Welder Jobs in California
Welder jobs in California are consistently in demand, with active hiring in aerospace, shipbuilding, construction, and heavy manufacturing and openings at every level from entry-level structural welders through senior pipe welders and certified welding inspectors. Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Sacramento Valley are the state's largest hiring markets, where employers like Northrop Grumman, Vigor Industrial, and Granite Construction maintain ongoing welder workforces. The most sought-after specialties are TIG and MIG welding, structural steel, and pipe welding for industrial and defense applications. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Welder JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 649+ Welder jobs
INTRODUCTION
Simpson Strong-Tie is a leader in engineered structural connectors, software, and solutions for the building industry. We maintain a reputation as a trusted manufacturer, partner, and corporate citizen committed to our customers and employees.
Our founder, Barc Simpson established 9 Principles of Business we live out as company values and have made Simpson Strong-Tie an inspiring place to work since 1956. Our team of talented people are dedicated to our shared mission: to provide solutions that help people design and build safer, stronger structures.
Learn about our company culture directly from our team.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Welder, you will be responsible for performing manual/robotic welding for the manufacture and assembly of welded aspects of our product line and inspect finished products to fulfill customer orders.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING (% of Time)
-
Develop manual welding projects by analyzing work orders, prints, and completed assembly. Perform welding duties using a metal inert gas (MIG) welder. Weld steel components as specified by print layouts, drawings, and work orders. Review and check materials and products to verify conformance to Simpson’s quality standards. Remove defective or substandard materials from machinery and readjust workflow and/or machines. Adjust machines and robot utilizing pendant, if necessary to alter position, alignment. Program and operate Motoman 6 axis robot, modify and create programs using programming pendant safely and efficiently. (75%)
-
Review work orders or job samples to determine components, settings, and adjustments. Read and examine blueprints, drawings, work orders, or patterns to determine equipment set-up or selection details, procedures to be used and dimensions of final products inspections. Verify dimensions and contours of models during hand-forming processes, using templates and measuring devices required by descriptions and specifications. Adjust bolts, clamps, stop guides, or table angles or heights, using hand tools such as nail guns, staple guns, power drill guns, and/or power saws. Measure materials or objects for installation and assembly. Make specific jigs for specials. Maintain welding equipment to working order. Requires tool reading, tack welding, and handling steel blocks and jigs. (25%)
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Gas metal arc welding certification required.
- Simpson’s welding certification (will certify upon hire) required.
- Certificate from college or technical school in robotic programming (Motoman) preferred.
- 3 years of welding experience.
- Manufacturing process knowledge: Demonstrates a basic knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacturing and distribution of goods.
- Safety: Able to consistently prioritize safety by demonstrating a safe work practices by promoting a safe work environment.
- Customer service skills: Applies customer service principles and processes on the job and with others.
- Communication skills: Speaks in the most effective way to relay information. Listens and asks questions to ensure understanding.
- Written comprehension: Able to read and understand prints, information and ideas presented in writing. Able to read production drawings and diagrams and interpret information from work orders applicable to the manufacturing of products.
- Self-management skills: Uses time efficiently to complete tasks.
- Ability to work independently: Follows both written and oral instructions, including safety guidelines, work instructions, and company policies.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, see, talk, and hear. Must be comfortable with repetitive movements of hands/arms, holding positions, stooping and bending. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may frequently lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds and heavier weights with proper equipment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The job may risk exposure to bright/dim light, heat and/or cold, loud noise levels, vibration, fumes and/or noxious odors, electrical shock, dust, and toxic/caustic chemicals.
TRAVEL
This position does not require travel.
WORK STATUS & LOCATION
This full-time, non-exempt, Union position is located in Stockton. This is a Swing shift position (3:45pm – 12:15am).
RELOCATION
Relocation is not available for this position.
PAY
$18.00 / hour
REWARDS AT SIMPSON STRONG-TIE
We recognize and reward employees with a carefully designed and comprehensive rewards package, including competitive compensation, quarterly bonuses or commission and first-rate benefits. May exclude some positions, such as seasonal jobs.
-
Quarterly Bonuses/Commission: You will be eligible for either a bonus or commission, paid on a quarterly basis. We believe all employees affect customers, sales and revenue — directly or indirectly – and should be rewarded by sharing the company profits.
-
Benefits: We provide a wide range of benefits for eligible full-time employees including: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, employee stock purchase and bonus plans, pay for holidays, vacation, sick days, funerals and jury duty, years of service awards, employee discounts, employee referral bonuses, charitable contribution matching, education reimbursement and more. View benefit plan details here: https://benefits.strongtie.com/.
In keeping with our values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities, we are an equal opportunity employer. This means that our employment decisions are based on your qualifications and merit, and our business needs.
Please note all job offers are contingent upon a successful drug screen and criminal background check, in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
NowHiring #GetHired #Hiring #HiringNow
INTRODUCTION
Simpson Strong-Tie is a leader in engineered structural connectors, software, and solutions for the building industry. We maintain a reputation as a trusted manufacturer, partner, and corporate citizen committed to our customers and employees.
Our founder, Barc Simpson established 9 Principles of Business we live out as company values and have made Simpson Strong-Tie an inspiring place to work since 1956. Our team of talented people are dedicated to our shared mission: to provide solutions that help people design and build safer, stronger structures.
Learn about our company culture directly from our team.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Welder, you will be responsible for performing manual/robotic welding for the manufacture and assembly of welded aspects of our product line and inspect finished products to fulfill customer orders.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING (% of Time)
-
Develop manual welding projects by analyzing work orders, prints, and completed assembly. Perform welding duties using a metal inert gas (MIG) welder. Weld steel components as specified by print layouts, drawings, and work orders. Review and check materials and products to verify conformance to Simpson’s quality standards. Remove defective or substandard materials from machinery and readjust workflow and/or machines. Adjust machines and robot utilizing pendant, if necessary to alter position, alignment. Program and operate Motoman 6 axis robot, modify and create programs using programming pendant safely and efficiently. (75%)
-
Review work orders or job samples to determine components, settings, and adjustments. Read and examine blueprints, drawings, work orders, or patterns to determine equipment set-up or selection details, procedures to be used and dimensions of final products inspections. Verify dimensions and contours of models during hand-forming processes, using templates and measuring devices required by descriptions and specifications. Adjust bolts, clamps, stop guides, or table angles or heights, using hand tools such as nail guns, staple guns, power drill guns, and/or power saws. Measure materials or objects for installation and assembly. Make specific jigs for specials. Maintain welding equipment to working order. Requires tool reading, tack welding, and handling steel blocks and jigs. (25%)
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Gas metal arc welding certification required.
- Simpson’s welding certification (will certify upon hire) required.
- Certificate from college or technical school in robotic programming (Motoman) preferred.
- 3 years of welding experience.
- Manufacturing process knowledge: Demonstrates a basic knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacturing and distribution of goods.
- Safety: Able to consistently prioritize safety by demonstrating a safe work practices by promoting a safe work environment.
- Customer service skills: Applies customer service principles and processes on the job and with others.
- Communication skills: Speaks in the most effective way to relay information. Listens and asks questions to ensure understanding.
- Written comprehension: Able to read and understand prints, information and ideas presented in writing. Able to read production drawings and diagrams and interpret information from work orders applicable to the manufacturing of products.
- Self-management skills: Uses time efficiently to complete tasks.
- Ability to work independently: Follows both written and oral instructions, including safety guidelines, work instructions, and company policies.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, see, talk, and hear. Must be comfortable with repetitive movements of hands/arms, holding positions, stooping and bending. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may frequently lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds and heavier weights with proper equipment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The job may risk exposure to bright/dim light, heat and/or cold, loud noise levels, vibration, fumes and/or noxious odors, electrical shock, dust, and toxic/caustic chemicals.
TRAVEL
This position does not require travel.
WORK STATUS & LOCATION
This full-time, non-exempt, Union position is located in Stockton. This is a Swing shift position (3:45pm – 12:15am).
RELOCATION
Relocation is not available for this position.
PAY
$18.00 / hour
REWARDS AT SIMPSON STRONG-TIE
We recognize and reward employees with a carefully designed and comprehensive rewards package, including competitive compensation, quarterly bonuses or commission and first-rate benefits. May exclude some positions, such as seasonal jobs.
-
Quarterly Bonuses/Commission: You will be eligible for either a bonus or commission, paid on a quarterly basis. We believe all employees affect customers, sales and revenue — directly or indirectly – and should be rewarded by sharing the company profits.
-
Benefits: We provide a wide range of benefits for eligible full-time employees including: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, employee stock purchase and bonus plans, pay for holidays, vacation, sick days, funerals and jury duty, years of service awards, employee discounts, employee referral bonuses, charitable contribution matching, education reimbursement and more. View benefit plan details here: https://benefits.strongtie.com/.
In keeping with our values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities, we are an equal opportunity employer. This means that our employment decisions are based on your qualifications and merit, and our business needs.
Please note all job offers are contingent upon a successful drug screen and criminal background check, in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
NowHiring #GetHired #Hiring #HiringNow
See All 649+ Welder Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Welder JobsWelder Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Welder Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- DaVita78
- Maxim Healthcare58
- AHMC Healthcare53
- Kindred Hospitals36
- Stanford Medicine Children's Health34
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services404
- Insurance96
- Non-Profit & Social Services21
- Education17
- Consulting & Professional Services10
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in welder jobs across California.
- AWS Certified Welder credential or equivalent certification recognized by California employers
- Proficiency in TIG, MIG, or stick welding processes depending on the role
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and technical drawings
- Experience with applicable metals such as steel, aluminum, or stainless steel
- Completion of a welding program at a California community college or trade school
- Physical ability to lift heavy materials and work in confined or elevated spaces
Welder Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a welder in California?
California does not require a state-issued welding license to work as a welder, but most employers require certification through the American Welding Society. The most direct path is completing a welding program at a California community college such as Los Angeles Trade-Technical College or Laney College in Oakland, then passing the AWS Certified Welder exam. Registered apprenticeships through unions like the United Association or the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers are also well-established entry routes in California.
How much do welders make in California?
Welders in California earn a median of about $58,060 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $44,520 for the lowest 10% to over $81,940 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire welders in California?
Employers hiring welders in California right now include DaVita, Maxim Healthcare, and AHMC Healthcare, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's defense manufacturing base and large infrastructure projects create steady demand from both major contractors and regional industrial employers.
Which California cities have the most welder jobs?
Riverside, Los Angeles, and Palo Alto have the most welder openings in California. Los Angeles and San Diego are driven by aerospace and defense manufacturing, while Sacramento and the surrounding valley see consistent demand from construction, utilities, and agricultural equipment repair operations.
Are there remote welder jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Welding is hands-on trade work performed on-site, so most positions require physical presence at a job site, facility, or shipyard. About 6% of welder openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those roles tend to be welding inspector, quality control, or welding engineer positions with a supervisory or documentation component rather than production welding.
How can I get hired as a welder in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is enrolling in a welding program at a California community college, which typically takes one to two semesters and leads directly to entry-level production or tack welder roles. Large California manufacturers and shipyards, including those in the Los Angeles and San Diego metro areas, regularly hire welding helpers and fabrication assistants for candidates still building hours. Registered apprenticeships through California-based union halls offer paid on-the-job training and are one of the strongest credentials an inexperienced candidate can hold when applying.
Where can I find and apply to welder jobs in California?
You can find and apply to welder jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the state right now. Search the listings, find roles that match your skills and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 649+ Welder Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Welder Jobs