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 2026?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, the median hourly wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is $25.22 as of May 2026 data. Welders in manufacturing earn $26.15 per hour on average while those in construction receive $24.80 per hour. Overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate applies after 40 hours per week under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
What certifications and experience are required to qualify for welder jobs in the United States?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, welders must complete a high school diploma or equivalent plus a postsecondary welding program lasting 6 to 18 months. AWS Certified Welder credential and 2,000 hours of documented experience are required for most positions in structural welding. Employers in shipbuilding and aerospace require additional ASME Section IX qualifications.
What are the standard working hours and paid leave entitlements for welders in the United States?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, full-time welders work 40 hours per week with overtime required after 40 hours. Workers receive at least 10 paid holidays and accrue 10 days of paid sick leave annually under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act extensions. Union contracts in construction add 15 days of paid vacation after one year.
How are federal income taxes calculated on welder wages in the United States for 2026?
As per the Internal Revenue Service, welders earning $52,500 annually in 2026 pay 12% federal income tax on income between $11,601 and $47,150 plus 22% on the amount above $47,150. Social Security tax is withheld at 6.2% up to the $168,600 wage base. Employers must issue Form W-2 by January 31 each year.
