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Independent Contractor Rig Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Brehob

Be Seen First

Structural Steel Welder/ Fabricator

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

... rig steel materials, operate overhead cranes and forklifts · Welding certificate a plus Brehob Corporation is a federal government contractor. As such, we take affirmative action to employ and ...

Doyon Limited

Rig Electrician

Prudhoe Bay, AK · On-site

$28.25 - $38.75/hr

... Mechanic, Welder, Motorman, and Driller, to diagnose malfunction. * Replaces faulty electrical ... Self-motivated- Requires little to no supervision, works well both independently and as part of a ...

New

Doyon Limited

Welder (Expression of Interest)

Prudhoe Bay, AK · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

Rig specific equipment: (draw-works, top drives, mud pumps, moving systems, etc.) * Document all ... Self-motivated- Requires little to no supervision, works well both independently and as part of a ...

Brady Services

Pipe Welder

Greenville, NC

$25 - $30.75/hr

The Pipe Welder supports contracting operations and service operations by performing stick welding ... Collaborate with installation crew to rig and set equipment in place * Assist with demolition ...

Brady Services

Pipe Welder

Greenville, NC · On-site

$25 - $30.75/hr

The Pipe Welder supports contracting operations and service operations by performing stick welding ... Collaborate with installation crew to rig and set equipment in place * Assist with demolition ...

Brady Services

Pipe Welder

Greenville, NC · On-site

$25 - $30.75/hr

The Pipe Welder supports contracting operations and service operations by performing stick welding ... Collaborate with installation crew to rig and set equipment in place * Assist with demolition ...

Skillforce

Ironworker Welders

Manchester, NH · Remote

$25 - $35/hr

Independently connect, rig, bolt-up, and lay deck * Read and interpret structural steel, precast, and decking drawings * Perform limited thickness SMAW welding (carbon steel & stainless) * Lead small ...

Skillforce

Ironworker Welders

Peterborough, NH · Remote

$25 - $35/hr

Independently connect, rig, bolt-up, and lay deck * Read and interpret structural steel, precast, and decking drawings * Perform limited thickness SMAW welding (carbon steel & stainless) * Lead small ...

Skillforce

Ironworker Welders

Nashua, NH · Remote

$25 - $35/hr

Independently connect, rig, bolt-up, and lay deck * Read and interpret structural steel, precast, and decking drawings * Perform limited thickness SMAW welding (carbon steel & stainless) * Lead small ...

Skillforce

Ironworker Welders

Keene, NH · Remote

$25 - $35/hr

Independently connect, rig, bolt-up, and lay deck * Read and interpret structural steel, precast, and decking drawings * Perform limited thickness SMAW welding (carbon steel & stainless) * Lead small ...

Hoot Systems LLC

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Fitter/Welder-Fabrication of Forms for Pre-Casting

Lake Charles, LA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

This position will start as a 1099 employee (independent contractor). How to Apply Interested candidates should submit a resume detailing their welding and fabrication experience. Qualified ...

ISC Manufacturing

Welder/Fabricator

Burleson, TX · On-site

$20/hr

Be able to work independently and in a team environment to meet deadlines for production needs ... Must be able to rig/lift heavy odd, shaped parts safely and effectively with forklifts/overhead ...

Zeeco

Fitter / Welder - Night Shift

Broken Arrow, OK · On-site

$30/hr

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled fitter/welder who can operate independently, maintain ... Ability to rig, move, and handle heavy loads; capable of lifting/manuvering 70 lbs unassisted.

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Independent Contractor Rig Welder information

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$5

$46

$83

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

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor rig welder in the United States is $46.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.86 and $48.08 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.

More about Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs
What cities are hiring for Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs? Cities with the most Independent Contractor Rig Welder job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Rig Welder jobs? The most popular types of Rig Welder jobs are:
What states have the most Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs? States with the most job openings for Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs are:
Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Rig Welder job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,884 per year, or $46.6 per hour.
Senior Field Welder

Senior Field Welder

TDW

Dallas, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

At TDW we put people first - that means working everyday to ensure the pipelines that run through our communities are operating safely and reliably. What sets us apart is our expertise, experience and commitment.
Each day we dedicate ourselves to treating each other, our customers and our community with care and respect.
Overview
Perform day-to-day in-service field welding activities, including procedure qualification records, welding mock-ups and production welds, pressure testing, and other aspects as required.
Key Responsibilities
Primary duties may include, but are not limited to:
  • Perform in-service field welding of a wide range of fittings as required in a variety of facility and pipeline environments to facilitate the repair of customer pressurized piping systems.
  • Perform bolt torquing, rigging, and lifting, as required.
  • Perform safe operation and maintenance of the welding truck rig and welding equipment.
  • Fabricate piping and components from engineering drawings.
  • Assist others with maintenance and repair.
  • Maintain a clear and safe shop environment.
  • Participate in job hazard assessments (JHA) and Operational Risk Assessments (ORA) and comply with all T.D. Williamson (TDW) and customer safety requirements.
  • Work requires traveling up to 80.0% of the time, including overnight stays.

Experience
  • Two plus (2+) years of industry experience combined with five (5) years of experience in a similar job or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background.
  • In-service welding and/or hot tapping experience.
  • Plant/Facility experience.
  • Pipeline experience operating a welding rig and truck.
  • API 1104 multi-qualification (SMAW).
  • Existing in-service welder qualifications are preferred.
  • Must be able to obtain operator qualifications (OQ).
  • Existing TWIC card would be an asset.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of personal computers, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
  • Knowledge of shop and field tolerance limits.
  • Knowledge of ASME B31.3, B31.4 and B31.8.
  • Knowledge of GMAW, FCAW, GTAW.
  • Experience with API 1104 and ASME Sec.IX codes.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and organizational skills,
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, standards, and specifications.
  • Ability to work autonomously and with a sense of urgency.
  • Ability to fit with accuracy and precision all sizes and types of hot tap fittings.
  • Ability to set up and support pressure testing activities.
  • Ability to work and communicate professionally directly with TDW personnel, customers, inspectors, and other contractors.

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