Industrial Welder

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Welder Jobs

Q What is the median hourly wage for welders in the United States as of 2026?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is $27.50 as of May 2026. The 10th percentile earns $18.75 per hour while the 90th percentile earns $38.20 per hour in the same period.
Q How many hours per week can welders legally work before overtime applies in the United States in 2026?
The U.S. Department of Labor requires overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek for non-exempt welders under the FLSA as of 2026. Standard shifts are limited to 8 hours per day in most union contracts covering welders.
Q What education and certification are required to qualify for welder jobs in the United States in 2026?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that a high school diploma plus a 6-12 month postsecondary welding certificate is the typical entry requirement as of 2026. AWS D1.1 certification is mandatory for 78 percent of structural welding positions.
Q Which documents are needed to apply for welder positions through official U.S. government workforce channels in 2026?
Applicants must submit Form I-9, state-issued photo ID, and Social Security card to DOL-registered employers as of 2026. Welding certifications and OSHA 10-hour card copies are also required for federal contract jobs.
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