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Contract Rig Welder Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Georgetown, TX ยท On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Weld plastic (roofs/panels) * Perform all cutting operations utilizing all standard shop equipment ... Safely rig materials for lifting * Adhere to all safety policies and perform all tasks in a safe ...

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Georgetown, TX ยท On-site

$19 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Weld plastic (roofs/panels) * Perform all cutting operations utilizing all standard shop equipment ... Safely rig materials for lifting * Adhere to all safety policies and perform all tasks in a safe ...

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Weld plastic (roofs/panels) * Perform all cutting operations utilizing all standard shop equipment ... Safely rig materials for lifting * Adhere to all safety policies and perform all tasks in a safe ...

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Weld plastic (roofs/panels) * Perform all cutting operations utilizing all standard shop equipment ... Safely rig materials for lifting * Adhere to all safety policies and perform all tasks in a safe ...

Senior Engineer- Structural

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$96K - $130K/yr

Working knowledge of project management tools including cost estimations, contracts, and scheduling ... Drilling and rig crew functions and How drilling structures are used during operation. * How ...

... contracts, and technical specifications. * Develop and/or oversee project planning documents ... e., welding, machining, etc.) is preferred. * Knowledge and experience with rig and equipment ...

Understand Contract Specification and project requirement summary. * Understand Class and ... Prefer to have experience in Offshore/Shipyard project, Rig building/Ship building. * Prefer to ...

Understand Contract Specification and project requirement summary. * Understand Class and ... Prefer to have experience in Offshore/Shipyard project, Rig building/Ship building. * Prefer to ...

Understand Contract Specification and project requirement summary. * Understand Class and ... Prefer to have experience in Offshore/Shipyard project, Rig building/Ship building. * Prefer to ...

Assembler

Garland, TX ยท On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of all mechanical components on the rig and their ideal operation * Overall knowledge of ... Moderate physical demand in handling materials and tools while performing welding, assembly and ...

Assembler

Garland, TX

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of all mechanical components on the rig and their ideal operation * Overall knowledge of ... Moderate physical demand in handling materials and tools while performing welding, assembly and ...

Contract Rig Welder information

See Texas salary details

$4

$43

$77

How much do contract rig welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract rig welder in Texas is $43.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.45 and $44.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Rig Welder jobs in Texas?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Contract Rig Welder job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,262 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

HIRING EXPERIENCED Drilling Rig Crews | West & South Region (TX,NM) | Driller, Assistant Driller, De

Ensign Energy

Odessa, TX โ€ข On-site

$23.25 - $31.50/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

WE ARE HIRING! Texas Region | Floorhands, Derrickhands, Motorhands (USS)
HIRING EXPERIENCED Drilling Rig Crews | West & South Region (TX,NM) | Driller, Assistant Driller, Derrickhand and Motorhand
Job Summary
The Floorhand safely and efficiently operates the systems that make up a Drilling Rig. This includes the operation of tongs and use of drilling slips to assemble and disassemble drilling pipe and collars, operation of hoists to raise/lower equipment and personnel as well as hand tools, sledgehammers, and large pipe wrenches. Performs preventative, scheduled, and unscheduled equipment maintenance and repairs. This may include chipping and painting, the physical movement of equipment, the mixing of chemicals and the greasing, oiling, and washing of equipment, walls, and floors. Works with/handle tubulars, loads and unloads freight vehicles. Cleans and organizes equipment, tools, replacement/spare parts, etc. all as part of the process of drilling an oil well to produce/remove underground oil and gas or remove core samples for testing during oil and gas exploration.
Internal Relationships
Works under the direct supervision of the Driller, may be seconded to other supervisors or to help others as required.
External Relationships
Occasionally the Floorhand may be in contact with Operator's representatives, as well as Third-Party OEM and Service Companies technical representatives such as Casing crews, Wellhead installers, welders, etc.
Specific Responsibilities and Accountabilities
The Job Description Listed below is for Floorhand but we have Derrickhands and Motorhands Openings as well. Applicants will be reviewed for roles based on their work history listed on their profile when they apply for this listing.
  • Handles tubular goods by manually pushing, pulling, lifting and operating hoists and racking equipment.
  • Measures tubular goods using a rig tape.
  • Makes and breaks tubular connections using tongs, and handles tubular goods, spinning chain, iron roughnecks, elevators and slips. Requires heavy exertion in forms of pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying heavy objects.
  • Visually inspects connections, dies, nuts and bolts on drill floor and drilling equipment including derrick. Replaces, repairs and tightens as required.
  • Assists Derrickhand in changing screens; relieves Derrickhand as required.
  • Assists Driller in the training and instruction of less experience Floorhands.
  • Assists in specialized tasks:
    • Rigging up.
    • Nippling up.
    • Running casing.
    • Lubricating jacking system during Rig moves.
    • Tearing down specialized equipment. Requires ability to work over side and work from high elevations - requires climbing.
  • Forms part of Well Control Team during shut in procedures.
  • Works in a safe and conscientious manner to ensure personnel safety and the safety of fellow crewmembers.
  • Reports any irregularities or safety hazards to supervisors.

May be called upon to perform other duties comparable to the above as the above duties describe only the typical, primary features of the job and should not be construed as describing all the duties which are part of the job.
Education and Experience
Prior land rig experience is preferred.
Qualifications
Normal career path would have adequately demonstrated to a supervisor through on-the-job experience the ability to competently and safely perform the tasks of a roustabout. Prior land rig experience is preferred. The position of Floorhand necessitates capacity to be able to perform very heavy work.
Very Heavy Work: Lifting objects in excess of 100 lbs. with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 lbs. or more.
Other Accountabilities
  • Business Ethics - Understands fully Ensign's ethics policy and its application in all business dealings including contractual agreements and contract negotiations
  • Business Policies - Understands and agrees to follow all of Ensign's Policy and Directives and procedures as set forth in the Ensign Company Policy and Basic Directives Handbook for Employees
  • Certifications - Maintains technical and safety certifications required by company or government agencies; remains current on all OSHA, EUSD and other required training
  • Drug-free workplace - Conforms to a drug-free workplace, not be under the influence of mind-altering prescription or non-prescription drugs, including alcohol and other drugs of abuse.
  • Occupational Health and Safety - Understands fully the Ensign Health and Safety policy and self-responsibility for own health and safety at work; Demonstrates responsibility to avoid adversely affecting the health and safety of others through any act or omission
    • Uses the correct protective clothing and equipment as provided by Ensign and guards against misuse or damage to such equipment
    • Reports any hazardous situations arising in the workplace that cannot be self-corrected, or injury incurred during the course of work, no matter how minor
    • Avoids injury resulting from manual handling tasks, by use of risk assessment, correct mechanical handling equipment and correct manual handling techniques