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Contract Welding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Owais Construction Group

Welding Inspector

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

Verify compliance with the requirement of the contract documents. * Review Welding Reports prepared by contractors. Compensation: $85,000.00 per year ABOUT US ENGICON CM is a construction management ...

Antares

Welding Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $150K/yr

... contract with the military services, NASA, and the Department of Energy. About the Team As a ... You will own welding processes from early design and material selection through procedure ...

SGS

Welding / Mechanical Inspector

San Diego, CA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

SGS is currently looking for a Welding/Mechanical Inspector for some contract work in Casper ... This is not a full-time contract but some intermittent quality assurance work which will vary based ...

Amtec Contract

Be Seen First

TIG & MIG Welder

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Temp-to-Hire Ready to put your welding skills to work on high-quality projects? We are looking for an experienced MIG & TIG Welder who takes pride in precision, craftsmanship, and getting the job ...

TERRACON

Certified Welding Inspector

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$36 - $50.40/hr

... to contract specifications. * Read and interpret construction drawings and specifications ... American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) * American Society for ...

TERRACON

Certified Welding Inspector

Sacramento, CA

$30 - $40.75/hr

American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) * American Society for ... to contract specifications. * Read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.

Amtec Contract

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Welder Lead

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

You will balance hands-on welding with team leadership--orienting new hires, guiding daily workflows, de-escalating issues, and ensuring performance standards and deadlines are met. Key ...

Mt. San Jacinto College

Associate Instructor (Welding)

CA · On-site

$80 - $90/hr

Welding Division: Instruction Opening Date: 09/30/2025 Closing Date: Continuous Salary Level: 1 ... Varies (TBD) Contract Length: Less than 10 months Occupational Group: F Faculty Position Type: A ...

Rinvio

Welder

Oakland, CA

$32 - $45/hr

Contract. Public location: Public posting uses a market location and does not expose the client site. Primary scope: industrial welding, fabrication, repair, fitting, layout, and production or ...

CrossFire Group

Welder

Los Angeles, CA

$35 - $38.50/hr

WELDING & FABRICATION TECHNICIAN Los Angeles, CA | LAX Airport Pay Rate: $35.00-$38.50/hour 6-Month Contract | Potential Contract-to-Hire Full-Time | 40 Hours/Week KEEP CRITICAL AIRPORT EQUIPMENT ...

ITResource Hunter

TIG Welder

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.25/hr

El Segundo, CA Employment Type: [Full-time / Contract / Contract-to-Hire] NOTE: Client is seeking ... Perform TIG welding on stainless steel, aluminum, Inconel, and other high-performance alloys

TAD PGS, Inc.

Welder

Irvine, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

... welding and the aerospace industries. * Must be able to understand and interpret technical drawings to military and aerospace specifications. Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on ...

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All JobsContract Welding JobsContract Welding Jobs in California

Contract Welding information

See California salary details

$24

$41

$56

How much do contract welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract welding in California is $41.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.94 and $46.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 project. Rates can vary based on location, industry, and whether the work is short-term or long-term, with specialized skills often commanding higher pay.

What are the most commonly searched types of Welding jobs in California?

The most popular types of Welding jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Welding jobs in California?

For Contract Welding jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Welding jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Welding jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Welding jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Welding job openings:

Contract Welding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Welding job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 21% Contract, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,421 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Welding Inspector

Alhambra, CA • On-site

ENGICON CM
See more jobs at ENGICON CMexternal

$85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Vision insurance
  • Competitive salary
  • Employee discounts
  • Opportunity for advancement

Desired Qualifications:
Current American Welding Society Certification as a Certified Welding Inspector, or Senior Certified Welding Inspector, with a minimum of 10 years experience, and holds a current International Code Council (ICC) Welding Certificate and an ICC High Strength Bolting Certificate.
  • Familiarity with, and a working knowledge of the welding codes from the American Welding Society (AWS), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Petroleum Institute (API), and American Water Works Association (AWWA). 
  • Familiarity with Caltrans Standard Specifications and Standard Special Provisions pertaining to welding.
  • Previous inspection or trade experience in inspection or performing welding on bridge construction or bridge seismic retrofit projects.
Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Under the oversight and direction of Department Section Heads, Area Supervisors, or consultant Construction Managers Welding Inspectors will be assigned to bridge construction, bridge seismic retrofit, retaining wall, water tank, water line and other projects during and in support of welding operations as needed for quality assurance.
  • Review Welding Quality Control Plans prepared by contractors.
  • Perform welding quality assurance inspection. Such inspection will typically supplement contractor performed quality control inspection required in the Special Provisions. Verify compliance with the requirement of the contract documents.
  • Review Welding Reports prepared by contractors.