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Contractor Welder Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

efcoforms

Warehouse - Welder

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$21 - $27.50/hr

Maintain weld quality while contributing to continuous production flow and adherence to safety ... At EFCO, the health and safety of our team members, visitors, and contractors is an overriding ...

efcoforms

Manufacturing - Welder II

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18 - $22.25/hr

At EFCO, the health and safety of our team members, visitors, and contractors is an overriding ... Operate Weld Fixtures and Tools (15%) Work with weld fixtures and handling equipment, including ...

EN Engineering LLC

Welding Inspector

Iowa City, IA

$30 - $45/hr

You will review and interpret welding procedures, codes, and standards, identify and address welding defects, and maintain professional relationships with clients and contractors while delivering ...

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Contractor Welder information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$20

$29

How much do contractor welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for contractor welder in Iowa is $20.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $23.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contractor Welder vs Pipe Welder?

AspectContractor WelderPipe Welder
CertificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS, ASME)Welding certifications (e.g., AWS, ASME)
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial facilities, project-basedRefineries, pipelines, industrial plants
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, maintenanceOil & gas, water pipelines, petrochemical

Contractor Welders and Pipe Welders both require similar welding certifications and often work in industrial or construction environments. However, Contractor Welders typically handle a variety of projects across different sites, while Pipe Welders specialize in welding pipes for pipelines and refineries. Both roles are essential in their industries and often overlap in skills, but their primary focus and work settings differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contractor welder?

To thrive as a Contractor Welder, you need proficiency in welding techniques, blueprint reading, and fabrication, typically supported by a welding certification or apprenticeship. Familiarity with tools such as MIG, TIG, and arc welding equipment, as well as safety systems like PPE and OSHA standards, is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and reliability are crucial soft skills for delivering precise and safe work on tight schedules. These skills ensure high-quality welds, job site safety, and successful project completion in various construction and industrial environments.

What is a contractor welder?

Contractor welders are skilled tradespeople who are hired on a contract basis to perform welding tasks for various projects, such as construction, manufacturing, or repairs. Unlike full-time employees, they typically work for a specific period or on a particular project before moving on to another job. Their responsibilities include joining metal parts, repairing structures, and ensuring that all welds meet safety and quality standards. Contractor welders often need to bring their own tools and may work in different environments, from construction sites to industrial facilities.

What are some common challenges contractor welders face when working on multiple job sites?

Contractor welders often work on a variety of job sites, each with its own unique safety protocols, equipment, and project requirements. Adapting quickly to different work environments and collaborating with new teams can be challenging, especially when managing differing expectations or unfamiliar tools. Strong communication skills and flexibility are essential to ensure quality work while meeting deadlines. Additionally, contractor welders must stay up-to-date with industry certifications and safety standards to remain competitive and compliant on each project.
What are popular job titles related to Contractor Welder jobs in Iowa? For Contractor Welder jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contractor Welder jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Contractor Welder jobs in Iowa are:
Contractor Welder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contractor Welder job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 69% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,489 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Warehouse - Welder

efcoforms

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$21 - $27.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 15 hours ago

Job description

Purpose

Perform Basic Stick and MIG welding operations on standard and custom parts using proper tools, techniques, and safety practices. Maintain weld quality while contributing to continuous production flow and adherence to safety standards.

EFCO Culture & Safety Statement

Act with Integrity by demonstrating honesty, responsibility, trustworthiness, and respect in all actions. Strive for Quality through continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making. Embrace Innovation by being self-aware, collaborative, and curious. Deliver Super Service by creating value and consistently exceeding customer expectations. 

At EFCO, the health and safety of our team members, visitors, and contractors is an overriding priority and EFCO is committed to promoting a safe and healthy work environment by requiring all team members to participate in environmental, safety, and health program activities.  This includes always wearing required personal protective equipment; participating in safety training; engaging in and supporting safety activities including reporting hazards, unsafe work practices & near misses, incidents involving property damage, and any / all injuries – no matter how minor – immediately to their supervisor or manager.

Key Responsibilities

Perform Welding Tasks (40%)
Operate MIG welder to join metal components on standard and custom products. Use appropriate weld settings and fixtures to maintain weld integrity. This work is performed on completely built parts either new or used condition.

Support Retrofit, Modification, and Repair (40%)
Complete retrofits and modify standard products as directed. Repair forms and components following specifications and quality standards. This work may be done with a heating or cutting torch, plasma cutting machine, portable press, magnetic base drill press, or other approved methods for straightening or replacing damaged components.

Read Drawings and Interpret Specifications (10%)
Review and interpret engineering drawings to determine weld locations, sizes, and sequence. Use tape measures and gauges to confirm dimensions to 1/32".

Maintain a Clean and Safe Work Area (10%)
Keep workspaces free from debris and organized for efficient workflow. Adhere to all environmental and safety procedures and policies.

Additional duties may be assigned as required by business necessity may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing to meet organizational goals and priorities. 

Qualifications

  • Welding experience
  • Familiarity with mechanical drawings and measurement tools
  • Experience with torch, plasma cutter, hydraulic press, grinder and basic power tools
  • Ability to assess repairs and identify safest and most efficiency course of action including when a repair should not be performed.

Core Competencies

  • Technical Skills: Proficiently uses job-specific tools, systems, and procedures to perform tasks effectively. 
  • Responsibility: Takes ownership of actions, tasks, and outcomes; follows through on commitments. 
  • Mathematics: Applies basic and advanced math skills accurately in job-related functions.
  • Adaptability: Adjusts quickly and effectively to changing circumstances, priorities, and feedback.
  • Collaboration: Works well with others toward shared goals, contributing constructively to team efforts. 

EFCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

Level III Work: Exerting up to 70 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 lbs. of force frequently, and/or 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects.

To ensure a safe work environment while meeting the physical demands of the job you must be able to perform the following physical and mental tasks with or with or without a reasonable accommodation:

  • Climbing: Rarely
  • Hearing, speaking: Continuously. Must communicate with others and discriminate sounds with machines
  • Vision: Continuously
  • Balancing: Occasionally to Frequently depending on the work environment.
  • Standing: Frequently to Continuously
  • Sitting: Rarely to Continuously
  • Walking: Frequently
  • Forward bend in standing: Occasionally to Frequently
  • Rotation in standing: Occasionally
  • Squatting: Occasionally to Frequently
  • Kneeling: Occasionally to Frequently
  • Stooping: Occasionally to frequently
  • Static postures: Occasionally to Frequently
  • Right-hand Left-hand coordination: continuous with average eye/hand coordination
  • Reaching: Frequently
  • Crawling: Occasionally
  • Crouching: Occasionally to Frequently
  • Repetitive Motions- Shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, fingers: Frequently to Continuously
  • Elevated work: Crown level 5 lbs up to 2 mins occasionally, and rarely 20 lbs up to 20 secs
  • Floor to waist vertical lift: Frequently 25 lbs, occasionally up to 50 lbs
  • Waist to crown vertical lift: Frequently 25 lbs, occasionally up to 50 lbs
  • Horizontal carry: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally up to 50 lbs for 25 feet
  • One hand carry: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally up to 50 lbs for 25 feet
  • Push horizontally: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs, and Rarely up to 70 lbs for 20 feet
  • Pull horizontally: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs, and Rarely up to 70 lbs for 20 feet
  • One hand pull right hand: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs for 20 ft
  • One hand pull left hand: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs for 20 ft
  • Left hand repetitive coupling: Frequently 65 lbs, Occasionally up to 80 lbs
  • Right hand repetitive coupling: Frequently 65 lbs, Occasionally up to 80 lbs
  • Expertise in:
    • Ability to regularly perform all job functions at company office or worksite
    • Ability to withstand environmental conditions such as extreme heat or cold, grass, wind, sand, fumes, odors, gases, noises. Etc.
    • Ability to wear personal protective equipment as required

Working Arrangement

  • This role will work 100% onsite at our Des Moines, IA location.

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