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Contract Welding Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek

Welder

Cedar Rapids, IA

$18 - $24/hr

... welding and fabrication equipment and climbing into trailers as part of daily tasks. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cedar Rapids, IA. Pay and Benefits The pay ...

Recruit XL

Welder Fabricator

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$23/hr

Perform a wide range of welding including MIG/ARC welding. Familiar with cutting pipe, building ... contract-hire, and direct hire.

Aerotek

Welder

Kanawha, IA

$22.35 - $28/hr

Perform all aspects of welding area tasks. * Grind welds to ensure smooth finishes. * Collaborate ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Kanawha, IA. Pay and Benefits The pay ...

Bureau Veritas

$35 - $45/hr

... contract with the client; * Generate and process timesheets, billing reports, and inspection ... Certified Welding Inspector (American Welding Society) * NDT Level II a plus * AMPP/NACE Level II a ...

Aerotek

Welder

Algona, IA

$20 - $24/hr

... welding equipment, hand and power tools, and sandblasting equipment, with appropriate work attire needed for a hands-on industrial setting. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out ...

Aerotek

Welder

Cedar Rapids, IA

$22/hr

MIG welding experience * Fabrication experience * Forklift or overhead crane experience ... Text "WELDER" to 319 252 2304 to get started 🚀 Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire ...

Aerotek

Structural Welder

Carlisle, IA

$26 - $30/hr

Proficiency in structural welding and MIG welding. * Experience in fabrication and reading ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Carlisle, IA. Pay and Benefits ...

Aerotek

Welder And Fabricator

Des Moines, IA

$21.26 - $26.99/hr

Perform MIG welding and fabrication of structural steel components according to engineering ... is a Contract position based out of Des Moines, IA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this ...

Aerotek

Mig Welder

Sheffield, IA

$21.63/hr

Experience in MIG welding and blueprint reading is highly valued. Candidates with at least 6 months ... Contract position based out of Sheffield, IA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is ...

Aerotek

Mig Welder

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

The work is physically demanding and involves welding from your knees with welds positioned close to the ground. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cedar Rapids, IA.

Aerotek

Welder

Cedar Rapids, IA

$22/hr

MIG welding experience * Fabrication experience * Forklift or overhead crane experience ... Small, team-oriented shop environment Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based ...

RTX

Welder - Manufacturing

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract. Security Clearance ... Learn how to set up and operate automatic and manual welding machines according to specifications.

Collins Aerospace

Welder - Manufacturing

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract. Security Clearance ... Learn how to set up and operate automatic and manual welding machines according to specifications.

Marmon

Welder/Railcar Repair

Muscatine, IA

Performs welding and mechanical repairs to tank and hopper cars whenrequired. * Maintains work area ... Ability to work any shift, including overtime, as permitted by the union contract * Dependable ...

RTX

Welder - Hiring Now

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract. Security Clearance ... Learn how to set up and operate automatic and manual welding machines according to specifications.

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All JobsContract Welding JobsContract Welding Jobs in Iowa

Contract Welding information

See Iowa salary details

$23

$39

$53

How much do contract welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract welding in Iowa is $39.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.31 and $44.47 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Welding jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Welding jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Welding jobs in Iowa? For Contract Welding jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Welding jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Welding jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Contract Welding jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Contract Welding job openings:
Contract Welding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Welding job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,298 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Welding Inspectors - Multiple Locations - Contract

SGS

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Company Description
We are SGS - the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 98,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
Job Description
SGS is currently looking for Welding Inspectors in multiple locations throughout the USA. Work will be assigned on a as needed basis and will be paid for the hours/days and other applicable cost items for the hours/days spent on the assigned work. The work duration could be a day or several days or several weeks.
The inspector will be required to sign an independent contractor agreement/sub-contractor agreement (1099) with SGS North America Inc.
Scope of work:
The scope of work includes:
  • Ensuring that welds and welding processes comply with codes, standards, specifications, and project requirements by performing visual inspections and also to witness & verify non-destructive tests & their reports.
  • Monitoring welding parameters and inspecting materials and equipment.
  • Quality document reviews including WPS / PQR, assessment of quality, and issue reports or recommendations for corrective actions to ensure the safety and structural integrity of welded components.
  • Verify that welders are qualified, and that welding procedures and specifications (WPS) are followed correctly.
  • Ensure all welding activities adhere to relevant industry codes (like ASME, AWS, API) and contractual requirements.
  • Perform pre-weld, in-process, and post-weld inspections to identify defects and ensure quality.
  • Conduct visual inspections of welded joints, checking dimensions, penetration, and bead formation.
  • Witness non-destructive testing (NDT) and interpret / verify results.
  • Visual inspection on the quality of welding and mechanical projects.
  • Ensure that materials, equipment, and safety regulations are followed.
  • Prepare detailed reports documenting inspection results, including any issues found.

Qualifications
  • Must have at least one of the following: AWS / CWI / CSWIP/API
  • Minimum of five (5) years industrial welding-related inspection experience. Two (2) of these years should be in Quality Assurance / vendor surveillance / shop inspections inspector.
  • Minimum of 5 - 10 years of industry experience (mainly Oil and Gas)
  • Must be able to demonstrate knowledge of welding inspections. Welding inspections experience at manufacturer shops / facilities.
  • Welding inspection experience of Pipeline, Equipment i.e. Pressure vessels, Heat exchangers, Pumps, etc.. would be an asset.
    Work schedule is Monday to Friday - 8 to 10 hours/day
  • Hourly rate - $40 to $45/hr + $0.70/km
  • No set schedule, the inspector will be contacted as needed.
  • If the inspection site is beyond a round trip of 200 miles from the inspector place of residence, a per diem may be considered.
  • The inspector will be required to sign an independent contractor agreement/sub-contractor agreement (1099) with SGS North America Inc.

Additional Information
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a callback. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.

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