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Independent Contractor Rig Welders Jobs in Champaign, IL

Independent Contractor Rig Welders information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$5

$46

$83

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

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor rig welders in Champaign, IL is $46.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.90 and $48.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Rig Welders vs Pipeline Welders?

AspectIndependent Contractor Rig WeldersPipeline Welders
CredentialsWelding certifications, safety trainingWelding certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentOffshore rigs, oil fields, industrial sitesPipeline construction sites, oil and gas pipelines
Employer & IndustryContractors, oil & gas industry, industrial sectorsConstruction companies, oil & gas industry

Independent Contractor Rig Welders and Pipeline Welders both require welding certifications and safety training. While rig welders often work on offshore rigs and industrial sites as contractors, pipeline welders focus on pipeline construction and maintenance within the oil and gas industry. The main difference lies in their work environment and project types, with rig welders typically working in more mobile, offshore settings, and pipeline welders in land-based pipeline projects.

What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Rig Welders jobs in Champaign, IL?

For Independent Contractor Rig Welders jobs in Champaign, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Rig Welders jobs in Champaign, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Rig Welders jobs in Champaign, IL are:

What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Independent Contractor Rig Welders jobs?

Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Independent Contractor Rig Welders job openings:

Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Rig Welders job openings in Champaign, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,026 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Welding Inspector at Urbana IL 1099 Contractor

Pro QC International North America

Urbana, IL • On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Responsibilities:- 
  • Seeking a welding inspector for onsite inspection support: 
  • Identify and document nonconformances/defects and note their locations and severity.
  • Prepare complete, accurate inspection reports in accordance with client requirements.
  • Capture and label photographs of findings (including required angles/scale as needed)
Industry Experience:
  • Welding and fabrication industries
  • Onsite inspection experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Familiarity with weld fabrication documentation
Technical Qualifications:
  • 1-3 years' experience in Welding Inspector role
  • Strong knowledge of welding processes (at least SMAW, GMAW, GTAW/FCAW familiarity)
  • Ability to read and interpret drawings/specifications and understand weld symbols/requirements
  • Ability to perform visual inspection of welds (surface condition and workmanship)
  • Knowledge of common weld defects and what to look for (e.g., cracks, porosity, undercut, underfill/overlap, lack of fusion, incorrect bead profile)
  • Understanding of acceptance criteria (client requirements and/or codes such as AWS D1.1 or the project’s applicable standard)
  • Ability to document findings with clear written reports and photographs (including angles/scale/locations as required)
  • Basic understanding of dimensional inspection (measuring weld size/fit-up dimensions) if that’s included in the scope
  • Professional familiarity with safety/site procedures and confidentiality/site rules
  • Clear communication skills and ability to work independently onsite if needed. 
Job Type: 1099 Contractor
Project Duration:
CURRENT PROJECT: ongoing.
>Note: This is a 1099 contract role – project duration may vary based on client needs
Shift Hours: CURRENT PROJECT: 1st shift. Monday-Friday
>Note: As a 1099 contractor, project schedules may vary depending on site availability
Location: Must be able to travel to Urbana, Illinois 61802 and nearby areas
  1. (exact CLIENT address can ONLY be shared once contractor is confirmed)