hour, but they sweeten the deal with stock options and solid benefits packages.
If you're open to traveling, field work typically starts at $22-25 per hour plus per diem for lodging and meals. When you factor in overtime and travel allowances over a full year, many traveling welders clear six figures.
Municipal positions offer a different path - they often start around $50,000-60,000 annually, but the upside is huge. Los Angeles pays experienced welders $97,000+ per year, and some Department of Water and Power positions reach $122,000+. The trick is getting your foot in the door with the right certifications and proving yourself early.
Here's the reality - one certification won't cut it if you want access to the best opportunities. Different industries have completely different requirements, and employers aren't flexible about this stuff.
Structural and construction work demands AWS D1.1 certification. Aerospace companies require D17.1 - SpaceX won't even look at your application without passing their AWS D17.1 weld test. Pressure vessel and boiler work needs ASME Section IX certification.
Most successful welders I know carry 3-4 different certifications. It sounds like overkill, but each certification opens doors to entirely different job markets. The investment in testing and renewal pays for itself when you can apply for municipal, aerospace, oil and gas, and construction positions all at once.
The timeline varies depending on which route you take, but don't expect overnight success. A recognized apprenticeship program takes 2-4 years to complete, but you'll earn while you learn and graduate with real industry connections.
Trade school programs can get you basic certifications in 6-18 months. These programs are great for getting started quickly, but you'll still need field experience to qualify for the highest-paying certified welder jobs.
Most positions requiring "journeyman" level skills expect 3-5 years of combined education and hands-on experience. The municipal jobs paying $97,000+ typically want that level of experience before they'll consider your application.
The good news? You don't have to wait until you're fully certified to start earning. Many companies hire welders with basic certifications and help them advance through company-sponsored training programs. It's about getting started and building your skills over time.
The welding trade runs deep in America's DNA. From the steel beams that built our skyscrapers to the pipelines that power our economy, certified welder jobs represent more than just work - they're about building something that lasts.
I've watched this industry evolve over two decades, and the opportunities have never been better. Municipal positions paying $97,000+, aerospace companies offering stock options, and infrastructure projects creating demand from coast to coast. But here's what hasn't changed: employers still want welders who can prove their skills through proper certification.
The path isn't always easy. Getting your AWS certifications, passing those nerve-wracking 6G pipe tests, and building the experience to land the best jobs takes dedication. But once you're there, you've got something that can't be outsourced or automated away - the ability to join metal with precision and pride.
At Tentacle Tools, we see this every day. The welders using our tools aren't just doing a job - they're carrying on a tradition of American craftsmanship. That's why we don't just make tools; we support the entire community through our job board and career resources.
Whether you're a green apprentice or a seasoned journeyman looking for your next opportunity, your skills matter. The infrastructure bills are real, the baby boomers are retiring, and America needs skilled welders more than ever.
Ready to find your next certified welder job? Visit our careers page to explore current opportunities and connect with the Tentacle Tools community. We're here to help you find not just any job, but the right job.
The future of American industry is being built one weld at a time. Make sure you're part of it.
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