RI Welding Jobs:
Rhode Island offers a wealth of welding opportunities across industries like shipbuilding, construction, manufacturing, and energy. With rising demand in specialized areas such as pipe welding, structural welding, and underwater welding, the Ocean State presents a prime environment for both entry-level welders and seasoned professionals. Whether you’re launching a career or seeking advancement, Rhode Island’s local economy supports steady work, training programs, and competitive pay.
Key Takeaways
- High demand for RI Welding Jobs across diverse industries—from marine construction to manufacturing.
- Competitive pay rates, averaging around $29/hour, with higher earnings in certified or specialized roles.
- Robust training pipelines including apprenticeships, community college programs, and private academies.
- Top employers include General Dynamics Electric Boat, A/Z Corp, Matrix Power Services, and others.
- Certifications matter—AWS and ASME credentials can significantly boost employability and wages.

1. Industries & Employers Hiring in RI Welding Jobs
• Shipbuilding & Defense
Electric Boat in North Kingstown is among the largest employers, offering diverse welding roles like pipe welder, structural welder, and X‑Ray welder—many positions provide paid on‑the‑job training.
• Manufacturing & Fabrication
Companies such as A/Z Corp, Matrix Power Services, and Phillips Tank & Structure hire certified pipe welders, structural welders, and tank builders. Hourly wages range from $24 to $44+.
• Construction & Structural Work
Local construction firms and staffing services seek welders to work on projects across Providence, Warwick, and other areas—many require proficiency in SMAW, MIG, and TIG welding.
• Educational & Training Institutions
Places like Lincoln Tech (Warwick) hire welding instructors, often paying $27–$36/hour for experienced professionals.
• Specialty & Mobile Welders
Mobile welding and niche roles (e.g. fence fabricators, jewelry laser welders) can be found in East Providence, Pawtucket, and surrounding towns.
2. Salary & Job Trends
• Average Compensation
RI Welding Jobs earn about $29/hour on average (~$60,600/year), with top earners reaching $38–$44/hour in high‑end roles.
Here’s a breakdown of pay distribution from ZipRecruiter:
- 25th percentile: $22.84/hr
- Median: $29.17/hr
- 75th percentile: $33.41/hr
- 90th percentile: $40.49/hr
• Demand & Job Availability
There are 75–100+ positions actively hiring, with 230+ available on LinkedIn. Positions range from entry‑level to instructor and inspector roles.
• Career Stability
Due to a national shortage of skilled welders and Rhode Island’s infrastructure and marine presence, job stability remains strong. Monster.com reports a nationwide shortfall of 400,000 welders—making RI’s shortage part of the larger trend.
3. Common Welding Roles Available
Certified Pipe Welder
- Employers: A/Z Corp, General Dynamics, Matrix Power
- Skills: GTAW, SMAW, FCAW; pipe fitting; X‑Ray inspection.
Structural Welder
- Roles in building infrastructure and marine platforms
- Processes like MIG, Stick, Pulse Arc
Underwater/Mobile Welder
- Niche roles in marine repair and offshore structures
- Some positions pay per diem; warmth and mobility matter
Welding Instructor & Assistant
- Lincoln Tech and RISE Group hire instructors and equipment assistants
- Good for experienced welders transitioning to training roles.
X‑Ray Welder / NDT Inspector
- Requires precision; uses radiographic techniques to test weld integrity
- Electric Boat regularly lists openings in this field.
4. What Employers Expect
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent (most jobs)
- Welding certifications (AWS, ASME, OSHA) often preferred
- Experience: entry-level options exist; mid/senior-level prefer 2–5+ years
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in multiple processes (Stick, MIG, TIG, FCAW, SAW)
- Blueprint reading and measurement accuracy
- Certification in pipe welding and X‑Ray inspection adds value
Soft Skills
- Attention to detail, safety awareness, teamwork
- Communication: welding assistants and instructors need strong interpersonal skills
5. Education & Training Pathways
Apprenticeships & Workforce Programs
- The Steelyard and JARC Training in Providence offer structured hands‑on courses leading to employment at places like Electric Boat.
- State-run apprenticeships listed via Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training are a strong pathway.
Private Welding Schools
- Western Welding Academy (regional).
- Gearhead DIY in Warwick offers practical instruction.
Technical Colleges
- Lincoln Tech offers accredited welding programs, combined with instructor roles upon certification.
6. How to Stand Out in the Job Market
Strategy | Description |
---|---|
Obtain certification | AWS, ASME, OSHA credentials—especially in pipe or structural welding |
Diversify skills | Learn MIG, TIG, Stick, FCAW, and SAW to tackle varied jobs |
Gain experience | Seek apprenticeships, per-diem marine roles, or hands-on workshops |
Highlight precision | Emphasize X-Ray welding or inspection skills on your resume |
Network regionally | Attend industry meetups, join unions, connect with recruiters\ |
7. Case Study: Electric Boat in North Kingstown
General Dynamics Electric Boat offers multiple welding roles:
- Pipe Welder: Requires TIG/X‑Ray certification, visually inspect welds
- Structural Welder: MIG welding for submarine construction
- Welding Equipment Repair Technician: Maintains tools and booths
- Instructor/Mentor roles: Enables career progression into training
They provide:
- Paid training and tuition reimbursement
- Comprehensive benefits (health, 401k, dental)
- Shift flexibility (entry-level to skilled)
8. RI Welding Jobs Communities & Resources
• Reddit: Mining local insights
On r/providence, community members highlight:
“Electric Boat in Quonset is always hiring, and they’re training people to weld and pay them while they learn.”
Also recommended are The Steelyard and JARC Training for accessible, job-ready training.
• Online Job boards
Indeed, ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn, Monster, iHireConstruction—all list dozens to hundreds of positions regularly updating.
• Workforce Development Agencies
RI Department of Labor lists apprenticeships; union halls sometimes sponsor youth-to-trades programs.
9. Getting Started: A Step‑by‑Step Guide
Step 1: Self‑Assess
Decide which welding techniques and industries appeal most—marine, fabrication, structural, or teaching.
Step 2: Secure Training
Enroll in entry‑level courses through The Steelyard, JARC, or local colleges. Consider apprenticeships or private academy certificates.
Step 3: Build Certifications
Pursue AWS or ASME credentials. Entry-level welders can begin basic certs and progress to advanced qualifications (e.g., X‑Ray).
Step 4: Gain Experience
Apply to per-diem marine roles, entry-level electric boat jobs, or welding assistant positions. Even maintenance gigs build crucial skills.
Step 5: Update Resume & Profile
Highlight certifications, welding processes, soft skills. Use sample resume guidance from Monster and Indeed.
Step 6: Apply Strategically
Target roles at Electric Boat, Matrix Power, A/Z Corp, and local shops. Use LinkedIn job alerts and local union contacts.
Step 7: Continue Development
Attend workshops, join trade unions, gain instructor or inspector credentials to expand career options.
10. Challenges & Considerations
- Physical demands: Welding requires stamina, precision, and PPE usage
- Safety hazards: Proper training reduces risks of burns, fumes, and eye damage
- Upskilling: Ongoing certification keeps you competitive
- Market competition: Though demand is high, roles in shipyards and niche fabrication are competitive; better qualified candidates have an edge
11. Long-Term Career Pathways
• Specialist Roles
- X‑Ray Welder or NDT Inspector
- Pipe fitter or underwater welding specialist
• Instructor & Training
- Move into instructor roles at tech schools or union-sponsored training
• Management & Supervision
- With experience, welders may become foremen or fabrication supervisors
• Entrepreneurship
- Start a welding contracting or fabrication business serving regional clients
FAQs
What’s the average hourly wage for RI Welding Jobs?
On average, welders earn about $29/hour (~$60,600/year). Entry-level positions start near $22–25/hr, while certified roles reach $33–44/hr.
How do I get into welding with no experience in Rhode Island?
Start with entry-level roles or apprenticeships. Training programs like The Steelyard and JARC in Providence offer hands-on courses and job placement.
Do RI Welding Jobs require certification?
Not always—but AWS or ASME certifications significantly increase job prospects and wages, especially for pipe, structural, and inspection roles.
Is Electric Boat a good place to start a welding career?
Yes—Electric Boat provides paid training, tuition reimbursement, benefits, and diverse welding roles. Reddit users say they “train people to weld and pay them while they learn.”
What are the best cities for welders in Rhode Island?
North Kingstown (Electric Boat), Providence, Cranston, Warwick, and East Providence offer the most roles. Job boards consistently list openings there.
In Summary
Rhode Island is a prime region for welders to launch or grow their careers. With stable demand, competitive wages, a wide range of training opportunities, and strong local employers like Electric Boat, A/Z Corp, Matrix, and Lincoln Tech, welders can build a durable, rewarding career path. Focus on gaining certifications, hands-on experience, and leveraging local training programs to maximize your potential.