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Independent Contractor Welding Jobs in Riverside, CA

Industrial Electrician

Corona, CA

$27.50 - $35.50/hr

Regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion regarding matters of significance ... Welding and Fabrication knowledge and experience * Works as team player * Follows and promotes safe ...

Regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion regarding matters of significance ... Welding and Fabrication knowledge and experience * Works as team player * Follows and promotes safe ...

Industrial Electrician

Corona, CA

$27.50 - $35.50/hr

Regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion regarding matters of significance ... Welding and Fabrication knowledge and experience * Works as team player * Follows and promotes safe ...

Regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion regarding matters of significance ... Welding and Fabrication knowledge and experience * Works as team player * Follows and promotes safe ...

Regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion regarding matters of significance ... Welding and Fabrication knowledge and experience * Works as team player * Follows and promotes safe ...

Regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion regarding matters of significance ... Welding and Fabrication knowledge and experience * Works as team player * Follows and promotes safe ...

Regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion regarding matters of significance ... Welding and Fabrication knowledge and experience * Works as team player * Follows and promotes safe ...

Regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion regarding matters of significance ... Welding and Fabrication knowledge and experience * Works as team player * Follows and promotes safe ...

Industrial Engineer

Corona, CA

$72K - $97K/yr

Regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion regarding matters of significance ... Welding and Fabrication knowledge and experience * Works as team player * Follows and promotes safe ...

Regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion regarding matters of significance ... Welding and Fabrication knowledge and experience * Works as team player * Follows and promotes safe ...

Controls Engineer

Corona, CA · On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

Regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion regarding matters of significance ... Welding and Fabrication knowledge and experience * Works as team player * Follows and promotes safe ...

Regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion regarding matters of significance ... Welding and Fabrication knowledge and experience * Works as team player * Follows and promotes safe ...

Electrical Engineer

Corona, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion regarding matters of significance ... Welding and Fabrication knowledge and experience * Works as team player * Follows and promotes safe ...

Regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion regarding matters of significance ... Welding and Fabrication knowledge and experience * Works as team player * Follows and promotes safe ...

Regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion regarding matters of significance ... Welding and Fabrication knowledge and experience * Works as team player * Follows and promotes safe ...

Industrial Engineer

Corona, CA · On-site

$72K - $97K/yr

Regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion regarding matters of significance ... Welding and Fabrication knowledge and experience * Works as team player * Follows and promotes safe ...

Showing results 41-60

Independent Contractor Welding information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$31

$47

How much do independent contractor welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor welding in Riverside, CA is $31.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.33 and $35.62 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 Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Welding jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Welding jobs in Riverside, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Welding jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Welding jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Independent Contractor Welding jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Independent Contractor Welding job openings:

Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Welding job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% As Needed, 82% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,642 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

$34.79/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Orange County Transportation Authority rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 854 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Description

Facilities Technician/HVAC

Join OCTA as an HVAC Technician and play a key role in maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems across agency facilities. You'll ensure safe, compliant, and reliable operations while supporting essential building and equipment systems.

The salary for this position is:

$34.79- Starting Rate per hour

$37.03- After completion of six (6) months

$48.25- Top rate after thirty six (36) months

The position will remain open until a candidate is selected.

What You'll Do

  • Install and repair HVAC components including compressors, evaporators, condensers, motors, and controls
  • Diagnose system malfunctions and perform repairs on refrigeration and air conditioning units
  • Read engineering drawings and determine appropriate components and specifications
  • Test, charge, and adjust refrigeration units and ice machines
  • Overhaul and maintain heating, ventilating, and cooling system components
  • Adjust and balance air distribution systems
  • Ensure installations comply with safety codes and regulations
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair fueling systems, electrical systems up to 480V, plumbing, and facility equipment
  • Oversee contractor work to ensure compliance and quality
  • Maintain logs, permits, certifications, and regulatory documentation
  • Assist with special facility projects such as welding, painting, masonry, and construction
  • Guide and train Facilities Technicians and helpers

What We're Looking For

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Completion of an accredited HVAC technician training program
  • Three years of experience installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems
  • Experience with commercial HVAC systems, automated controls, and multi-zone systems preferred
  • Knowledge of Cal/OSHA safety requirements, HAZMAT procedures, and electrical systems up to 480 VAC
  • Ability to read engineering drawings, diagnose complex issues, and work independently
  • Strong communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills
  • Ability to lift and move equipment, work on ladders, rooftops, and in confined spaces
  • Ability to operate forklifts, man-lifts, and travel between facilities

Why You'll Love It Here

  • Work with diverse systems that support OCTA's transportation operations
  • Opportunities to grow your skills through advanced technology and facility-wide maintenance tasks
  • A supportive, safety-focused team environment
  • Stable, rewarding public-sector career with competitive pay and benefits
  • Meaningful work that keeps essential services running for the community

Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued.
Apply now to help shape the future of OCTA's programs.

OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or other legally protected status.


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