About the Role

The Elite Job is hiring certified Industrial Welders for heavy fabrication, structural steel, pipeline, and pressure vessel work across the industrial Midwest and Gulf Coast. Industrial welding is one of the best-paying manufacturing jobs in the country that requires no four-year college degree. Certified welders earn $28 – $45 per hour, and specialty pipeline and structural welders regularly earn $70,000 – $100,000+ annually including overtime. Your AWS certifications and your weld quality are your resume — your educational background is irrelevant.

What You Will Do

• Perform structural and fabrication welding using SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG), FCAW (flux-core), and GTAW (TIG) processes on carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, weld symbols, isometric piping drawings, and fit-up specifications before welding
• Perform fit-up and tack welding on structural assemblies and pipe spools, verifying alignment before full weld passes
• Produce radiographically tested (RT) or ultrasonically tested (UT) quality welds on pressure-rated pipe and vessel components
• Perform visual and dimensional self-inspection of completed welds before submitting for third-party NDT inspection
• Operate cutting equipment including plasma cutters, oxy-acetylene torches, and angle grinders for fit-up and weld preparation
• Follow welding procedure specifications (WPS) strictly, documenting heat input, pre-heat, and post-weld heat treatment requirements
• Maintain a clean, safe welding workspace and follow all fire prevention, ventilation, and PPE requirements at all times

What You Need

• AWS D1.1 structural welding certification or ASME Section IX pipe welding certification in at least one process
• Minimum 2 years of industrial welding experience in fabrication shop, structural steel, or pipe welding
• Ability to weld in multiple positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead) to certified quality standards
• Comfortable working in industrial environments including outdoor pipe racks, fabrication shops, and petrochemical facilities
• Physical stamina to weld in confined positions, at height, and in varying weather conditions during outdoor assignments
• Ability to pass a weld test at hire — weld test results are the final qualification step
• High school diploma or GED preferred — no college degree required or expected

Nice to Have

• 6G pipe welding certification (most valued single welding credential in the industry)
• Experience with chrome-moly (P91/P22) or duplex stainless steel welding
• OSHA 30 industrial safety certification
• Ability to read isometric pipe drawings and perform layout independently

What We Offer

• Competitive pay of $28 – $45 per hour based on process certifications and weld test results
• Significant overtime on industrial shutdowns, turnarounds, and pipeline projects
• Per diem and travel pay for out-of-area project assignments
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for full-time welders
• 401(k) with employer matching
• All welding PPE, consumables, and equipment provided — bring your hood and your hood only
• Weld certification upgrade support — we will test and certify you in additional processes on the job

Welding is one of the most in-demand and best-paying industrial skills in America, and the most valuable welders we know never set foot in a college classroom — they learned on the job and earned their certifications through testing. At The Elite Job, your certifications and your weld quality determine your pay rate — not your diploma. Apply today and bring your AWS card. No degree required.

The Elite Job is an equal opportunity employer. We hire welders based on skill, certification, and work ethic — nothing else.