Industrial Welder
Company
Houston Industrial Tradesmen
Location
Houston, TX
Via
ZipRecruiter
Job Description
Job Summary
The Welder is responsible for performing high-quality welding, fabrication, and repair work on piping, vessels, structural steel, and refinery equipment in accordance with applicable codes, safety standards, and refinery procedures. This role supports safe and reliable plant operations while maintaining strict compliance with quality and safety requirements.
Key Responsibilities
• Perform welding and fabrication using TIG (GTAW) and MIG (GMAW) processes on carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy materials
• Complete welding repairs and new installations on piping systems, structural steel, supports, and refinery equipment
• Weld in multiple positions, including horizontal, vertical, and overhead
• Read and interpret blueprints, isometric drawings, welding symbols, P&IDs, and specifications
• Follow approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR)
• Perform fit-up, joint preparation, tack welding, and final welds
• Support visual inspections and NDE preparation; perform rework as required
• Comply with refinery safety requirements, including hot work permits, lockout/tagout, confined space, and PPE policies
• Support shutdowns, turnarounds, and emergency maintenance activities
Required Qualifications
• Current ASME Section IX welding certification (required)
• Proven TIG (GTAW) and MIG (GMAW) welding experience in a refinery, petrochemical, or industrial environment
• Experience welding carbon steel and stainless steel
• Ability to pass site-specific weld tests
• Ability to read and interpret welding documentation and specifications
• Active TWIC card (required)
• Enrollment with DISA Global Solutions (required)
• Must pass and remain compliant with DISA drug and alcohol testing requirements, including hair follicle testing
• Current Basic Plus safety training (required)
• Willingness and ability to travel to refinery locations in Houston, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi, Texas
Compensation & Benefits
• Per diem available for qualified travel assignments
• Overtime opportunities during shutdowns and turnarounds
• PPE and safety equipment provided per site requirements
Working Conditions
• Work performed in active refinery units and fabrication areas
• Exposure to heat, fumes, noise, and industrial environments
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physically demanding tasks
• May require travel, shift work, overtime, call-outs, and turnaround assignments
The Welder is responsible for performing high-quality welding, fabrication, and repair work on piping, vessels, structural steel, and refinery equipment in accordance with applicable codes, safety standards, and refinery procedures. This role supports safe and reliable plant operations while maintaining strict compliance with quality and safety requirements.
Key Responsibilities
• Perform welding and fabrication using TIG (GTAW) and MIG (GMAW) processes on carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy materials
• Complete welding repairs and new installations on piping systems, structural steel, supports, and refinery equipment
• Weld in multiple positions, including horizontal, vertical, and overhead
• Read and interpret blueprints, isometric drawings, welding symbols, P&IDs, and specifications
• Follow approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR)
• Perform fit-up, joint preparation, tack welding, and final welds
• Support visual inspections and NDE preparation; perform rework as required
• Comply with refinery safety requirements, including hot work permits, lockout/tagout, confined space, and PPE policies
• Support shutdowns, turnarounds, and emergency maintenance activities
Required Qualifications
• Current ASME Section IX welding certification (required)
• Proven TIG (GTAW) and MIG (GMAW) welding experience in a refinery, petrochemical, or industrial environment
• Experience welding carbon steel and stainless steel
• Ability to pass site-specific weld tests
• Ability to read and interpret welding documentation and specifications
• Active TWIC card (required)
• Enrollment with DISA Global Solutions (required)
• Must pass and remain compliant with DISA drug and alcohol testing requirements, including hair follicle testing
• Current Basic Plus safety training (required)
• Willingness and ability to travel to refinery locations in Houston, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi, Texas
Compensation & Benefits
• Per diem available for qualified travel assignments
• Overtime opportunities during shutdowns and turnarounds
• PPE and safety equipment provided per site requirements
Working Conditions
• Work performed in active refinery units and fabrication areas
• Exposure to heat, fumes, noise, and industrial environments
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physically demanding tasks
• May require travel, shift work, overtime, call-outs, and turnaround assignments
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.
