Welder - Freedman Seating - Chicago
Company
Skills for Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Job Type
Full-time
Posted
3 days ago
Via
via Monster
Apply On
Job Description
Skills for Chicago
Is a Chicago-based nonprofit that removes barriers to employment by eliminating biases that disqualify candidates unnecessarily. Working with local and global companies, Skills brings opportunities to neighborhoods and municipalities throughout the Chicagoland area. To be eligible for Skills for Chicago services, candidates must reside in Illinois or Indiana, be authorized to work in the United States, and be either unemployed or underemployed.
Freedman Seating
Aside from crafting quality seating products for over 130 years, Freedman's mission is to provide growth opportunities for their employees. Their diverse workforce is 85% BIPOC and women in all areas of manufacturing and business. Freedman has a strong focus on community and employee engagement, investing in events like the Chase Corporate Challenge, Feed My Starving Children, an annual company picnic, on-site gym, a health fair with free flu shots, and more.
Job Highlights
• Responsible for joining, fabricating, and repairing metal, including carbon, stainless steel, and aluminum products
• Measures weldments using quality control equipment
• Performs basic fit up operation in preparation for welding on stock and standard products, as well as with prototypes
• Inspects completed welds to determine structural soundness
Candidate Profile
• MIG (metal inert gas) and TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding experience required
• Strong math & reading skills (English)
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time, and squat, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs.
Additional Information
Location
Chicago
Benefits
Dental;Employee Assistance;Life Insurance;Medical;Paid Training/Personal Development;Parent Leave;Personal;Retirement/401K;Short Term Disability;Sick;Tuition Reimbursement;Vacation;Vision;Other Benefits -
Skills:
English Language, Gas Welding, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Manufacturing, Mathematics, Prototyping, Quality Control, Quality Metrics, Welding
About the Company:
Skills for Chicago
Is a Chicago-based nonprofit that removes barriers to employment by eliminating biases that disqualify candidates unnecessarily. Working with local and global companies, Skills brings opportunities to neighborhoods and municipalities throughout the Chicagoland area. To be eligible for Skills for Chicago services, candidates must reside in Illinois or Indiana, be authorized to work in the United States, and be either unemployed or underemployed.
Freedman Seating
Aside from crafting quality seating products for over 130 years, Freedman's mission is to provide growth opportunities for their employees. Their diverse workforce is 85% BIPOC and women in all areas of manufacturing and business. Freedman has a strong focus on community and employee engagement, investing in events like the Chase Corporate Challenge, Feed My Starving Children, an annual company picnic, on-site gym, a health fair with free flu shots, and more.
Job Highlights
• Responsible for joining, fabricating, and repairing metal, including carbon, stainless steel, and aluminum products
• Measures weldments using quality control equipment
• Performs basic fit up operation in preparation for welding on stock and standard products, as well as with prototypes
• Inspects completed welds to determine structural soundness
Candidate Profile
• MIG (metal inert gas) and TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding experience required
• Strong math & reading skills (English)
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time, and squat, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs.
Additional Information
Location
Chicago
Benefits
Dental;Employee Assistance;Life Insurance;Medical;Paid Training/Personal Development;Parent Leave;Personal;Retirement/401K;Short Term Disability;Sick;Tuition Reimbursement;Vacation;Vision;Other Benefits -
Skills:
English Language, Gas Welding, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Manufacturing, Mathematics, Prototyping, Quality Control, Quality Metrics, Welding
About the Company:
Skills for Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Welder Jobs
What is the median hourly wage for welders in the United States as of January 2026 including overtime rates?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median hourly wage for welders at $28.45 as of January 2026 with time-and-a-half overtime required after 40 hours under FLSA rules. Welders in manufacturing earn an additional $4.20 per hour on average for night shifts. Annual median earnings reach $59,176 for full-time roles.
How many hours per week can welders legally work in the United States without overtime pay in 2026?
The U.S. Department of Labor sets the standard workweek at 40 hours with overtime at 1.5 times the regular rate required after that threshold in 2026. Welders on federal contracts receive double time for hours over 48 in a workweek. Paid sick leave of up to 56 hours annually applies under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act extensions.
What education and experience are required to qualify for welder jobs in the United States in 2026?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states a high school diploma plus 6-12 months of postsecondary welding training or apprenticeship is required for 2026 entry-level positions. Three years of documented experience is mandatory for structural welding roles under AWS D1.1 standards referenced by DOL. Certification in SMAW or GMAW processes must be completed before hire.
What documents are required to apply for welder positions through U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeships in 2026?
Applicants must submit Form ETA-671, high school transcripts, and proof of U.S. work authorization to DOL-registered programs by March 2026 deadlines. A valid driver's license and negative drug test results from a SAMHSA-certified lab are mandatory. Background checks via FBI fingerprinting are required for nuclear or pipeline welding tracks.
