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Independent Contractor Welding Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

... contractor with over 65 years of experience. Woodruff provides a dynamic environment where each ... independently in Iowa City, IA. * 1-3 years of experience preferred * Welding certification ...

... contractor with over 70 years of experience. Woodruff provides a dynamic environment where each ... independently in Waterloo, IA. * 1-3 years of experience preferred * Welding certification ...

... contractor with over 65 years of experience. Woodruff provides a dynamic environment where each ... independently in Iowa City, IA. * 1-3 years of experience preferred * Welding certification ...

... contractor with over 70 years of experience. Woodruff provides a dynamic environment where each ... independently in Iowa City, IA. * 1-3 years of experience preferred * Welding certification ...

... contractor with over 70 years of experience. Woodruff provides a dynamic environment where each ... work independently in Spencer, IA. * 1-3 years of experience preferred * Welding certification ...

... contractor with over 70 years of experience. Woodruff provides a dynamic environment where each ... to work independently in Fort Dodge, IA. * 1-3 years of experience preferred * Welding ...

... contractor with over 65 years of experience. Woodruff provides a dynamic environment where each ... independently in Iowa City, IA. * 1-3 years of experience preferred * Welding certification ...

... contractor with over 70 years of experience. Woodruff provides a dynamic environment where each ... work independently in Ames, IA. * 1-3 years of experience preferred * Welding certification ...

Travel Millwright

Carlisle, IA · On-site

$24.50 - $32.25/hr

... equipment for welding, brazing, and cutting. Responsibilities and Duties: * Ensures proper ... Dismantling of existing connected and independent equipment. * Gathers and assembles parts for ...

Travel Millwright

Carlisle, IA · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

... welding, brazing, and cutting. Responsibilities and Duties:Ensures proper operation of large ... Dismantling of existing connected and independent equipment.Gathers and assembles parts for repairs ...

Travel Millwright

Carlisle, IA · On-site

$24.50 - $32.25/hr

... equipment for welding, brazing, and cutting. Responsibilities and Duties: * Ensures proper ... Dismantling of existing connected and independent equipment. * Gathers and assembles parts for ...

Millwright

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

... welding, brazing, and cutting. Responsibilities and Duties:Ensures proper operation of large ... Dismantling of existing connected and independent equipment.Gathers and assembles parts for repairs ...

Travel Millwright

Carlisle, IA · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

... equipment for welding, brazing, and cutting. Responsibilities and Duties: * Ensures proper ... Dismantling of existing connected and independent equipment. * Gathers and assembles parts for ...

Millwright

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$23.75 - $31/hr

... equipment for welding, brazing, and cutting. Responsibilities and Duties: * Ensures proper ... Dismantling of existing connected and independent equipment. * Gathers and assembles parts for ...

Millwright

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

... equipment for welding, brazing, and cutting. Responsibilities and Duties: * Ensures proper ... Dismantling of existing connected and independent equipment. * Gathers and assembles parts for ...

Millwright

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$23.75 - $31/hr

... equipment for welding, brazing, and cutting. Responsibilities and Duties: * Ensures proper ... Dismantling of existing connected and independent equipment. * Gathers and assembles parts for ...

Depending on experience and assignment, the technician may work independently or collaboratively ... Coordinate with vendors and contractors as needed * Provide guidance, mentoring, or technical ...

Showing results 21-40

Independent Contractor Welding information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$27

$42

How much do independent contractor welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor welding in Iowa is $27.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $31.39 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Welding jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Welding jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Welding jobs in Iowa?

For Independent Contractor Welding jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Independent Contractor Welding jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Independent Contractor Welding job openings:

Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Welding job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 8% Temporary, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,653 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Woodruff Construction rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Why you should join our team:
Do you want to be an employee-owner? Woodruff Construction is a 100% employee-owned and family-focused commercial construction general contractor with over 65 years of experience. Woodruff provides a dynamic environment where each individual is challenged to be his or her best, and we are continually searching for goal-driven candidates to join our team. We are committed to employing a diverse workforce and encourage those with a wide range of backgrounds to inquire about our job opportunities.

We serve the regions of Ames, Fort Dodge, Iowa City, Waterloo and Spencer, and are driven by our strong Core Values:

  • FAMILY comes first
  • SERVICE to others
  • PURPOSE in everything we do
  • DEPENDABILITY to do what's right
  • ENJOYMENT of our work

The Woodruff Difference:
We offer a variety of unique perks for our employee-owners:

  • New hire tool kit provided, including 5 hi-vis shirts
  • Main working hours of 7:00-3:30 Monday-Friday
  • Most jobsites stay within a 60-mile radius in your region
  • $500 stay-on bonus after 60 days
  • Career-advancement programs -Woodruff has an in-house training program for candidates who show the desire to learn and develop new skills. 
  • Company-sponsored outings and events

How Will You Build Your Future With Us?
Woodruff is seeking applicants who are reliable, hard-working team players to fill immediate openings for full-time steel erectors with the ability to work independently in Iowa City, IA.

  • 1-3 years of experience preferred
  • Welding certification preferred

Benefits:
At Woodruff, we attribute our success to the investment and retention of our quality employees. Woodruff values its employees and offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Competitive pay with weekly direct deposit
  • Work/Life balance - paid time off, holidays, volunteer time off, parental leave, and bereavement
  • 100% Employee Owned, you can become an employee-owner after only one year of service!
  • Competitive benefits - including medical, dental and vision, flexible spending account, and disability
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • 401K retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education
  • Personalized career path
  • Employee assistance program

Job Type: Full-time


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