1

Contract Welder Jobs in Rochester, NH (NOW HIRING)

Shipboard Plumber

Kittery, ME · On-site

$31.01 - $32.01/hr

... Weld holding fixtures to steel structural members as required. • Utilize industry-specific hand ... contract obligations. • Employees are expected to provide their own customary trade hand-tools ...

Shipboard Plumber

Kittery, ME · On-site

$31.01/hr

Weld holding fixtures to steel structural members as required. * Utilize industry-specific hand ... Respond to urgent calls outside of regular working hours as required by contract obligations.

Construction Engineering Technician

Kittery, ME · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

... welding, and other building materials/structural systems, as required * Attend/witness selected ... Review pre-final contract drawings and specifications (particularly Division 01 administrative ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Welder information

See Rochester, NH salary details

$13

$21

$30

How much do contract welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract welder in Rochester, NH is $21.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $24.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract welder?

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 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.

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

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 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.

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.

How much do contract welders get paid?

Contract welders typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the work. Rates can vary based on location, project scope, and whether the work is performed on-site or remotely, with some specialized roles paying higher wages.

What are the most commonly searched types of Welder jobs in Rochester, NH?

The most popular types of Welder jobs in Rochester, NH are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Welder jobs in Rochester, NH?

For Contract Welder jobs in Rochester, NH, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Welder jobs in Rochester, NH look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Welder jobs in Rochester, NH are:

Infographic showing various Contract Welder job openings in Rochester, NH as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,316 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

$31.01 - $32.01/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

United Support Services, Inc., founded in 2003, is an innovative engineering and technology business headquartered in San Diego, CA. We have an exciting new opportunity and are currently looking for an experienced Shipboard Plumber to provide support to U.S. Navy vessels in the Kittery, ME area. This position offers a competitive salary and unique opportunity to perform various shipboard duties. Military Veterans highly encouraged to apply!
Duties and Responsibilities
• Assemble, install, and repair pipes, fittings, and fixtures associated with heating, water, and drainage systems in accordance with specifications and plumbing codes.
• Study plans, blueprints, and working drawings to determine required materials, work aids, and installation sequences.
• Inspect shipboard structures to identify obstructions and avoid compromising structural integrity during pipe installation.
• Locate and mark positions for pipe installations, pipe connections, and passage holes in walls and floors using appropriate measuring and leveling tools.
• Cut openings in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings using hand and power tools.
• Cut, thread, bend, fabricate, and install piping systems using pipe cutters, cutting torches, threading machines, and bending equipment.
• Assemble and install valves, pipe fittings, and pipes composed of steel, stainless steel, brass, plastic, and other materials.
• Join piping systems using screws, bolts, fittings, solder, plastic solvent, and caulked joints.
• Fill pipe systems with water or air and conduct pressure testing to identify leaks and ensure system integrity.
• Install and repair plumbing fixtures including sinks, commodes, bathtubs, water heaters, hot water tanks, garbage disposal units, and dishwashers.
• Repair plumbing systems by replacing washers, repairing burst pipes, and clearing clogged drains.
• Weld holding fixtures to steel structural members as required.
• Utilize industry-specific hand tools, portable power tools, and manually operated machine tools.
• Follow all applicable safety requirements including hot work operations, confined space procedures, lock-out/tag-out, fire prevention, and damage control efforts.
• Respond to urgent calls outside of regular working hours as required by contract obligations.
• Employees are expected to provide their own customary trade hand-tools necessary to perform their job duties, subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws.
  • Employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned, including tasks outside of their primary trade, when required to support operational needs. Such assignments may be temporary or may continue for an extended period of time.

Required Experience:
• Shipboard plumbing experience required.
• Messing & Berthing Barge Experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of accepted plumbing trade methods, techniques, tools, and equipment.
• Basic understanding of U.S. Navy ship repair activities and shipboard safety procedures.
• Understanding of U.S. Navy ship layout, configuration, control plates, placards, markings, and symbols.
• Knowledge of U.S. Navy plumbing equipment and systems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a confidential or higher security clearance, passport, and base access credentials.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, policies, guidelines, repair standards, and craft plans.
• Experience supporting shipboard plumbing and repair operations aboard Navy vessels.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Experience troubleshooting plumbing systems and selecting appropriate repair techniques and materials.
• Knowledge of supply, disposal, and utility system installation and operation.
• Ability to follow layout sheets, floor plans, circuit schematics, and manufacturer technical guidance.
Qualifications:
• Must have Security Clearance.
• Must have Drivers License.
ADA Notations:
The physical job requirement involves, but is not limited to, walking, reaching, bending-over, concentration in the presence of noise, lifting items up to 50 lbs., and traversing narrow passageways, climbing ladders/stairs, and operating in confined spaces onboard naval vessels, barges, and in buildings.
Benefits:
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance
Job Type: Full-time, Non-Exempt
United Support Services, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer.