Discover how to find welder jobs fast with expert tips on skills, resumes, certifications, salaries, and job board secrets.
Looking to find welder jobs that actually pay what you're worth? You're not alone. With over 15,000 welder positions posted on LinkedIn in the US and 666 active job postings across Canada, the opportunities are there - but knowing where to look and how to stand out makes all the difference.
Quick Ways to Find Welder Jobs:
The welding trade is booming. Canada expects 17,700 new welder openings between 2022 and 2031, with wages ranging from $19 to $42 per hour depending on your skills and location. Alberta welders average $35 per hour, while those in the Northwest Territories can earn up to $38 per hour.
But here's the thing - not all welding jobs are created equal. Some will have you working with garbage equipment in unsafe conditions for bottom-dollar pay. Others offer solid wages, decent benefits, and a chance to take pride in your craft.
The key is knowing how to separate the wheat from the chaff and position yourself for the roles that actually respect what you bring to the table.
I'm William "Stick" Mank, a second-generation welder with over 20 years in the oil and gas industry, and I've helped countless tradesmen find welder jobs that match their skills and pay what they deserve. Through building Tentacle Tools and our dedicated job board, I've seen what works and what doesn't when it comes to landing quality welding work.
Quick find welder jobs definitions:
Before you find welder jobs, know what the work really looks like. Welders aren’t just “people who stick metal together”—we’re craftsmen who keep infrastructure standing.
You might run MIG (GMAW) on thin sheet today and stick weld structural steel tomorrow. Mastering more than one process makes you far more valuable when you find welder jobs. Fabrication keeps you indoors; construction builds skylines; manufacturing offers steady schedules.
Canada forecasts 17,700 new welding openings (2022-2031) and the U.S. shows 15,000+ listings right now. Figure out which sector fits your interests, then position yourself to find welder jobs there.
Skip the degree; stack the right tickets instead. Employers want proof you can lay sound welds safely and consistently.
| Level | Example Cert | Typical Requirements | Wage Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | OSHA 10, basics | HS diploma, on-the-job training | $17–$21/hr (US) |
| Trade | AWS D1.1, Red Seal | School/apprenticeship + exam | $22–$35/hr |
| Advanced | NCCER, B-Pressure | Position or pressure tests | $30–$42/hr |
| Inspector | CWI, CSA W178.2 | Experience + exam | $35–$50+/hr |
A 3-4-year apprenticeship blends class time with paid hours under a journeyman. In Canada, a Red Seal lets you work coast-to-coast. In the U.S., AWS D1.1 rules structural jobs. Grants often cover tuition and even your first hood.
Weekend MIG or TIG upgrades can add $3-$5/hr. Pass a 6G pipe test and pipeline contractors will chase you. Supervisor endorsements prove you can lead crews as well as weld.
Bottom line: your certs are your calling card when you find welder jobs.
The best welding gigs go to welders who know where—and how—to look.
Set up alerts on every platform so openings hit your inbox first.
Build relationships before you need them, and check our Tentacle Tools job board for openings that respect craftsmanship.
A solid hood won’t land an interview—your resume will.
Show you’re a craftsman who values safety, and you’ll find welder jobs that value you.
More detail here: welder safety protocols.
Canada: $19–$42/hr. Alberta averages $35/hr; Northwest Territories $38/hr. Ontario sits around $24.50/hr.
U.S.: $17.50–$38/hr depending on region and process. Night shifts add 10-20%; overtime after 40 hrs (44 in Canada).
Demand is strong—17,700 openings forecast in Canada and 15k+ ads live in the U.S.
Never stop learning and you’ll turn a welding job into a welding career.
When you're ready to find welder jobs, the same questions come up over and over. I've heard them all from welders just starting out and experienced hands looking to make a move. Let me give you the straight answers that'll actually help.
Start with safety, then build your welding credentials. Get your OSHA 10 card first if you're in the US - it shows employers you take safety seriously and opens doors to most job sites.
From there, focus on AWS D1.1 for structural work in the US, or start working toward your Red Seal certification in Canada. These aren't just pieces of paper - they're your ticket to better-paying jobs and respect on the job site.
Here's the thing though - don't wait until you have every cert under the sun. Many good shops will train you if you show up with a solid work ethic and some basic hands-on skills. The key is proving you can learn and follow instructions.
This one's trickier, but definitely doable. Your experience matters, but you'll need to prove it meets local standards.
In Canada, you'll go through a credential assessment process and likely need to challenge the Red Seal exam. The good news? Your years of experience count for something - you're not starting from scratch.
In the US, local unions and employers typically want to see AWS or NCCER equivalency. Bring all your documentation - certificates, work history, photos of your projects. Be ready for a practical weld test too, because that's where you really prove what you can do.
Pro tip: Don't get discouraged if the process takes time. I've seen plenty of internationally trained welders who ended up being some of the best hands on the crew once they got their credentials sorted.
Yes, but let's be realistic about what it takes. Those six-figure paychecks usually come from high-demand, high-risk work with serious overtime hours.
Pipeline welders, offshore rig hands, and shutdown specialists can definitely break $100k, especially with overtime and per diem. Underwater welders can earn serious money, and rig welders often see six figures when they're willing to travel and work long rotations.
But here's what they don't always tell you - you'll earn every penny of that money. Expect to be away from home for weeks or months, work in tough conditions, and put in 60-80 hour weeks during busy periods. Offshore oil rig underwater welders can make excellent money, but the work isn't for everyone.
The bottom line? Six-figure welding jobs exist, but they require specialized skills, certifications, and a willingness to go where the work is. If that sounds like your cup of tea, those opportunities are out there waiting for you.
At Tentacle Tools, we know welding is more than a job — it's a craft, a calling, and the backbone of American industry. That's why we design tools engineered by welders, for welders. And it's why we built our dedicated welding job board: to help tradesmen find welder jobs that pay right, treat you right, and let you take pride in your work.
Finding the right welding job isn't just about landing any gig — it's about finding work that respects your skills and gives you room to grow. With 17,700 new welder openings expected in Canada by 2031 and over 15,000 active listings in the US right now, the opportunities are out there. You just need to know where to look and how to position yourself.
The best jobs often come through networking and building relationships with recruiters who understand the trades. Don't just spray your resume everywhere — be strategic. Use job boards with smart filters, set up alerts, and make sure your certifications are front and center.
Your safety record matters as much as your welding skills. Employers want welders who show up ready to work safely every day. Whether you're earning $19 an hour starting out in Ontario or $42 an hour running pressure pipe in Alberta, protecting yourself and your crew is what separates the pros from the pretenders.
Whether you're just striking your first arc or ready to move into supervision, there's a clear path forward. Get your certifications in order, practice your interview skills, and don't be afraid to aim high. The world needs welders with skill, grit, and the right tools for the job.
We're here to support you every step of the way — from the specialty tools that make your work easier to the job opportunities that help you build a career you can be proud of.
Ready to level up? Explore jobs and post your resume on our board. From the shop floor to the pipeline, we've got your back — and your next opportunity.
Proudly made by tradesmen, for tradesmen. Keep your hood down, your standards high, and your future bright.
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