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Contract Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Protingent

Welding Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$65 - $85/hr

Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract Welding Engineer opportunity. Job Responsibilities: * Develop and qualify welding techniques for nuclear reactor core internals for the reactor sodium ...

Community College System of New Hampshire

$50K - $64K/yr

... contract teaching at the College in a classroom, online classroom, and lab setting; strong instructional background is preferred. The focus area is in mig/tig welding. Scope of Work: To coordinate ...

Audubon Companies

Welding Inspector

Houston, TX · On-site

This person also inspects application with respect to specification, code, drawings and contract requirements. The client may prefer the Welding Inspector to be certified. This is an ongoing ...

TechStaff, Inc

Welding Engineer

Chicago, IL

$36.75 - $50.75/hr

... contract reviews to satisfy welding and NDT inspection requirements; develop welder, brazer, and NDT training programs; prepare justifications for purchase of robotic and semi-automatic welding ...

Sigma Defense

1725 - Welding Lead

Panama City, FL · On-site

This is a contingent position that is pending award of contract. This means that the position is ... Expertise in welding metallurgy, welding techniques, and weld quality control practices.

Sigma Defense

1725 - Welding Lead

Panama City, FL

This is a contingent position that is pending award of contract. This means that the position is ... Expertise in welding metallurgy, welding techniques, and weld quality control practices.

Sigma Defense

1725 - Welding Lead

Panama City, FL · On-site

This is a contingent position that is pending award of contract. This means that the position is ... Expertise in welding metallurgy, welding techniques, and weld quality control practices.

Techstaff

Welding Engineer

Chicago, IL

$36.75 - $50.75/hr

... contract reviews to satisfy welding and NDT inspection requirements; develop welder, brazer, and NDT training programs; prepare justifications for purchase of robotic and semi-automatic welding ...

NuHire, LLC

Welding Supervisor

New Castle, PA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

The Welding Supervisor will oversee a medium-sized team of 6-15 welders, ensuring safe and ... contracts. All the positions we represent are permanent positions with full benefits.

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Contract Welding information

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How much do contract welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract welding in the United States is $41.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.38 and $47.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What welding jobs pay $50 an hour?

Welding jobs that pay $50 an hour typically include skilled positions such as pipe welders, structural welders, and underwater welders, especially those with specialized certifications and experience. These roles often require certifications like AWS or ASME and may involve working in demanding environments or requiring overtime. Pay rates can vary based on location, experience, and the complexity of the work.

What is a contract welder?

A contract welder is a skilled tradesperson who performs welding work on a temporary or project basis under a contract agreement. They often work in various environments such as construction sites, manufacturing plants, or repair facilities, and may need certifications like AWS or ASME to demonstrate their expertise. Contract welders typically have flexible schedules and must adhere to safety standards and precise technical specifications.

Can you make $300,000 as a welder?

Contract welders with extensive experience, specialized skills, and high-demand certifications can potentially earn $300,000 annually, especially when working on large projects or overtime. However, typical welding salaries range from $40,000 to $70,000 per year, and reaching $300,000 usually requires advanced expertise, management roles, or working in high-paying industries like oil and gas or aerospace. Most welders do not reach this income level without significant experience and specialization.

What is the difference between Contract Welding vs Pipe Welding?

AspectContract WeldingPipe Welding
CertificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS, CWI)Welding certifications (e.g., AWS, CWI)
Work EnvironmentVarious sites, including construction, manufacturing, maintenancePrimarily on pipelines, oil & gas, industrial plants
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, maintenance projectsOil & gas, water, and gas pipeline industries
Job ScopePerforming welds on different materials and structuresSpecialized welding on pipes and pipelines

Contract Welding involves performing welds across various industries and structures, often on different materials, while Pipe Welding focuses specifically on welding pipes, mainly in the oil, gas, and pipeline sectors. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in work environment and scope.

How to find contract welding work?

Contract welders can find work through online job boards, industry-specific websites, and by networking with construction companies or contractors. Building a strong portfolio, obtaining relevant certifications, and maintaining a good reputation can also help secure contract opportunities.

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 proficiency in various welding techniques, blueprint reading, and a relevant welding certification or apprenticeship. Familiarity with tools such as MIG, TIG, and arc welding equipment, as well as safety systems like OSHA regulations, is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong problem-solving skills help distinguish top performers in this field. These skills and qualities ensure high-quality, safe welds that meet project specifications and deadlines across diverse work environments.

What is contract welding?

Contract welding is a service where a welder or welding company is hired on a contractual basis to complete specific projects or tasks for a client. This can include anything from fabricating metal structures to repairing equipment. Contract welders may work on-site at a client’s location or in their own workshops, depending on the project requirements. This arrangement allows businesses to access specialized welding skills without committing to hiring full-time staff. It is commonly used in industries like construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding.

How does a contract welder typically collaborate with other professionals on a job site?

Contract welders frequently work alongside other tradespeople such as fabricators, engineers, and project managers. Effective communication is essential for staying aligned with project specifications and timelines, especially as changes or challenges arise on the job. Welders are often responsible for interpreting blueprints and coordinating with other teams to ensure their work integrates seamlessly with broader construction or manufacturing processes. Building strong working relationships can help prevent delays and promote a safe, efficient work environment.
More about Contract Welding jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Welding jobs? Cities with the most Contract Welding job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Welding jobs? The most popular types of Welding jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Welding jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Welding jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Welding jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Welding jobs are:
Contract Welding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Welding job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,554 per year, or $41.6 per hour.
Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer

Protingent

Bellevue, WA • On-site

$65 - $85/hr

Contractor

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted just now

Job description


Position Title: Welding Engineer
Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract Welding Engineer opportunity.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Develop and qualify welding techniques for nuclear reactor core internals for the reactor sodium cooled fast reactor
  • Weld process development and qualification for ferritic-martensitic steels and austenitic stainless steels using multiple technologies (resistance pressure welding, TIG, laser, etc.)
  • Generate appropriate specifications and procedures for the weld process, and review engineering documentation to ensure appropriate callouts
  • Oversee the operation of weld equipment to generate test coupons to support process qualification and test programs to develop performance models
  • Develop appropriate destructive and nondestructive inspection criteria for weld certification
  • Use fundamental materials engineering principles to develop basic models of material performance and validate using laboratory testing
  • Develop test requirements, plans, specifications and procedures for testing
  • Oversee test programs for qualification of welds such as mechanical properties, burst testing, thermal creep, creep-fatigue, neutron irradiation, thermal aging, and sodium exposure
  • Perform scientific analysis on test data and generate technical reports to document new knowledge related to reactor design and qualification
  • Interface with various project teams to ensure materials development and testing efforts meet programmatic objectives for a wide range of Company initiatives including the Reactor reactor
  • Assist with supplier audits per ASME NQA-1-2015

Job Qualifications:
  • Minimum of 4 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or a Master's degree. A degree in Materials Science/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline is desired.
  • A solid understanding of metallurgy including fabrication and thermomechanical processing of ferrous alloys is required
  • Experience working in stringent quality systems (e.g., NQA-1, ISO-9001, AS9100) preferred
  • A general understanding of the design of nuclear reactor and subsequent impacts on materials would be considered a plus
  • Ability to work with minimum direction to solve challenging problems
  • Actual position starting level and title will be determined based on assessment of qualifications
  • The successful candidate will possess a high degree of trust and integrity, communicate openly and display respect, and a desire to foster teamwork.
  • Travel Required: 5%.

Job Details:
  • Job type: Contract
  • Pay Rate Range: $65-$85/hr (Pay rates are approved based on candidate location, education and experience)
  • Location: Bellevue, WA
  • Export control regulations require candidates to be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Legal Permanent Resident, or of a protected person status

Benefits Package: Protingent offers competitive salaries, insurance plan options (HDHP plan or POS plan), education/certification reimbursement, pre-tax commuter benefits, Paid Time Off (PTO), and an administered 401k plan.
#TerraPro
About Protingent: Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation - from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We're passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.
Meet Your Recruiter
Magic Demirel
As a Technical Recruiter at Protingent, I am excited to leverage my diverse background in education, leadership, and technology to connect talented professionals with opportunities that align with their skills and aspirations. My experience as an accomplished classroom educator and EdTech specialist has honed my ability to understand complex skill sets and identify the right fit for various roles.
I am passionate about...
...Building meaningful relationships with both candidates and clients to ensure mutual success
...Staying ahead of industry trends and understanding the evolving needs of the tech industry
...Creating efficient, streamlined processes that enhance the recruitment experience for all parties involved
...Supporting diverse, equitable, and inclusive hiring practices to create a more inclusive workforce
  • mdemirel@protingent.com

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