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Independent Contractor Rig Welder Jobs in California

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Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Preferred Qualifications * Prior leadership ... Company Description Fenceworks LLC is a premier fence contractor in California, providing a wide ...

MAINTENANCE MECHANIC I

Garden Grove, CA

$25.50 - $32.50/hr

... welding, cutting and brazing. • Uses a variety of tools to perform duties including but not ... Knowledge of forklift operation and rig heavy equipment. Familiar with Lock-out/Tag-out procedures ...

... welding, cutting and brazing. • Uses a variety of tools to perform duties including but not ... Knowledge of forklift operation and rig heavy equipment. Familiar with Lock-out/Tag-out procedures ...

Maintenance Technician

Orange, CA · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Safely rig and move heavy machinery or components using proper lifting and material handling ... Welding and fabrication experience. * Ability to work independently and identify root causes of ...

Safely rig and move heavy machinery or components using proper lifting and material handling ... Welding and fabrication experience. * Ability to work independently and identify root causes of ...

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Independent Contractor Rig Welder information

See California salary details

$5

$45

$82

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

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor rig welder in California is $45.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.42 and $47.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Independent Contractor Rig Welder job?

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 in the Independent Contractor Rig Welder position, and why are they important?

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 California? The most popular types of Rig Welder jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs in California? For Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs? Cities in California with the most Independent Contractor Rig Welder job openings:
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Rig Welder job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,615 per year, or $46 per hour.
Welder I - Certified - 1st Shift - Repair Solutions-El Cajon,California

Welder I - Certified - 1st Shift - Repair Solutions-El Cajon,California

GKN AEROSPACE

Bonita, CA

$32/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


GKN Aerospace rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.
GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we're inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We're proud to play a part in protecting the world's democracies. And we're committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world's aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
Job Summary
Following specific and general instructions, specializes in TIG welding on all types of metal including titanium, nickel alloy, stainless steel and aluminum. May also clean, tack and weld production hardware using both auto and manual TIG welding techniques on a variety of metals. Acts as mentor for junior Welders. May work with engineering to resolve problems and develop new processes and/or procedures.
Job Responsibilities
• Performs TIG welding on titanium and aluminum jet engine components.
• Performs TIG welding on all types of metals to include steel, aluminum, stainless steel and titanium.
• Cleans, grinds, and performs inspection as required to insure conformance to specifications.
• Helps in the design stage as required on projects.
• Mentors/provides guidance assistance and training to junior Welders.
• Checks all work to assure that quality standards are maintained and has adhered to all specifications and procedures involving company and customer practices.
• Maintains a clean work environment (including assigned storage and cleaning duties) in full compliance with company standards, customer and government regulations.
• Assists in the development and maintenance of a business culture, which supports the Company's overall business objectives and goals, by providing leadership in issues that involve "cost, quality, process, schedule and people".
• Ensures the company's commitment to maintain a safe workplace and to protect the environment through the establishment and support of Company policy and adherence to various government regulations.
• Fully complies with the "GKN Aerospace, Inc. Policy Statement on Contracting with the United States Government" in all areas of responsibility involving direct and indirect contracting with the United States Government. Ensure subordinate staff is aware of the policy and their individual responsibility and accountability for complying with it.
• Performs daily preventative maintenance of equipment in adherence with a predefined schedule.
• Performs other duties, tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
Job Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
• High School diploma or GED
• 5+ year welding experience in TIG welding, or successful completion of additional welding certification/education for TIG welding.
• Must be able to achieve AWS certification (AWS D17.1) on all materials to be welded within 6 months of start.
• 3+ years of TIG welding experience working with basic math and reading blueprints and meet inspection requirements in accordance with customer specifications.
• This job role requires proficiency in English, both verbal and written, that is sufficient to understand and effectively follow written safety procedures, company policies, work instructions, operations manuals, and more in a manufacturing environment.
• Reliable and satisfactory attendance is an essential job function of this role and is critical in meeting operations and business needs".
• Must be a US Citizen or Green Card Holder due to program security clearance requirements and/or SSA requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:
• GKN Experience
• Knowledge and experience in trouble shooting of safety, quality and technical issues with co-workers, quality and engineering functions.
• Must be willing to work in a repetitive production environment with concern for meeting cost, quality and schedule requirements.
• The ability to work as a team player as well as independently is required.
• Mentors/provides guidance assistance and training to junior Welders.
Mental and Physical Demands:
• Ability to read, write and comprehend English instructions
• Basic Math skills
• Manual dexterity
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Lift up to 50 pounds
• Withstand loud noise of a machine shop environment
Compensation Range
The compensation range for this position is between $28.00 - $32.00 per hour.
We'll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?
A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working
Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we've created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It's a culture that won us 'The Best Workplace Culture Award'. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.
We're also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.
We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.

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