SHIPYARD Structural Welder
Company
HKA Construction Services LLC
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Job Type
Full-time
Salary
28–40 an hour
Via
Indeed
Apply On
Job Description
Now Hiring: Experienced Shipyard Structural Welders
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Long Term Project
Wages:
$28.00 Per Hour for Non-local employees
$150.00 Per Diem offered, if eligible
$28 - $40/hr for Local employees based on experience.
Must be able to weld test in Philadelphia, PA or Pascagoula, MS
Experience:
· Knowledge and proficiency of heavy shipyard construction welding in all positions using approved WPS (Welding Procedure Specification) determined by PSI and classification society
· Welding process includes:
o FCAW – Flux Core Arc Welding
o SMAW – Shielded Metal Arc Welding
o SAW – Submerged Arc Welding
o EGW – Electro Gas Welding
o Automated Welding Processes
o Stainless Steel Fillet Welding
o Padding and preparing weld joints per WPS
o Carbon Arc Gouging
o Ceramic Backing
o Note: Not inclusive, shall be determined by vessel specification and classification rules
· Knowledge, understanding and demonstration of interpreting approved WPS set forth at PSI.
· Knowledge and ability on how to use all tools related to welding, including basic trouble shooting and maintaining welding equipment to assure a safe and efficient operation.
· Welder must proficiently demonstrate welding ability through performance and testing as determined by vessel project and classification.
· Welder must be able to work in a team environment.
· Welder shall perform internal quality checks of own work performance to assure quality standards are achieved daily.
· Welder shall maintain their individual NDT rejection set forth by PSI and classification society.
· Performs other related duties as required and assigned.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
· High School Diploma or GED
· 3+ years’ shipyard work experience welding (FCAW, SMAW, and Ceramic Backing REQUIRED)
· Welding robotics and programming a plus
• Drug screen and Background check required
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $28.00 - $40.00 per hour
Benefits:
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance
Experience:
• Shipyard Welding: 3 years (Required)
• Ceramic Backing: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Long Term Project
Wages:
$28.00 Per Hour for Non-local employees
$150.00 Per Diem offered, if eligible
$28 - $40/hr for Local employees based on experience.
Must be able to weld test in Philadelphia, PA or Pascagoula, MS
Experience:
· Knowledge and proficiency of heavy shipyard construction welding in all positions using approved WPS (Welding Procedure Specification) determined by PSI and classification society
· Welding process includes:
o FCAW – Flux Core Arc Welding
o SMAW – Shielded Metal Arc Welding
o SAW – Submerged Arc Welding
o EGW – Electro Gas Welding
o Automated Welding Processes
o Stainless Steel Fillet Welding
o Padding and preparing weld joints per WPS
o Carbon Arc Gouging
o Ceramic Backing
o Note: Not inclusive, shall be determined by vessel specification and classification rules
· Knowledge, understanding and demonstration of interpreting approved WPS set forth at PSI.
· Knowledge and ability on how to use all tools related to welding, including basic trouble shooting and maintaining welding equipment to assure a safe and efficient operation.
· Welder must proficiently demonstrate welding ability through performance and testing as determined by vessel project and classification.
· Welder must be able to work in a team environment.
· Welder shall perform internal quality checks of own work performance to assure quality standards are achieved daily.
· Welder shall maintain their individual NDT rejection set forth by PSI and classification society.
· Performs other related duties as required and assigned.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
· High School Diploma or GED
· 3+ years’ shipyard work experience welding (FCAW, SMAW, and Ceramic Backing REQUIRED)
· Welding robotics and programming a plus
• Drug screen and Background check required
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $28.00 - $40.00 per hour
Benefits:
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance
Experience:
• Shipyard Welding: 3 years (Required)
• Ceramic Backing: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
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.
