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Contract Rig Welder Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Collaborate with the rig manager regarding maintenance, repairs and planning ahead in order to ... Provide assistance to electrician and welder. * Performs any other duties that may be assigned. HSE ...

Contract Rig Welder information

See Alaska salary details

$5

$50

$89

How much do contract rig welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract rig welder in Alaska is $50.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.55 and $51.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract rig welder?

A contract rig welder is a skilled tradesperson who provides welding services on a contractual basis, often at remote job sites like oil fields, pipelines, or construction projects. They typically operate their own welding rig truck, which is equipped with all necessary tools and welding equipment. Contract rig welders are responsible for fabricating, joining, and repairing metal components according to project specifications. Their work requires extensive knowledge of welding techniques, safety protocols, and the ability to work independently in challenging environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract rig welder?

To thrive as a Contract Rig Welder, you need advanced welding skills, a high school diploma or GED, and industry-recognized certifications such as AWS or ASME. Familiarity with welding equipment, safety systems, and often non-destructive testing tools is required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, high-quality welds in challenging environments, which is essential for both operational success and workplace safety.

What are some common challenges faced by contract rig welders, and how can they be managed effectively?

Contract rig welders often work in remote and physically demanding environments, sometimes with long hours and variable weather conditions. One common challenge is maintaining safety and quality standards under pressure to meet tight project deadlines. To manage these challenges, welders should prioritize communication with supervisors, adhere strictly to safety protocols, and regularly maintain their equipment. Building strong relationships with crew members also helps foster teamwork and support on the job.

What is the difference between Contract Rig Welder vs Pipeline Welder?

AspectContract Rig WelderPipeline Welder
CertificationsAWS D1.1, ASME, CWI (optional)AWS D1.1, ASME, CWI (optional)
Work EnvironmentOffshore rigs, oil & gas platforms, onshore drilling sitesPipeline construction sites, outdoor, often remote areas
Industry UsageOil & gas exploration, drilling operationsPipeline installation, maintenance, and repair

Contract Rig Welders and Pipeline Welders share similar certifications and work environments related to oil and gas industries. However, Contract Rig Welders typically work on offshore rigs and drilling platforms, while Pipeline Welders focus on pipeline construction and repair in outdoor or remote locations. Both roles require similar skills but differ mainly in their specific work settings and project types.

How much do contract rig welders get paid?

Contract rig welders typically earn between $25 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and location. They often work in offshore or onshore oil and gas environments, with some earning higher rates for specialized skills or hazardous conditions.

Where do contract rig welders get paid the most?

Contract rig welders tend to earn the highest wages in regions with active oil and gas industries, such as parts of the Gulf Coast and offshore drilling areas. Factors influencing pay include experience, certifications like ASME or AWS, and working in remote or hazardous environments, which often offer higher compensation. Overall, locations with high demand for offshore or industrial welding typically provide the highest pay for contract rig welders.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rig Welder jobs in Alaska?

The most popular types of Rig Welder jobs in Alaska are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Rig Welder jobs in Alaska?

For Contract Rig Welder jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Rig Welder jobs in Alaska look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Rig Welder jobs in Alaska are:

What cities in Alaska are hiring for Contract Rig Welder jobs?

Cities in Alaska with the most Contract Rig Welder job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Rig Welder job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $104,339 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

Junior Rig Electrician

Calista Corporation

Anchorage, AK • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Nordic Calista
Regular
JOB SUMMARY:
Extensive background in the electrical field is imperative in order to perform the tasks assigned.
This position is expected to support the Winter Exploration 2025-2026 season, with an anticipated start date of December 2025 and an end date in April 2026.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Collaborate with the rig manager regarding maintenance, repairs and planning ahead in order to avoid the risk of delay caused by equipment breakdown.
  • Responsible for informing rig manager weekly or more often what electrical supplies, tools, and parts should be in stock and ensuring that they are readily available to ensure the safe operational level of the rig, camp, and vehicles that are assigned to the electricians work site.
  • Assigned to install and/or repair equipment during rig and camp moves.
  • Specialize in the principles of electricity, single, and three phase up to 600 volts. Specialize in equipment to convert AC to DC power by way of a silicone control rectifier (SCR rig only).
  • Must possess good mechanical aptitude and skills. Provide assistance to mechanic and welder.
  • Provide assistance to mechanic and welder and any other duties that may be assigned.
  • Ability to adapt to environmentally harsh working environments.

HSE Responsibilities
  • Conducts his job duties safely and in compliance with his certification, experience, and Nordic's HSE policies.
  • Follow's work permitting requirements and is the audit lead for the Electrical Safety Policy.
  • Assist Rig Management in identifying operational non-conformances at the work site.
  • Reports any spills,, un-safe work conditions, and work site hazards immediately.
  • Assist in development and implementation of standard operating procedures.
  • Assists in any internal audits as necessary.
  • Assists Driller in daily rig site duties.

SUPERVISORY FUNCTIONS:
This position has no supervisory functions.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
Works under the direct supervision of the Driller and general supervision of the Rig Manager as a subject matter expert.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 5 years or more experience as an electrician with emphasis on single- and three-phase systems.
  • Formal electrical training is preferred, as exhibited by a journeyman card/certificate of fitness and license by the State of Alaska or another State having reciprocity with Alaska.
  • Familiarity with assorted hand tools required. Must be functionally literate, able to read, write, and perform basic math.
  • Familiarity with oilfield-related equipment, and procedures preferred.
  • Experience with energy isolation (LOTO) to perform electrical work on industrial equipment.
  • Ability to read electrical blueprints to supply required information for updating of drawings, sketches, or information on existing and replacement equipment
  • The employee must complete a pre-employment drug screen and physical function assessment.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Noise, cold, heat, working at heights or on ladders, inside enclosed oil rig in an industrial environment and outside in elements.
PHYSICAL/VISUAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
PREFERENCE STATEMENT
Preference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and to spouses of Calista shareholders, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g).
EEO STATEMENT
Additionally, it is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status. When applicable, our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
It is Calista and Subsidiaries' business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.