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Contract Welding Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SGS

VA · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

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 ...

HII

Welder - Manufacturing

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... contracts. Selected candidates will be required to travel to shipyards and military bases located ... Candidates must be able to demonstrate welding ability on needed processes through X-ray ...

HII

Welder - Manufacturing

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... contracts. Selected candidates will be required to travel to shipyards and military bases located ... Candidates must be able to demonstrate welding ability on needed processes through X-ray ...

HII

Welder - Manufacturing

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... contracts. Selected candidates will be required to travel to shipyards and military bases located ... Candidates must be able to demonstrate welding ability on needed processes through X-ray ...

HII

Welder - Manufacturing

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... contracts. Selected candidates will be required to travel to shipyards and military bases located ... Candidates must be able to demonstrate welding ability on needed processes through X-ray ...

HII

Welder - Manufacturing

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... contracts. Selected candidates will be required to travel to shipyards and military bases located ... Candidates must be able to demonstrate welding ability on needed processes through X-ray ...

HII

Welder - Manufacturing

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... contracts. Selected candidates will be required to travel to shipyards and military bases located ... Candidates must be able to demonstrate welding ability on needed processes through X-ray ...

HII

Welder - Manufacturing

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... contracts. Selected candidates will be required to travel to shipyards and military bases located ... Candidates must be able to demonstrate welding ability on needed processes through X-ray ...

HII

Welder - Manufacturing

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... contracts. Selected candidates will be required to travel to shipyards and military bases located ... Candidates must be able to demonstrate welding ability on needed processes through X-ray ...

HII

Welder - Manufacturing

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... contracts. Selected candidates will be required to travel to shipyards and military bases located ... Candidates must be able to demonstrate welding ability on needed processes through X-ray ...

HII

Welder - Manufacturing

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... contracts. Selected candidates will be required to travel to shipyards and military bases located ... Candidates must be able to demonstrate welding ability on needed processes through X-ray ...

HII

Welder - Manufacturing

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... contracts. Selected candidates will be required to travel to shipyards and military bases located ... Candidates must be able to demonstrate welding ability on needed processes through X-ray ...

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All JobsContract Welding JobsContract Welding Jobs in Virginia

Contract Welding information

See Virginia salary details

$24

$41

$56

How much do contract welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract welding in Virginia is $41.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.09 and $46.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 Virginia? The most popular types of Welding jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Welding jobs in Virginia? For Contract Welding jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Welding jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Welding jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Contract Welding jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Contract Welding job openings:
Contract Welding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Welding job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Temporary, 15% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,812 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Welding Inspectors - Multiple Locations - Contract

SGS

VA • On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 25 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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