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Contract Rig Welder Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

1-800-PACK-RAT

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

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 ...

1-800-PACK-RAT LLC

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Houston, TX · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

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 ...

NABORS

Senior Engineer- Structural

Houston, TX

$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 ...

Seatrium

Topside Piping Lead Engineer

Houston, TX

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

Seatrium

Piping Lead (Hull)

Houston, TX

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

Seatrium

Topside Piping Lead Engineer

Houston, TX

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

Epiroc

Assembler

Garland, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

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 ...

Epiroc Drilling Solutions, LLC

Assembler

Garland, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

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 ...

All JobsContract Rig Welder JobsContract Rig Welder Jobs in Texas

Contract Rig Welder information

See Texas salary details

$4

$43

$77

How much do contract rig welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 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, and why are they important?

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 are popular job titles related to Contract Rig Welder jobs in Texas? For Contract Rig Welder jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles 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:
Contract Rig Welder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Rig Welder job openings in Texas as of July 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.
Senior Engineer- Structural

Senior Engineer- Structural

Nabors Industries Limited

Houston, TX • On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Nabors Industries rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 75 rated oil and gas companies

Job description


Serve as a lead contributing Structural engineer within the Engineering and Technical Support group, responsible for designing drilling structures and associated sub-systems to meet operational requirements. Manage capital construction projects from planning through execution, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful delivery. Provide technical support to Operations, Marketing, and Purchasing groups to maintain and improve rig productivity, while evaluating equipment performance and implementing engineering solutions to enhance reliability and efficiency.
Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
  • Develop and manage structural engineering design scopes for New Rig Construction, Refurbishing, Modification / Upgrade, and Maintenance activities, including scope of work development, drafting oversight and final drawing approval and issuance
  • Performs engineering calculations, drawing review and other engineering functions in relation to above
  • Provides construction management (including scheduling and cost control) and engineering support for rig construction activities
  • Provides technical support to the Operations, Marketing, and Purchasing departments, including on-site troubleshooting, condition assessment, repair planning and oversite
  • Maintains current knowledge of new drilling equipment and practices
  • Maintain current knowledge of new project management techniques and practices
  • Review research, analyses, internal and supplier specifications, manuals, and other data supporting team and project needs to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements of designs or applications
  • Review product design for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, client contract requirements, and related specifications; and, review and recommend capital equipment for Capital and Equipment Standards committees
  • Manage external engineers and support staff including subcontractors and consultants to ensure timely delivery of project documents.
  • Assists in audits of sub-contractors
  • Participates in the evaluation of new equipment
    #LI-JA1

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • 9+ years of experience with a minimum of 5 years with a drilling contractor and/or drilling services company
  • Bachelor of Science degree in civil/structural engineering from an accredited university is required
  • Highly proficient in drilling and oilfield structures
  • Proficient with structural analysis, preferably SolidWorks Simulation, StruCAD, SAFI, and/or RISA 3D
  • Proficient with drafting software such as AutoCAD and/or Solidworks
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Project

Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional Engineer License in Civil/Structural
  • Work experience at mast / derrick / substructure manufacturer, including designing API 4F structures
  • Familiarity with field inspection and leading field repair of drilling structures.
  • Working knowledge of project management tools including cost estimations, contracts, and scheduling.
  • Working knowledge of project management concepts related to project initiation, project planning, project execution, project monitoring and controlling, and project closing.
  • Management and leadership concepts including leading people, driving results, leading change, business acumen, and building coalitions.

BEHAVIORAL COMPENTENCIES
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Conflict resolution related to designs through technical coordination.
  • Holistic and Interdisciplinary approach to solving problems.
  • Encouragement of team members and engineering group with mentorship and guidance to individual performers
  • Reliable self-starter able to establish priorities and organize workload on a daily basis with minimal direction
  • Dependable and adaptable to change
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Must be a team player with a positive attitude
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

Technical Competencies
  • Knowledge of global and local analysis of drilling structures, including designing to API 4F
  • The individual should have proficient drilling knowledge related to the following items:
    • Drilling and rig crew functions and How drilling structures are used during operation.
    • How drilling structures and equipment skids are lifted, moved, assembled and raised
    • How drilling structures and equipment skids are fabricated and repaired.
    • Code requirements pertaining to the design, construction, safety, and operation of both land and offshore drilling rigs including but not limited to API, ASCE, etc.
  • Discipline specific fabrication and manufacturing design, processes, and testing (i.e., welding, machining, etc.).
  • Construction, fabrication and manufacturing concepts related to drilling rigs.
  • Knowledge and experience with rig and equipment testing and commissioning, including systems integrated testing (SIT) and integrated acceptance testing (IAT).
  • Ability to read, interpret, and explain drawings to field personnel and/or junior engineers

physical requirements / working conditions
Engineer position may require periods of extended travel to domestic or international rig locations equating to approximately 25% of time worked.
About Us
Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world.
About the Team
Equal Opportunity Employer
Nabors is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, religion, age, color, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. To learn more about our Fair Employment practices, please refer to the Nabors Code of Conduct.

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