Welder Jobs in Arlington, TX
Welders are in strong demand across Arlington's industrial base, from GM Arlington Assembly and its supplier network to the metal fabrication and structural shops in the Great Southwest Industrial District. With DFW's aerospace and manufacturing footprint, skilled welders who can pass certification tests find steady work in structural, pipe, and precision fabrication, and specialized welders command premium pay.
Current welder Openings in Arlington, TX
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Top Arlington Employers Hiring Welders
These employers regularly hire welders across Arlington and Tarrant County:
- GM Arlington Assembly - automotive body and production welding at the plant.
- Poly-America - Grand Prairie/Arlington-area manufacturer with maintenance and fabrication welding.
- Trinity Industries - rail car and structural steel fabrication in the metroplex.
- Bell Textron - aerospace welding and fabrication in nearby Fort Worth.
- Local metal fabrication shops - structural and custom fabrication in the industrial district.
- Industrial staffing agencies - temp-to-hire welding roles across DFW.
Welder Salaries in Arlington
- Entry level (production or MIG welder): about $17 to $23 per hour
- Experienced (certified TIG or structural): about $24 to $34 per hour
- Senior (pipe welder, combo welder, specialty): about $34 to $48 per hour
These are estimates that vary by process, certification, and industry. Aerospace and pipe welders earn the most, and many Arlington welding jobs add shift differentials, overtime, per-diem for travel work, and health benefits.
How to Become a Welder in Arlington
Texas does not require a state license to weld, but employers require welding certifications such as AWS (American Welding Society) qualifications and often a weld test on the specific process and position. Tarrant County College offers a welding technology program, and local trade schools train in MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-core welding. Aerospace and pipe work require additional certifications and, for defense shops, sometimes a background check or clearance.
What the Job Involves
Welders join and fabricate metal using MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-core processes, reading blueprints and weld symbols to build or repair structures, components, and equipment. In Arlington that ranges from body welding on the GM line to structural steel at a fab shop or precision aerospace welds. The work involves standing, bending, working in heat and around sparks, and passing periodic weld tests.
Skills Employers Look For
- MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-core proficiency
- Blueprint and weld-symbol reading
- AWS or equivalent certification
- Ability to pass weld tests on demand
- Precision and quality focus
- Safety awareness around heat and fumes
Career Path and Advancement
Arlington welders often start in production or entry MIG roles, then earn certifications in TIG, structural, or pipe welding to move into higher-paying specialties. From there, paths lead to lead welder, welding inspector (CWI), fabrication supervisor, or specialized aerospace and pipe work. Certified welding inspectors and combo pipe welders are among the highest earners in the trade.
Related Careers in Arlington
If welding interests you, these related Arlington trades are also hiring:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be a welder in Arlington?
No. Texas does not require a state welding license. However, employers require welding certifications such as AWS qualifications, and most ask you to pass a weld test on the specific process and position before hiring.
How long does it take to become a welder in Arlington?
You can complete a welding program at Tarrant County College or a trade school in about six months to a year and start entry-level work. Building the certifications for high-paying pipe or aerospace welding takes additional training and experience.
What is the shift and overtime pay for welders in Arlington?
Many Arlington industrial welding jobs run multiple shifts, with night and weekend shift differentials plus time-and-a-half overtime after 40 hours. Traveling pipe welders often earn per-diem on top of hourly pay.
Can you do welding work remotely in Arlington?
No. Welding is entirely hands-on and performed in shops, plants, and job sites. It cannot be done remotely.
Which Arlington employer pays welders the most?
Aerospace welding roles at companies like Bell Textron and specialty pipe or combo welding jobs typically pay the most, along with certified welders at large manufacturers like Trinity Industries who have the skills to pass demanding weld tests.
Ready to apply? Browse all Welder jobs in Arlington, TX on LocalJobPage and apply today.