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Contract Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Simos

Welder

Hialeah, FL · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Description We are seeking an experienced Stainless Steel Welder to join our team for a short-term contract. In this role, you will support the fabrication, assembly, and repair of high-quality ...

Belcan

Welder

Somerville, MA

$30 - $41/hr

Job Title: welder Pay Rate: $30 - $41 an hour Job Type: contract Keyword's: #welderJobs, ##INDREG What you'll do: * Weld and inspect large metallic structures and tooling within specified timelines ...

Rinvio

Welder

Oakland, CA

$32 - $45/hr

Rinvio is hiring a Welder for an industrial skilled-trades role in the Oakland, CA market ... This is an hourly contract role; exact client and site details are shared only with qualified ...

Jobs on Cash

Welder

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

Contract Responsibilities: - Welder Needed (Oklahoma City) compensation: Hourly Pay depends on your ability. Weld with TIG and MIG. Inside a clean shop.

Belcan

Welder

Somerville, MA · On-site

$30 - $41/hr

Job Title: welder Pay Rate: $30 - $41 an hour Job Type: contract Keyword's: #welderJobs, ##INDREG What you'll do: * Weld and inspect large metallic structures and tooling within specified timelines ...

Austal USA

Welder - Manufacturing

Mobile, AL · On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Adhere to proper contract prepping, (Including paint removal in way of any weld). * Demonstrated ability to weld fillets for material thicknesses 4mm- 25mm * Demonstrated ability to weld gusset toe ...

Aerotek

Welder

Cedar Rapids, IA

$18 - $24/hr

Welder This contract-to-hire Welder position focuses on MIG welding aluminum feed trailers in a fully on-site manufacturing environment. You will weld aluminum components using .035 wire, assemble ...

GABLETEK

AWS Welder

Lansing, MI · On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

AWS Certified Welder (Contract) Position Title: AWS Certified Welder Location: Auburn Hills, MI → Holland, MI Duration: 1-Week Contract Start Date: Immediate / Project-Based Position Overview ...

Express Employment Professionals

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Welder

Hamburg, NY · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Welder * 1st shift (4 days/wk) * $22 - $28 / hour based on experience * Hamburg NY area ** NOTE ... We are able to fill these needs through direct hire, contract-to-hire and contract opportunities.

Quantum World Technologies Inc

Welder

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

Multiple Welder Opening (Senior Materials Engineer/ Heat Treatment- Welding SME) Job Location ... San Diego, CA (Onsite- 5 days a week) Hire Type: Long-term Contract Duration: 6 - 12 months Domain:

ThompsonFirstGroup

Welder

Millington, MD

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Thompson First Group is seeking Welders for contract-to-hire positions with a local client. Candidates with previous production welding experience, welding certifications, or formal welding training ...

US Tech Force - Green Bay

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Welder

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$18 - $35/hr

Most positions are Long-Term, Permanent, Contract-to-Hire, or Direct Hire Positions. ***Skilled and ... Welding; Machining; Machine Operators*** We partner with 100's of companies within Northeast, WI ...

Synerfac Technical Staffing

Welder

Struthers, OH

$21 - $21.50/hr

This position is full time, contract to hire. Seeking both 1st and 2nd shift -Mig and Tig welding -read blueprints Must have prior experience with MIG and Tig Welding. Must have experience with flat ...

Synerfac Technical Staffing

Welder

Virginia Beach, VA

$22 - $36.80/hr

Contract to Hire About the company: Our client provides on-site power integration for large data scale centers. Key Responsibilities: - Perform welding duties primarily using a MIG torch. (TIG torch ...

Port View Resources

Welder

Virginia Beach, VA

$20 - $30/hr

The ideal candidate will be proficient in MIG welding and blueprint reading, with a strong ... Port View Resources provides outsourced recruitment for direct hires as well as providing contract ...

FlexTrades

Welder

Madison, WI

$30 - $36/hr

Pay and Schedule * $30-36 per hour (depending on contract) * 50+ hours per week * Overtime paid at ... Traveling Welder (MIG, TIG, or Flux-Core) Company: FlexTrades This role is best suited for welders ...

FlexTrades

Welder

Madison, WI · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Pay and Schedule * $30-36 per hour (depending on contract) * 50+ hours per week * Overtime paid at ... Traveling Welder (MIG, TIG, or Flux-Core) Company: FlexTrades This role is best suited for welders ...

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Contract Welder information

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$14

$22

$31

How much do contract welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract welder in the United States is $22.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by contract welders when working on diverse projects?

Contract welders often encounter varying project requirements, materials, and welding techniques depending on the client and industry. Adapting quickly to new work environments and safety protocols can be challenging, as each job site may have unique standards and equipment. Additionally, balancing multiple contracts and managing fluctuating workloads requires strong organizational skills and flexibility. Effective communication with project managers and other trades is essential to ensure project specifications are met and deadlines are achieved.

How much do independent contractor welders make?

Independent contractor welders typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, specialization, and project complexity. Their annual income can vary widely, often ranging from $40,000 to over $100,000, with higher earnings possible for those with specialized skills or certifications in industries like construction or manufacturing.

What Does a Contract Welder Do?

As a contract welder, you provide welding services as an independent contractor. You decide which jobs you take and handle advertising, scheduling, and other business related tasks. You work on a project from start to finish, sourcing your own materials, managing tools and equipment, and testing your work. Your duties are to plan the project, place the pipe, solder any connections, and troubleshoot any issues that arise while providing all supplies and labor. You work with blueprints, sketches, and 3D drawings and collaborate with clients to understand their project goals. A contract welder ensures all work meets industry regulations and safety requirements.

How to find contract welding work?

Contract welders can find work through online job boards, industry-specific websites, and networking with contractors or companies in need of welding services. Building a strong portfolio, obtaining relevant certifications, and maintaining good relationships with clients can also help secure contract opportunities. Many welders find work by applying directly to companies or through staffing agencies that specialize in skilled trades.

What is the difference between Contract Welder vs Pipe Welder?

AspectContract WelderPipe Welder
CertificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS, ASME)Welding certifications, often specialized in pipe welding (e.g., API, ASME)
Work EnvironmentVarious sites, including construction, manufacturing, and maintenancePrimarily on pipelines, refineries, and industrial plants
Industry UsageUsed across multiple industries for diverse projectsSpecifically focused on pipe fabrication and installation
Work ScopeGeneral welding tasks, may include structural or fabrication workSpecialized in welding pipes and pipe fittings

Both Contract Welders and Pipe Welders require welding certifications and work in industrial environments. However, Contract Welders have a broader scope, working on various projects, while Pipe Welders specialize in pipe systems. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job opportunity.

Can you make $300,000 as a welder?

Contract welders can potentially earn $300,000 annually, especially if they work in high-demand industries, have specialized skills, certifications, and extensive experience. Such earnings typically require working long hours, overtime, or in remote locations with hazardous conditions. Most welders earn significantly less, with top earners reaching high six-figure incomes through advanced skills and strategic job choices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Welder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Welder, you need excellent welding skills, a strong understanding of various welding techniques, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by technical training or apprenticeship. Familiarity with welding machines, safety equipment, and certifications such as AWS (American Welding Society) are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective time management are essential soft skills for ensuring quality and efficiency. These skills and qualifications are crucial to produce safe, precise welds and to meet project specifications and deadlines in diverse work environments.

What are contract welders?

Contract welders are skilled tradespeople who are hired on a temporary or project basis to perform welding tasks for various industries, such as construction, manufacturing, or shipbuilding. Unlike full-time employees, they work under a contract for a specified period or until a particular project is completed. Contract welders may specialize in different welding techniques and often provide their own tools and equipment. Their responsibilities typically include reading blueprints, preparing materials, and ensuring high-quality welds that meet industry standards.

What welding jobs pay $50 an hour?

Contract welders with specialized skills in areas such as pipeline, structural, or aerospace welding can earn around $50 an hour or more, especially with certifications like AWS or ASME. High-demand industries and overtime opportunities often contribute to higher pay rates for experienced welders working in demanding environments or on complex projects.
More about Contract Welder jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Welder jobs? Cities with the most Contract Welder job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Welder jobs? The most popular types of Welder jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Welder jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Welder jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Welder jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Welder jobs are:
Contract Welder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Welder job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,302 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Aluminum Welder

Performance Personnel Services Mobile

New Orleans, LA

$20.25 - $26.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities:
• Read and understand basic drawings and weld symbols.
• Work efficiently as part of a team to meet daily production goals.
• Perform MIG or TIG welding on aluminum in all positions (standing, sitting, kneeling, lying).
• Use mirror welding when required.
• Safely operate power tools (gougers, circular saws, grinders).
• Operate cranes and forklifts.
• Assist with equipment maintenance and organization.
• Train and mentor less-experienced welders when assigned.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure correct construction practices are followed.
• Work shifts or overtime as needed.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace.
• Monitor and report any safety, quality, or environmental concerns.

Welding Skills:
• Weld fillets on 4mm–10mm materials.
• Weld frame wraps, terminations, and T-bar wraps with minimal blending.
• Weld into corners and vertical intersections.
• Identify and correct basic weld defects.
• Perform groove/butt welds that pass radiographic testing (NDT).
• Use back-step and sequence welding techniques effectively.

Qualifications:
• 3+ years of welding experience.
• Ability to pass aluminum MIG (GMAW) and/or TIG (GTAW) test.
• Ability to meet contract welding requirements.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent certification (ACT WorkKeys Bronze or higher).

*Pretesting required in Mobile, AL*

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