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Contract Welder Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek

Manufacturing Laborer

Springfield, MO

$19 - $20/hr

Prep parts for welders, machine operators, and metal fabrication workers. * Assist with material ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Springfield, MO. Pay and ...

US Navy

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

Buffalo, MO · On-site

... weld, and repair ships and submarines; conduct deep and saturation diving using SCUBA, surface ... Enlist under an advanced technical field or Warrior Challenge style contract that specifies the ...

Aerotek

CNC Operator HIRING ASAP

Springfield, MO

$21 - $23/hr

Education and/or certifications related to the manufacturing industry and welding are a bonus ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Springfield, MO. Pay and ...

All JobsContract Welder JobsContract Welder Jobs in Springfield, MO

Contract Welder information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$13

$20

$29

How much do contract welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract welder in Springfield, MO is $20.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.64 and $23.32 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.
More about Contract Welder jobs

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Contract Welder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Welder job openings in Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,043 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Quality Inspector - Electromechanical - Evenings

SQA Services

Springfield, MO • On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

For almost 30 years, SQA Services has been a premier leader in the provision of managed supplier quality services for audits, assessments, remote surveillance assessments, corrective actions, remediation, inspections, and engineering to manufacturers within all industries. We deliver services by deploying associates who are located throughout the United States and in 90+ countries around the world to your supplier sites. Our associates are expert quality assurance professionals with broad experience and local knowledge who can represent our clients on-demand and on-site faster than our competitors.
We are seeking a detail-oriented Welding Inspector to ensure the quality, compliance, and integrity of welded components and assemblies. This role is responsible for performing inspections, verifying documentation, and ensuring all materials and workmanship meet applicable standards, drawings, and specifications. This position with be on site 5 days a week, 1:30pm-10pm. This is a 1-year contract!
Key Responsibilities:
  • Perform visual inspection (VT) of structural welds in accordance with AWS D1.1 acceptance criteria
  • Evaluate weld workmanship and surface condition
  • Identify weld discontinuities including:
    • Cracks
    • Undercut
    • Porosity
    • Overlap
    • Incomplete fusion indications
    • Arc strikes
    • Excessive reinforcement
    • Crater defects
  • Verify weld profiles, weld size, and contour requirements
  • Inspect fillet welds, groove welds, CJP and PJP welds
  • Welding Documentation Review
    • Review and verify approved WPS documentation
    • Confirm welder qualifications and continuity records
    • Verify welding processes and consumables comply with approved procedures
    • Review fabrication drawings and weld symbols
    • Ensure inspection requirements are properly flowed down

    In-Process and Final Inspection
    • Perform pre-weld, in-process, and final inspections
    • Verify fit-up, joint preparation, alignment, and cleanliness
    • Monitor workmanship during fabrication activities
    • Verify repairs and rework activities meet acceptance criteria
    • Coordinate with NDE personnel when required

    Reporting and Documentation
    • Generate inspection reports and nonconformance documentation
    • Document weld findings accurately and clearly
    • Provide objective disposition recommendations
    • Support corrective action and root cause investigations
    • Maintain inspection records and traceability documentation

    Supplier / Source Inspection Support
    • Perform source inspections at supplier facilities when required
    • Support supplier quality evaluations and audits
    • Communicate technical concerns professionally with suppliers and customers
    • Assist in process improvement and workmanship standardization activities

Required Qualifications:
  • Education / Experience
    • High school diploma or equivalent required
    • Technical training in welding inspection preferred
    • Minimum 3-5 years of structural welding inspection experience preferred
    • Experience inspecting structural steel fabrication and welded assemblies

    Technical Knowledge
    Strong working knowledge of:
    • AWS D1.1 requirements
    • AWS B1.11 visual inspection practices
    • Weld symbols and fabrication drawings
    • Welding processes:
      • FCAW
      • GMAW
      • SMAW
      • GTAW (preferred)
    • Structural steel fabrication practices
    • Weld gauges and inspection tools
    • Weld discontinuities and workmanship evaluation

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
  • VT Level II certification
  • NDE certifications (MT/PT preferred)
  • OSHA safety training
  • Structural steel fabrication experience

$35 - $40 an hour
Note: This position requires access to ITAR-controlled technical data and/or defense articles. As such, the candidate must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder) to comply with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants who do not meet these criteria will not be considered for this role.
SQA Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based on merit and qualifications, and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.
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We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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