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Independent Contractor Rig Welders Jobs in Kalispell, MT

We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country, and we ... Safely operate equipment, standard and specialty tools, welders, hoists and other lifting devices ...

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Expertise in raw material selection, manufacturing processes (welding, machining, & sheet metal ... Independently design mechanical subsystems and assemblies for assigned projects. * Experience ...

Independent Contractor Rig Welders information

See Kalispell, MT salary details

$5

$46

$82

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor rig welders in Kalispell, MT is $46.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.57 and $47.69 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 Kalispell, MT?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Rig Welders jobs in Kalispell, MT are:

What cities near Kalispell, MT are hiring for Independent Contractor Rig Welders jobs?

Cities near Kalispell, MT with the most Independent Contractor Rig Welders job openings:

Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Rig Welders job openings in Kalispell, MT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,114 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Heavy Duty Mechanic (Kalispell)

Knife River Corporation

Kalispell, MT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Knife River rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

296th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it's our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country, and we are a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are the key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and safely each day. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.
Knife River is looking for an experienced Heavy Diesel Mechanic to work for our Kalispell division.
This position will require you to be able to work both independently and as a team player. Working in extreme weather conditions should be expected.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Valid CDL - Class A preferred)
  • Qualified driving record
  • Experience with heavy truck and equipment repair- (preferred)
  • Have your own tools

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • perform significant maintenance and repairs on trucks and all types of equipment, and/or assist with repairs, improvements, maintenance of trucks and equipment to assure they are in safe and suitable working condition.
  • Safely operate equipment, from standard to specialty tools, torches, welders, hoists, forklifts, and other heavy equipment on a daily basis.
  • Troubleshooting truck and equipment maintenance problems, diagnosing parts and components to determine method and extent of repair necessary.
  • Read, interpret, analyze and apply information from technical manuals and schematics.
  • Anticipate necessary parts and supplies for order, ability to fabricate parts when needed.
  • Safety minded, accurately complete shop forms, keep tidy work areas, maintain regulatory compliance.
  • Communicate effectively. There will be frequent contact, communication, and courtesy with others within and outside the company. You need to be self-motivated and have the ability to work independently or in a team setting.
  • Willingness to handle multiple projects while maintaining deadlines and attention to detail.
  • Operate company vehicle to perform field service repairs.
  • Responsible for providing your own basic hand tools, pneumatics, and some specialty tools.
  • Shifts may include working nights, evening and weekends.
  • Flexible with performing other duties assigned by the shop manager.

Benefits:
  • Company paid medical, dental and vision
  • 401K
  • Paid Time Off after 90 days
  • Holiday pay after 30 days
  • Life Insurance
  • Short Term Disability

How To Apply:
Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.
Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.
You may apply online at https/jobs.kniferiver.net
If unable to apply online, please mail completed application to:
Knife River Mountain Region
4800 Wilkie Street
Missoula, Mt 59808
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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