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Contract Welder Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

VOLT

NDT Tech Ultrasonic

Decatur, IL · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Magnetic particles (wet/dry), liquid penetrant, visual weld inspection and other non-destructive ... This is a Full Time, Contract opportunity. Pay Rate: $28- $35 per hour. *Pay range offered to a ...

VOLT

NDT Tech Visual

Decatur, IL · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

The NDT technician is part of a team that provides visual weld inspections and other non ... This is a Full Time, Contract opportunity. Shift: 2nd or 3rd shift Pay Rate: $21- $26 per hour *Pay ...

VOLT

NDT Radiography Tech

Decatur, IL · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

... weld engineering and manufacturing specifications. Individual is responsible for tracking and ... Contract opportunity. Shift: 2nd or 3rd shift Pay Rate: $26- $30 per hour *Pay range offered to a ...

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Contract Welder information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$13

$21

$30

How much do contract welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract welder in Decatur, IL is $21.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.17 and $24.04 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 do you get welding contracts?

Contract welders typically find contracts by building a strong professional network, applying through staffing agencies, and marketing their skills through online platforms and local industry events. Obtaining relevant certifications and demonstrating quality work can also help secure ongoing contracts.

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 much do contract welders make per year?

Contract welders typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Skilled welders with certifications and specialized tools can earn higher wages, especially for short-term or high-demand contracts.

Can you make 300k as a welder?

Contract welders can potentially earn $300,000 or more annually, especially if they work in high-demand industries like oil and gas, offshore, or specialized construction, and have extensive experience and certifications. However, such earnings are typically achieved through overtime, hazardous work conditions, or high-paying projects, and are not common for all welders. Most welders earn between $40,000 and $70,000 per year, with top earners reaching higher levels based on skills and location.

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 $100,000 as a welder?

Contract welders can potentially earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with specialized skills, certifications, and experience in high-demand industries like oil and gas or construction. Earnings vary based on location, project complexity, and overtime, with some welders reaching six-figure incomes through overtime pay and advanced certifications. However, such salaries are not typical for entry-level positions and often require significant experience and skill development.

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.
More about Contract Welder jobs
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What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Contract Welder jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Contract Welder job openings:
Contract Welder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Welder job openings in Decatur, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,911 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Parts Maker

Parts Maker

Illinois Oil Marketing Equipment, Inc.

Clinton, IL • On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Parts Maker
Job Status: Full Time
FLSA Status: Non - Exempt
Reports To: Tank Shop Supervisor/Facility Manager
Grade/Level: Entry
Amount of Travel Required: None
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 5:00am - 3:00pm
POSITION SUMMARY
Produce parts, along with tank and non-tank related items according to specifications and direction. Handle different gauges/size of sheet metal in production of tank. Operate various welders and machinery to produce parts needed for the completion of tanks.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable Accommodations Statement:
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Tack weld tank bases together to prepare for welders to weld.
  • Gather materials which will include moving steel from rack to work area.
  • Operate press brake, head roller, sheet roll, iron worker, plasma cutter, band saw and metal sheer.
  • Cut materials as required.
  • Assemble and tack weld according to specifications, drawings and blueprints.
  • Proficient with circle sheer for cutting tank heads.
  • Responsible for making tank and skids.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
EXPERIENCE
MIG welding, plasma cutter, forklift and tape measuring reading experience preferred. Ability to read blueprints preferred.
EDUCATION
High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED): Required
WORK ENVIRONMENT Typical manufacturing environment.
• Illinois Oil Marketing Equipment provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, 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 policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
• Safety Sensitive Functions-This position is deemed Safety Sensitive since a person improperly performing the essential or marginal functions of the job would constitute a threat to the health and safety of the employee, the employee's co-workers, and/or the public at large.
The company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the company may deem appropriate.
*IOME does not offer sponsorship for work visas.
Starting Wage $16.00 - $17.00 per hour

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