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Independent Contractor Rig Welder Jobs in Arizona

ASARCO LLC

Welding Technician

Sahuarita, AZ · On-site

Rig material and equipment for lifting as required REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES ... Requires working in the field in all climate conditions as well as working independently REQUIRED ...

Loenbro

Journeyman/Iron Worker/Welder

Tempe, AZ · On-site

To be the preferred contractor through focus on our core values, commitment to our customer base ... Ability to work independently and as part of a team. * Ability to problem-solve and make quick ...

Loenbro

Journeyman/Iron Worker/Welder

Tempe, AZ

To be the preferred contractor through focus on our core values, commitment to our customer base ... Ability to work independently and as part of a team. * Ability to problem-solve and make quick ...

Barnard Construction Company

Journeyman Electrician

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$27.50 - $37.50/hr

... contractors. We specialize in dam construction and rehabilitation, power transmission and ... Measures, cuts, bends, threads, assembles and installs electrical conduit; weld supports; install ...

Barnard Construction Company

Journeyman Electrician

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$27.50 - $37.50/hr

... contractors. We specialize in dam construction and rehabilitation, power transmission and ... Measures, cuts, bends, threads, assembles and installs electrical conduit; weld supports; install ...

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Independent Contractor Rig Welder information

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$4

$43

$77

How much do independent contractor rig welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor rig welder in Arizona is $43.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.50 and $44.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an independent contractor rig welder?

An Independent Contractor Rig Welder is a skilled professional who operates their own welding rig and provides welding services on a contract basis. They typically work in industries such as oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing, handling tasks like pipeline welding, structural welding, and equipment repairs. As independent contractors, they are responsible for sourcing their own jobs, maintaining their equipment, and handling business expenses. This role requires extensive welding expertise, certifications, and often the ability to work in remote or hazardous environments. Successful rig welders must also have strong business skills to manage contracts and finances effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor rig welder?

An Independent Contractor Rig Welder needs advanced welding skills, a solid knowledge of metallurgy, and familiarity with industry safety standards, usually backed by several years of experience and relevant trade certifications. Proficiency with welding equipment such as stick, MIG, and TIG welders, as well as certifications like AWS or API, is typically expected. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and reliability help welders efficiently coordinate with crews and adapt to changing site conditions. These competencies are crucial for ensuring high-quality welds, minimizing hazards, and maintaining productivity in demanding and remote rig environments.

What are the typical working conditions and schedules for independent contractor rig welders?

Independent Contractor Rig Welders often work in rugged outdoor environments, such as oil fields or construction sites, where weather conditions and physical demands can vary significantly. Schedules may involve long hours, shift work, or extended rotations (for example, multiple weeks on-site followed by time off), depending on the project's requirements. Welders are expected to work both independently and as part of a team to meet tight deadlines and strict safety standards. Flexibility, a willingness to travel, and the ability to adapt to changing work conditions are essential for success in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rig Welder jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Rig Welder jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs in Arizona?

For Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Independent Contractor Rig Welder job openings:

Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Rig Welder job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,285 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

Structural Steel Fabricator / Welder

MMI Industrial & Steel

Mesa, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Job Posting: Structural Steel Fabricator / Welder

Job Description

MMI Industrial & Steel is excited to announce an available position for a Structural Steel Fabricator / Welder at our fabrication facility. This full-time role is pivotal to our operations and is not eligible for remote work. We are seeking an experienced Structural Steel Fabricator/Welder capable of independently fitting, assembling, and welding structural steel members from shop drawings. This position requires more than basic welding experience. Candidates must understand structural fabrication, be able to read prints, perform accurate layout and fit-up, and complete welds to the requirements shown on the drawings and weld symbols.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Read and interpret structural steel shop drawings, fabrication drawings, weld symbols, and details.
  • Lay out, fit, assemble, and weld structural steel members accurately to print.
  • Fabricate structural beams, columns, HSS members, stairs, stringers, landings, frames, and miscellaneous structural assemblies.
  • Fit and install connection materials including:
    • Base plates
    • Cap plates
    • End plates
    • Stiffener plates
    • Shear plates/tabs
    • Gusset plates
    • Clip angles
    • WT connections
    • Bent plates
    • Backing bars
    • Bracing and miscellaneous connection material
  • Perform structural welding including fillet welds, groove welds, PJP welds, and CJP welds.
  • Properly prepare CJP and groove-weld connections, including bevel preparation, root openings, backing, back-gouging, cleanup, and multi-pass welding when required.
  • Understand weld sequencing and distortion control on large or heavily welded assemblies.
  • Perform accurate measurements, layout, squaring, leveling, and dimensional verification throughout fabrication.
  • Use cranes, come-alongs, clamps, strongbacks, fixtures, and other equipment to position and control structural members during fit-up and welding.
  • Grind, clean, prep, and repair material as required.
  • Maintain member straightness, dimensions, hole alignment, orientation, and overall quality throughout fabrication.
  • Perform self-inspection before sending completed work to Quality Control.
  • Identify missing material, drawing conflicts, dimensional issues, or questionable details before fabrication or welding continues.
  • Safely operate common fabrication equipment and tools, including grinders, torches, saws, welding machines, and material-handling equipment.
  • Follow all shop safety procedures and applicable welding requirements.
Requirements
  • Previous experience in structural steel fabrication and welding.
  • Ability to fabricate a structural member from a shop drawing with minimal supervision.
  • Strong understanding of structural steel drawings and weld symbols.
  • Experience fabricating beams, columns, stairs, and structural assemblies.
  • Experience with CJP, PJP, groove, and fillet welds.
  • Ability to perform accurate structural layout and fit-up.
  • Understanding of weld preparation, backing bars, back-gouging, multi-pass welding, and proper weld sequencing.
  • Ability to use a tape measure, square, level, combination square, and other layout/inspection tools accurately.
  • Experience working with structural shapes including wide-flange beams, HSS, channels, angles, plate, WT sections, and miscellaneous structural steel.
  • Ability to safely rig, lift, flip, and position heavy structural members using overhead cranes and appropriate rigging.
  • Must be able to recognize when something on a drawing, material list, or fabricated member does not look right and communicate the issue before proceeding.
  • Preferred Qualifications:
    • AWS structural welding certification or equivalent shop certification.
    • FCAW experience.
    • Experience welding heavy structural members and multi-pass welds.
    • Experience fabricating large built-up columns and complex connection packages.
    • Experience with welds subject to UT or other NDT inspection.
    • Stair and miscellaneous metals fabrication experience.
    • Familiarity with AISC structural steel fabrication practices.

This position is intended for a true structural fabricator/welder, not solely a production welder. A qualified candidate should be able to receive a shop drawing, understand how the member is supposed to be built, lay it out correctly, fit the required material, determine the proper fabrication sequence, complete the required structural welds, and deliver an accurate finished member ready for QC and shipment. We value quality, accuracy, productivity, craftsmanship, safety, and accountability. Candidates should take ownership of their work and understand that getting the member right is just as important as getting it completed.