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Independent Contractor Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SGS

VA · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

The inspector will be required to sign an independent contractor agreement/sub-contractor agreement ... Monitoring welding parameters and inspecting materials and equipment. * Quality document reviews ...

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Independent Contractor Welding information

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$14

$29

$45

How much do independent contractor welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor welding in the United States is $29.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $34.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an independent contractor welder?

Independent contractor welders are skilled professionals who provide welding services on a contract or project basis rather than as employees of a single company. They typically work for multiple clients, managing their own schedules, tools, and business operations. These welders are responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and compliance with safety regulations. This type of work offers flexibility and the potential for higher earnings but also requires strong business management skills.

How does an independent contractor welder typically manage project timelines and client expectations?

As an independent contractor welder, you are responsible for coordinating directly with clients to establish project timelines, deliverables, and expectations. This often involves assessing the project scope, creating detailed quotes, and setting realistic deadlines based on material availability and your current workload. Clear communication is key to building trust and ensuring client satisfaction, as is the ability to adapt quickly to changes or unexpected challenges on-site. Successful contractors also use project management tools or software to stay organized and keep clients informed throughout each stage of the job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor welder, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Welder, you need strong welding techniques, blueprint reading skills, and relevant certifications such as AWS (American Welding Society) qualifications. Experience with welding equipment, safety gear, and sometimes specialized tools like plasma cutters or MIG/TIG welders is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, time management, and the ability to communicate clearly with clients set top performers apart. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure high-quality workmanship, safety compliance, and client satisfaction on diverse projects.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Welding vs Welder?

AspectIndependent Contractor WeldingWelder
CredentialsTypically requires welding certifications and licensesRequires welding certifications; employment may vary
Work EnvironmentOn a project basis, often on-site at various locationsFactory, construction sites, or workshops
Employer/Industry UsageSelf-employed, contracted directly to clients or companiesEmployed by companies or contractors

Independent Contractor Welders operate as self-employed professionals, taking on projects independently, while Welders are usually employed by companies. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in work setup and employment status.

How much do independent contractor welders make?

Independent contractor welders typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, specialization, location, and project complexity. They often set their own rates and may work on a project basis or hourly, with higher earnings possible for specialized skills like pipe welding or certifications in advanced techniques.
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Cities with the most Independent Contractor Welding job openings:

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The most popular types of Welding jobs are:

What states have the most Independent Contractor Welding jobs?

States with the most job openings for Independent Contractor Welding jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Welding jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Welding jobs are:

Independent Contractor Welding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Welding job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,961 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

Semiserve

Artesia, NM

$68/hr

Contractor

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

PTS Advance has a long-term contract in Artesia, New Mexico. We are seeking an experienced AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to support a major capital project at the Artesia Refinery. The CWI will act as the Owner's QA representative, providing field oversight of welding and fabrication activities for process piping. The role ensures all welding work is performed in accordance with project specifications, approved procedures, applicable codes and standards, and Owner requirements through direct field surveillance, documentation review, and coordination with project stakeholders.


Local candidates preferred - No per diem
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) - Owner's QA Representative
  • Location: Artesia, New Mexico
  • Assignment Duration: October 2026 - December 2028
  •  2 years and 5x10 schedule 
  • Project Type: Capital Project/Refinery
  • Max pay rate is $68 hr. NO Per diem


 

Primary Responsibilities:

 

  • Serve as Owner's QA representative for piping fabrication, installation, and welding activities, with the guidance provided by NRC Inspections and the Project.
  • Review/approve and field surveillance of contractor welding to verify compliance with approved WPSs, PQRs, and welder qualifications.
  • Coordinate with NRC's onsite third-party inspections contractor (currently IRIS) for inspections activities
  • Perform field surveillance of contractor welding to verify compliance with approved WPSs, PQRs, and welder qualifications.
  • Conduct visual inspection of welds to confirm workmanship meets applicable acceptance criteria.
  • Verify correct use of materials, consumables, preheat/interpass temperatures, fit-up, joint preparation, and welding practices.
  • Review welding and inspection documentation, including weld maps, inspection records, and turnover packages.
  • Monitor and coordinate NDE/NDT activities and review associated reports and results.
  • Verify compliance with project specifications, drawings, procedures, and applicable industry codes.
  • Identify nonconformances, document deficiencies, and support corrective action with project and contractor teams.
  • Participate in surveillance activities, walkdowns, punch lists, and mechanical completion/turnover.
  • Maintain accurate inspection and surveillance records.
  • Communicate quality issues, trends, and risks to Owner QA/QC and project leadership.
  • Maintain an independent Owner QA perspective while collaborating effectively with contractors and field personnel.
  • Minimum Qualifications
  • Current AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification.
  • Extensive field experience inspecting industrial/process piping welding.
  • Experience on refinery, petrochemical, chemical, or similar heavy industrial capital projects.
  • Strong knowledge of welding and piping codes, particularly ASME B31.3 and ASME Section IX.
  • Experience reviewing WPS/PQRs, welder qualifications, weld maps, NDE reports, and quality records.
  • Ability to interpret piping drawings, isometrics, specifications, and quality requirements.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work in an active refinery/construction field environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience as an Owner's QA/QC representative.
  • Refinery turnaround, brownfield, or major capital project experience.
  •  Familiarity with API standards and refinery piping inspection practices.
  • Additional NDE certifications or inspection credentials.

#INDW

Education:High SchoolEmployment Type: CONTRACTOR

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