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Contract Welding Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

General Laborer

Salem, OR · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Use welding equipment, digging equipment, Bobcats, hand tools, and power tools safely and ... This opportunity offers a long-term, contract-to-hire path, providing stability and room to grow ...

Work with steel and be familiar with welding and weld symbols. * Create 3D designs and ... Contract to Hire position based out of Hillsboro, OR. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this ...

$35 - $40/hr

ONSITE - Longterm contract Mechanical Engineer located in Cranberry Twp, PA. You will report to the ... metal welding Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk Vault (or similar) experience Experience with ...

Production Operator

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Use hand tools, bench top welders, and precision equipment to form and assemble PFA tubes safely ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tualatin, OR. Pay and Benefits ...

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

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

Senior Construction Inspector

Portland, OR · On-site

$36.75 - $57/hr

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

Ensures materials purchased and installed meet requirements of contract specifications by ... Knowledge of AWS D1.1 and ASME Sect IX welding codes. * Knowledge and working experience with ...

Build long-term, high-trust partnerships with key contract manufacturers (CMs), steel fabricators ... Comfort auditing a vendor's shop floor capabilities (e.g., machining envelopes, weld automation ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Welding information

See Oregon salary details

$26

$43

$60

How much do contract welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract welding in Oregon is $44.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.35 and $50.05 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 Oregon?

The most popular types of Welding jobs in Oregon are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Contract Welding jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Contract Welding job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Welding job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,513 per year, or $44 per hour.

$23.50 - $28.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Summary Description

Guardian Rail is proud to operate one of the country’s leading freight rail services and transportation companies with a large network of freight and tank car repair facilities, a nationwide network of running repair agents, and a rail services division that operates short line railroads and contract switching and transloading sites.

We currently have Repair Technician positions available in the Eugene area .  Incumbents will use mechanical skills to safely inspect and repair railcars to ensure mechanical and operational integrity per customer and industry specifications.  We seek candidates with rail industry or other heavy industrial experience, including welding or mechanical assembly.

We offer a sign on/retention bonus of $1,500, payable over the first 12 months of employment and a competitive pay scale based on relevant skills and experience. 

Responsible for the repair of various types of railcars and/or tank cars.  Incumbents will use mechanical skills to safely inspect and repair railcars to industry and customer specifications.  Candidates must have a safety and quality mindset and enjoy hands-on work in year-round outdoor conditions. 

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Perform railcar repairs in compliance with FRA and AAR interchange rules
  • Conduct pre and post inspection of all assigned railcars
  • Comply fully with all safety protocols including in house and OSHA rules, regulations and procedures
  • Comply fully with the Company's quality program by conforming to in-house processes and required AAR and FRA rules and regulations
  • Keep work area in a clean and orderly manner to comply with Guardian Rail, OSHA, and environmental rules and regulations
  • Follow written and verbal directions
  • Work effectively in a team environment
  • Possess a thorough understanding of railcar, components, and/or shop work order
  • Understand inventory control
  • Assist in disassembly of damaged railcars
  • Perform repairs such as, but not limited to, basic mechanics, grinding, and touch-up painting and decaling on various types of railcars or tank cars as required
  • Set up and operate various hand and power tools such as, but not limited to, air arc, plasma cutting, Huck and welding machines and processes, and oxyfuel operation in heating and cutting processes
  • Perform interior railcar cleaning
  • Complete documented training to set up and operate or drive equipment such as, but not limited to: forklift, man-lift, crane, backhoe, skid loader, hoist, or hydraulic boom
  • Meet the requirements of AWS D15.1 for freight cars utilizing GMAW (Hardwire), FCAW (Flux Core), and/or SMAW (Stick) welding on carbon steel as well as our internal welding technology training and examination

Qualifications

  • High-school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
  • Prior experience as a Carman or Railcar Repair Technician highly desirable
  • Must be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals and blueprints
  • Must possess basic mechanical knowledge and experience with hand & power tools, including heavier air and electric powered tools and cutting torches
  • Must enjoy outdoor, physical, hands on work with frequent standing, climbing, stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling and lifting required
  • Certified E7018 welder preferred
  • Must be able to write routine reports and correspondence and speak and communicate effectively
  • Must possess basic math skills and work and understand simple mathematical concepts
  • Must possess reasoning ability to solve practical problems
  • Must be able to fully pass the fitness-for-duty examination, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment and random drug and alcohol screenings

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Our physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, dry/arid, and dusty conditions. The environment requires working in close proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, in high and low precarious places, as well as in confined spaces.

The work type is best described as heavy, hands-on mechanical work. Work is very physical, and without proper work planning can result in out-of-position pushing, pulling, and lifting. Proper body mechanics, positioning, and lifting techniques can be very important. Employees are urged to seek help when needed with heavier tasks and to use lifting equipment when and where necessary. The positioning of the work being performed can change very frequently.

Various heavier air and electric-powered tools such as car jacks, impact wrenches, and grinders are used daily. Work also requires frequent use of hand wrenches, hammers, chisels, socket wrenches, and ladders. Cutting torches are also used with welding equipment upon qualification of the employee.

  • Climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, smelling, and visual acuity, with color and depth perception
  • Ability to work in a confined space
  • Required to use personal protective equipment as environmental conditions dictate