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Contract Welding Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

... contract to the NASA MSFC Engineering Directorate. The primary focus of this position is manufacturing large aluminum aerospace structures using fusion welding and friction stir welding processes.

Aerospace Welding Engineer, Senior (ES5)

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$35.25 - $48.50/hr

... contract to the NASA MSFC Engineering Directorate. The primary focus of this position is manufacturing large aluminum aerospace structures using fusion welding and friction stir welding processes.

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Robotic Welder Programmer - Miller

Decatur, AL · On-site

$16.75 - $23.25/hr

The does not constitute an employment contract and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Programming & Setup: Develops, tests, and implements robot programs for welding using Fanuc ...

MIG Welder Manufacturing I

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$18.25 - $22.50/hr

NOT a Contract Position MIG Welder 3 Years Minimum * Manufacturer HIRING * 3 Years MIG Experience Required * Repair Work for Manufacturing Products * Self Motivator in a Team Environment * Some ...

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Contract Welding information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$22

$37

$50

How much do contract welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract welding in Decatur, AL is $37.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.72 and $42.36 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.
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Infographic showing various Contract Welding job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,411 per year, or $37.2 per hour.
Aerospace Welding Technician (ET5)

Aerospace Welding Technician (ET5)

Pae

Huntsville, AL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Join Our Journey

At Amentum Space Exploration Division (ASED your growth is our priority! That's why we offer an array of exciting opportunities for your career development. From the transformative Team Lead Academy to education reimbursement, personalized mentoring, and engaging company-sponsored networking events, you have the power to shape your professional journey in a way that aligns with your aspirations.

Find Your Community

At the heart of our thriving business are the incredible people who make it all possible. We celebrate a vibrant array of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Here, we foster an environment where everyone-employees, clients, and partners alike-are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Prioritize Your Well-Being

Our extensive benefits package is designed with your health in mind. Enjoy wellness programs, paid holidays, generous time off, employee perks, and so much more. We're here to help you achieve a harmonious balance in your life-both at work and at home.

Together, We Soar

Our dynamic team consists of 10 companies united in a single mission: to venture from Moon to Mars and beyond. Join us on this extraordinary adventure!

Description:

This position is part of the Amentum Space Exploration Division (ASED) support to the NASA EM32 Welding & Manufacturing (W&M) team under the Engineering Services and Science Capability Augmentation (ESSCA) contract to the NASA MSFC Engineering Directorate. The primary focus of this position is manufacturing large aluminum aerospace structures using fusion welding and friction stir welding processes. Education and experience relevant to this position will be evaluated from that perspective.

The position's primary responsibilities are to perform and/or perform welding and fabrication operations. The Senior Aerospace Welding Technician must work closely with ASED and customer engineers and technicians to provide integrated support to resolve complex problems pertaining to development and execution of welding and manufacturing development and demonstration projects. You must be a US Citizen and have a STAR ID.

Qualifications:

Typically, educational requirement is a High School diploma or GED or equivalent; and at least 10 years of experience and continuing education, or an Associate's Degree or equivalent at least 6 years of experience. Relevant candidate work experience will be evaluated against ESSCA contract engineering labor categories.

The selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain permission to operate customer-owned vehicles in support of work activities. The selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license, automobile liability insurance and successfully complete a company defensive driving training class.

The selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain the following customer safety certifications:

  • Welding Safety.
  • Respirator (non-SCBA).
  • Overhead Crane/Hoist Operator.
  • Rigger.
  • Forklift Operator.
  • Aerial Lift Operator.

The selected candidate must have demonstrated experience performing Gas Tungsten Arc Welding and/or Variable Polarity Plasma Arc welding processes on aerospace materials such as aluminum (alloys 2219 and 2195 preferred), stainless steel, superalloys and/or titanium performed by manual and mechanized techniques. The selected candidate must be able to work hands-on with machine tool-like equipment involving electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and mechanical components and systems.

  • Previous experience working with the following specifications and standards is desired, but not required:
  • NASA-STD-5006, "General Fusion Welding Requirements for Aerospace Materials Used in Flight Hardware."
  • MSFC-SPEC-3679, "Process Specification - Welding Aerospace Hardware."
  • ANSI/AWS D17.1/D17.1M:2010-AMD1, "Specification for Fusion Welding for Aerospace Applications."

Work Environment

General office environment (20%), industrial welding / manufacturing development laboratory / machine shop (80%). Requires ability to interact effectively with co-workers, managers, and clients. Requires ability to provide clear, concise, and accurate communications, both verbally and in writing (50%). Travel may be necessary, but infrequent (<5%).

Physical Requirements:

Requires sitting for extended periods of time in meetings with peers, management, and with our client at NASA facilities to discuss technical issues (10%). Also, requires sitting for extended periods of time at a desk to write reports and perform engineering tasks (30%). Requires standing, sitting and walking in a lab environment with hazards that require wearing safety glasses, hard hat, hearing protection, foot protection, gloves and/or protective clothing to perform some operations (60%). Work will be performed on-site at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (100%). Use of stairs or elevators can gain access to buildings will be required. Some work requires using stairs and/or ladders to access elevated work platforms. Positions can require lifting and/or maneuvering materials and/or equipment weighing up to 40 lbs.

Equipment and Machines:

Requires ability to operate a personal computer, a telephone, fax machine, copier, calculator, and other general office equipment (100%). Requires ability to operate welding and fabrication shop equipment (100%).

Attendance:

Normal workday is from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Minimal overtime may be required (10%) to meet schedule milestones and to support technical demands of the job. Regular attendance is a necessity and adequate arrangements for delegating duties during absences are required.

Other Essential Functions:

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment (100%). Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

#ESSCA #Amentum #ASED

Service Contract Act (SCA) Compensation & Benefits:

This is an hourly, overtime-eligible position that falls under the Service Contract Act (SCA). In accordance with the Health and Welfare provisions of the SCA, and in addition to your base hourly rate, you may be eligible to receive an additional health and welfare payment for each hour you work to ensure compliance with the minimums set forth by the act. The amount you are entitled to receive will vary depending upon the fringe benefits you select now and in the future.

Compensation Details:

ET5

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

  • Educational reimbursement

  • Parental leave

  • Employee stock purchase plan

  • Tax-saving options

  • Disability and life insurance

  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

06/30/2026 - 07/31/2026

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language atLabor Laws Posters.