A Career Guide for Welders in Longview, Texas

If you're a welder looking for a place where your skills are in demand and your paychecks stretch further, Longview, Texas should be on your radar. As a local who's seen the city's industrial backbone from the inside, I can tell you this isn't a flashy boomtown. It's a steady, hardworking city where the oil and gas, pipeline, and manufacturing sectors keep the welding torches burning year-round. This guide cuts through the noise with hard data, local insider knowledge, and a realistic look at the life you can build here. We're using the latest available figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Texas Workforce Commission, and local market realities.

The Salary Picture: Where Longview Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. In Longview, the median salary for a welder is $47,864/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.01/hour. It's important to understand that this is a median, meaning half of all welders in the metro make more, and half make less. Compared to the national average of $49,590/year, Longview sits just slightly below—about a 3.5% difference. However, this number is heavily influenced by the types of projects and employers in the area. The metro area supports 168 welding jobs, which might seem small, but the 10-year job growth projection is a conservative 2%. This isn't a hypergrowth market, but it's a stable one, resistant to the wild swings you see in some larger cities.

Experience and specialization are everything. Here’s how salaries typically break down in the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Responsibilities	Local Salary Range (Yearly)	Local Hourly Rate
Entry-Level	Grinding, prep work, basic MIG welding in shops.	$35,000 - $42,000	$16.83 - $20.19
Mid-Level	Certified on multiple processes (Stick, TIG), pipeline work.	$45,000 - $58,000	$21.63 - $27.88
Senior/Lead	Supervision, QC, advanced codes (ASME, API), custom fabrication.	$60,000 - $75,000+	$28.85 - $36.06+
Expert/Specialist	Niche certifications (clad pipe, exotic alloys), consulting.	$80,000 - $100,000+	$38.46 - $48.08+

Insider Tip: The $47,864 median is most representative of mid-level welders in established companies. If you're willing to travel for out-of-town pipeline or refinery shutdowns, you can significantly boost that number with per diem and overtime. Many local welders I know clear $60k+ by taking on 2-3 week travel gigs a few times a year.

Comparison to Other TX Cities

Longview is a solid middle-ground in the Texas landscape. It offers a lower cost of living than major metros but maintains a strong industrial base.

City	Median Salary (Welder)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Industries
Longview	$47,864	88.4	Oil & Gas, Pipeline, Manufacturing
Houston	$53,120	109.1	Petrochemical, Offshore, Aerospace
Dallas	$50,450	107.3	Manufacturing, Construction, Automotive
Midland	$52,300	102.1	Oil & Gas (Exploration/Drilling)
San Antonio	$48,200	92.4	Aerospace, Military, Manufacturing

While Houston and Midland offer higher nominal salaries, their cost of living eats away at that advantage. Longview's lower living costs mean your take-home pay goes further. For example, a welder earning $47,864 in Longview has a similar disposable income to one earning $58,000 in Dallas.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Earning a median salary is one thing; living on it is another. Let's run the numbers for a single welder earning $47,864 annually, using 2024 tax estimates for a single filer with standard deductions.

• Gross Monthly Income: $3,989
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, FICA, State): ~ $875
• Net Monthly Income: $3,114

Now, factor in the average 1-bedroom rent in Longview of $930/month. This leaves you with $2,184 for utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, and savings.

Can you afford to buy a home? Let's look at a realistic scenario. The median home price in the Longview metro is approximately $215,000. With a 5% down payment ($10,750), you'd be looking at a mortgage of $204,250.

Expense	Monthly Cost (Estimated)	Notes
Mortgage (PITI)	$1,350 - $1,500	Based on 6.5% interest, 30-year term.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$180	Average for a 1,200 sq ft home.
Groceries	$350	For one person.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Assumes a used vehicle.
Health Insurance	$250	Through employer or marketplace.
Miscellaneous/Savings	$300+	Everything else.
TOTAL	$2,830 - $2,980

The Verdict: It's tight but feasible, especially if you have a dual-income household or are willing to start with a smaller, older home (many in the $150k-$180k range exist in neighborhoods like Garden Valley or North Longview). Your biggest advantage is Longview's 88.4 cost of living index, which is significantly lower than the national average.

Where the Jobs Are: Longview's Major Employers

Longview's job market is anchored by a few key sectors. The 168 welding jobs aren't spread evenly; they're concentrated in these major employers. Hiring is steady, with peaks tied to pipeline projects and refinery maintenance cycles.

1. Christus Health St. Elizabeth Hospital: While not a primary welding employer, their facilities team hires welders for medical gas line installation, structural repairs, and custom fabrication for hospital equipment. It's a stable, unionized environment with excellent benefits. They often post jobs on their hospital careers page.

2. Eastman Chemical Company (Longview Site): A massive chemical plant in nearby Kilgore (a 20-minute commute) is a major employer for certified welders. They require ASME Section IX certifications for pressure vessel and pipe work. Hiring is cyclical but offers high pay for experienced, safety-conscious welders. Insider tip: Getting on with Eastman often requires starting with a contractors like Mistras Group or Stork.

3. Parker Hannifin (Engineered Materials Group): This global manufacturer has a significant presence in Longview, specializing in engineered plastics and seals. Their maintenance and fabrication teams need welders for custom equipment and repair. It's a more stable, manufacturing-focused role compared to the boom-and-bust oilfield.

4. Pipeline Companies (Williams, Kinder Morgan, etc.): Longview is a key hub for natural gas pipelines. Companies like Williams (Transco) and Kinder Morgan have major gathering and transmission lines crisscrossing the region. They hire welders directly and through subcontractors for new construction and maintenance. This is where travel and per diem opportunities are most common.

5. Local Fabrication Shops (e.g., Longview Iron Works, Greenbrier): Smaller shops like Longview Iron Works and Greenbrier (a major railcar manufacturer) are always looking for skilled welders for custom fabrication, structural steel, and repair work. These jobs are less likely to require travel and offer a steady, 40-hour work week.

6. The Oil & Gas Service Sector: Companies like Cudd Energy Services and Basic Energy Services (now part of ProPetro) have yards and operations in the area. They need welders for frac tank maintenance, wellhead repair, and drilling equipment. This is the most volatile but often highest-paying sector, directly tied to oil prices.

Hiring Trends: The biggest wave of hiring happens in the spring and fall, aligning with planned plant turnarounds and construction seasons. The post-COVID supply chain issues have made skilled welders even more valuable for local fabrication shops.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not have a state-level license for welders. Instead, certification is governed by the American Welding Society (AWS) and specific project codes (like ASME for pressure vessels or API for pipelines). Here’s the practical path:

1. Get Formal Training: Enroll in a technical school or community college program. Kilgore College (in nearby Kilgore) has an excellent, well-respected welding program. Panola College (in Carthage, 30 mins away) is another great option. Programs typically cost $3,000 - $6,000 for a certificate and take 6-12 months. An Associate's Degree is ~2 years.

2. AWS Certification: The most common entry-level cert is the AWS Certified Welder (CW) test. Local testing facilities (often at the schools themselves) charge $150 - $300 per test plate. You'll test on specific processes (GMAW, GTAW, SMAW) and positions.

3. Specialty Certs (The Money Makers): For pipelines and refineries, you need:

   • ASME Section IX: Required for pressure vessel/pipe welders. Costs $500 - $1,000 for test and certification.
   • API 1104: The standard for pipeline welding. This is a multi-day test and can cost $1,200 - $2,500.
   • 6G Cert: This is the "holy grail" for pipe welders, testing you on a 45-degree angle pipe joint. It's tough to pass but immediately qualifies you for high-paying pipeline work.

Timeline: You can be job-ready with a basic AWS certification in 3-6 months if you train full-time. To become a pipeline welder with ASME/API certs, plan for 12-18 months of dedicated training and apprenticeship.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

1. North Longview / Garden Valley: This is the heart of the industrial corridor. You're 5-10 minutes from Parker Hannifin, many fab shops, and the highway to Kilgore/Eastman. It's predominantly working-class, with older, affordable homes and apartments. Rent: $750 - $1,100 for a 1BR. Best for: Maximizing your commute time and minimizing costs.

2. South Longview / Judson Road Area: More residential and a bit quieter. You're closer to shopping, restaurants, and the Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital campus. Commutes to plants in Kilgore are about 25 minutes. Rent: $850 - $1,200 for a 1BR. Best for: A balance of work access and suburban amenities.

3. Kilgore: If you land a job at Eastman or a major pipeline contractor, living in Kilgore itself is the ultimate commute-saver. It’s a true oil town with its own character. Rent: $700 - $1,000 for a 1BR. Best for: Those working directly in the Kilgore industrial zone.

4. Overton (30 mins east): A smaller, quieter town with a lower cost of living. It's a straight shot down Highway 31 to Longview. A good option if you work in South Longview or don't mind a slightly longer drive for cheaper rent and a slower pace. Rent: $650 - $900 for a 1BR. Best for: Saving money and avoiding city traffic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 2% job growth figure is misleading for an individual welder. Your personal growth depends on specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: Learning to code (AWS D1.1 for structural steel) can add $3-$5/hour. Mastering TIG welding for stainless or aluminum (common in food/pharma plants) can push you into the $30+/hour range. The real money is in API 1104 and 6G certifications for pipeline work, where experienced welders can command $40-$50/hour plus overtime and per diem.

• Advancement Paths: The logical progression is from welder to Welding Inspector (CWI certification from AWS). Inspectors in Longview can earn $70,000 - $90,000. Another path is into Project Management or Fabrication Shop Supervision, which requires leadership skills and a deeper understanding of codes and logistics.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 2% growth is stable but slow. However, Longview's strategic location between Dallas and Shreveport, with major rail and highway infrastructure, positions it well for continued industrial activity. The push for domestic energy production and infrastructure upgrades (pipelines, grid) will sustain demand for certified welders. The key is to avoid stagnation; those who continuously get new certs will always find work.

The Verdict: Is Longview Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your paycheck goes further, especially for housing.	Limited Nightlife & Culture: It's a family-oriented, industrial town.
Stable Job Market: Core industries (oil, gas, manufacturing) are resilient.	Heat & Humidity: Summers are long, hot, and can be tough for outdoor work.
No State Income Tax: A direct boost to your take-home pay.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable vehicle; public transit is minimal.
Central Location: Easy access to Dallas, Shreveport, and East Texas lakes.	Slower Pace: If you crave a big-city vibe, this isn't it.
Strong Community: Friendly, with a clear "work hard, play hard" ethos.	Limited Advancement (if you don't specialize): Basic welding jobs top out quickly.

Final Recommendation: Longview is an excellent choice for a mid-career welder or a new graduate looking to build a stable life without the crushing costs of a major metro. It's ideal for someone who values job security, affordable homeownership, and a straightforward lifestyle. It's less ideal for a young, single welder seeking a vibrant social scene or for those unwilling to pursue advanced certifications. If you're motivated to get your ASME/API certs, Longview offers a fantastic foundation to build a lucrative, long-term career.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own welding truck to find work in Longview?
For fab shop and plant maintenance jobs, no, the employer provides all equipment. For pipeline and construction work, having your own rig (a truck with a welder/generator) can lead to higher pay rates as a subcontractor, but it's not a requirement to get started. Many companies offer rig pay for employees who use their own equipment.

2. What's the best way to find a welding job in Longview?
Check the Texas Workforce Commission website, Indeed, and local company career pages (like Christus, Parker Hannifin). But the best jobs, especially in pipelines, are often found through networking. Join the local chapter of the American Welding Society or attend job fairs at Kilgore College.

3. Is the work mostly indoors or outdoors?
It's a mix. Fab shops and some plant maintenance are indoors. Pipeline and structural steel work are almost entirely outdoors, subject to East Texas weather. Be prepared for both.

4. How important is a commercial driver's license (CDL)?
Not essential, but highly valuable. Many welding roles, especially in pipeline and construction, require driving a company vehicle to job sites. Having a Class A CDL can give you a significant edge and sometimes comes with a pay bump.

5. What are the biggest "red flags" for welders in this area?
Beware of companies that don't prioritize safety, especially in the oil and gas sector. Always ask about their safety record, PPE provision, and whether they require proper certification for the work. Also, be wary of "perma-temp" agencies that never lead to a direct-hire position.