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Independent Contractor Rig Welder Jobs in Laredo, TX

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Independent Contractor Rig Welder information

See Laredo, TX salary details

$4

$40

$73

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

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor rig welder in Laredo, TX is $40.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.58 and $42.21 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 Laredo, TX? The most popular types of Rig Welder jobs in Laredo, TX are:
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What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs in Laredo, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs in Laredo, TX are:
What cities near Laredo, TX are hiring for Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs? Cities near Laredo, TX 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 Laredo, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,045 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Mechanic - Heavy Equipment

Barnard Construction Company

Laredo, TX • On-site

$22.75 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Overview

Barnard Construction Company, Inc., based in Bozeman, Montana, is a heavy-civil construction company with projects underway across North America. Barnard is ranked by Engineering News-Record, a leading construction industry periodical, as one of the nation's Top 400 civil contractors. We specialize in dam construction and rehabilitation, power transmission and distribution, tunneling, inland marine, oil, gas, utility, and sewer and water pipeline projects. We offer competitive salaries, profit sharing, 401(k)s, a generous health plan, annual bonuses, and challenging career opportunities with a financially solid company. Barnard's people are the reason for the success of the company. Our reputation attracts the highest quality personnel, people who are committed to producing projects that set a standard for excellence. At Barnard, we build the riskiest, most difficult, complex jobs we can find and we hire people who thrive on tough work and demanding opportunities.

Qualifications

Must possess competence in the following areas in order to perform this role in a safe, productive and effective manner:

  • At least 5yrs of experience troubleshooting and repairing heavy equipment.
  • Experience with diesel and gas engines, hydraulics, pneumatics and electrical systems.
  • Must own service truck (not required) and tools applicable to the position
  • Basic understanding of schematics and diagrams.
  • Ability to inspect heavy equipment and identify defects and performance issues both in the field and in the shop.
  • Maintenance and repairs of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and diesel systems on a variety of construction equipment and tools.
  • Perform required visual inspections, diagnostics and preventative maintenance on a variety of construction equipment.
  • Fabricate parts when needed.
  • Perform all duties in accordance with Barnard's safety culture and policies.
  • Skilled in welding and cutting.
  • Valid driver license and satisfactory driving record.
Responsibilities
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
  • Ability to exert heavy physical effort, handling average weight objects up to 100 pounds.
  • Ability to kneel, stoop, crouch, balance, climb or crawl.
  • Ability to correctly rig and hoist material.
  • Ability to tolerate heights without fear.
  • Ability to maintain balance.
  • Able to enter the cab of a vehicle or piece of equipment that is 3.5 feet or more off the ground.
  • Ability to stand or walk for long periods of time, reach for, handle, and manipulate items and to work in extreme weather conditions (cold and wet).
  • Able to work long, irregular and varied hours, six to seven day per week, 50 to 70 hours per week.
  • Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
  • Ability to safely and effectively perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal , state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.

Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled, E-Verify Employer

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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