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Contract Welding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Quantum World Technologies Inc

Welder

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

... Welding SME) Job Location: San Diego, CA (Onsite- 5 days a week) Hire Type: Long-term Contract Duration: 6 - 12 months Domain: Aerospace (preferred) Role Summary: * Serve as a senior subject matter ...

EPSILON SYSTEMS

NDT Inspector Level III

National City, CA · On-site

$89K - $130K/yr

Reviews Technical Specifications and contract requirements to advise Bid Team of Welding, Brazing and NDT requirements to help evaluate company capabilities and support the Bid review. * Reviews ...

Career Site

Aerospace Structural Welder

El Centro, CA · On-site

$39.33/hr

PENDING CONTRACT AWARD Job Title: Aerospace Structural Welder Location: FRCASE El Centro, CA Task Description: AEROSPACE STRUCTURAL WELDER, BLS 51-4121, SCA 23010 Function: Use hand-welding, flame ...

Career Site

Aerospace Structural Welder

Coronado, CA · On-site

$44.12/hr

PENDING CONTRACT AWARD Job Title: Aerospace Structural Welder Location: FRCASE NAS North Island/Naval Base Coronado, CA Task Description: AEROSPACE STRUCTURAL WELDER, BLS 51-4121, SCA 23010 Function:

NextDeavor Inc.

Production Welder II

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$20 - $22.38/hr

NextDeavor offers health, vision and dental benefits for contract employees * Paid sick leave ... Welding certificate * Ability to read and understand mechanical drawings and weld prints * Strong ...

The Structures Company

Welder/Fabrication

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Contract (Long Term) * Clearance: Ability to obtain a Security Clearance. * Industry: Aerospace ... Proficient in GMAW and GTAW welding processes. * Experience welding Steel, Stainless Steel ...

NextDeavor Inc.

Production Welder 1

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $19.23/hr

Benefits You'll Love NextDeavor offers health, vision and dental benefits for contract employees ... Prepare welds, perform various welding operations, and complete weld finishing tasks * Manufacture ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 4, 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.

Welder

Quantum World Technologies Inc

El Cajon, CA • On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

Contractor

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Title: Multiple Welder Opening (Senior Materials Engineer/ Heat Treatment- Welding SME)

Job Location: San Diego, CA (Onsite- 5 days a week)

Hire Type: Long-term Contract

Duration: 6 – 12 months

Domain: Aerospace (preferred)

Job Description:

Role Summary:

  • Serve as a senior subject matter expert supporting materials engineering, heat treatment, and welding-related qualification and production activities in an aerospace environment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical leadership for heat treatment processes and related materials engineering activities;
  • Support qualification work, process control, investigations, and technical problem-solving;
  • Advise on welding-related areas including EB and TIG weld support as applicable;
  • Partner with engineering, quality, and operations teams to reduce technical overload and ensure compliance;
  • Support documentation, specifications, and process improvement initiatives.

Required Skills and Experience:

  • Deep experience in materials engineering, heat treatment, and aerospace process qualification;
  • Strong technical understanding of metallurgical behaviour, process controls, and special processes;
  • Experience supporting welding-related manufacturing processes in regulated environments; ability to operate as a senior-level technical advisor.

Preferred:

  • Aerospace special process expertise, qualification support experience, and ability to mentor teams on complex technical matters.